Chapter 3: My father/ my wolf

"ARGH!" My father scream out in pain. 

I stood by the gates of the dungeon, watching my bloodied father yell out in agony. He laid flat on a wooden-like board while two guards stood opposite each other, hitting him with the large rods in their hands. 

Maria sat in front of it all with a wide smile on her face. The entire thing seemed to... satisfy her. If the guards weren't using silver and wolfsbane, I wouldn't have any problems, but this way, my father was too vulnerable. When the rods landed on his back, large gashes appeared. They would have healed up if it wasn't for the silver and wolfsbane which hindered his healing factor. 

The heavy rods were brought down with full force across my father's shoulders, back, and legs, again and again.

At first, the heavy thongs cut through his skin only. But then, as the blows continued, they cut deeper, breaking bones and tearing muscles. 

I thought I could watch, and as the pack beta, he could manage, but no, my father was dying, and no one fucking cared.

"Please, Maria," I pleased, falling down to Maria's knees as I heard the guards mutter that twenty more strokes were left. "I'd do anything to stop this!" I couldn't watch anymore-it was... too much.

Maria stood up from her seat and stood over me. “Are you sure you are ready to do anything?” she asked, arching an eyebrow, and I desperately nodded at her. “Good then," she muttered, smiling. "Wipe my feet. I think they are dusty." 

Without thinking twice, I crawled towards her sandals and began wiping them with the helm of my dress, my father's groans a backdrop to my sobs.

Maria knelt down, placing a hand under my chin and bringing my gaze to meet hers. "Well, there's going to be an all-alpha meeting tomorrow, so I want to make sure to serve all of them," she said with a smirk. "For now, I'd talk to the alpha to spear your father, but everything depends on your performance,”  

“Yes Maria,” I muttered, bowing my head low

A long silence ensued before she muttered, “Maria?” 

“I meant Luna,” I corrected immediately , my voice trembling. She smiled as she walked back to her seat. I stood to my feet, my head still bowed "You can leave--" 

“My father?” I cut in as my gaze traveled to my now unconscious bloodied father. "When will he be released?" 

“He'd be looked after as you do your work,” she said, before waving her hand dismissively at me. "Now leave my presence." 

*****************

The dining room was lit brightly, and the clanking of plates and cutlery resounded through the entire room. My hands shook as I helped the head cook with passing things around. 

I had underestimated this so-called alpha meeting of theirs-It was really bigger than I thought it'd be. Alphas whose name sent shivers down the spines of the weak gathered in the hall and the thought of being close to one caused my breathing to heighten. 

Taking in a deep breath, I tried to steady my hand and returned back to my work. But I was immediately distracted by two maids discussing. 

“I heard that packs were being attacked by the Lycan Crescent Pack, the most powerful packs ever, and taking them captive,” one said, causing my eyes to go wide. Was the Alpha here?

"No kidding," the other maid replied as she picked up a tray of wine and walked with the other towards the gathering. 

My eyes remained on the girls as they walked away. But the voice of my head cook brought me back to reality. 

It didn't take long for the rest of the guests started coming in. With the amount of people who were around, I could tell all of the alphas were present on the occasion and the large mahogany dining table contained them all. 

They gradually filled up the room and with the fakeness and lies that flowed out of some of the men, one would think they were in the middle of some husbands grubbing mummies.

Some of them seemed genuine, while others were obviously fake. Some were boastful, while others were calm and reserved. Some were polite, while most were rude.

I didn't care about them; I just wanted to save my father. I kept my head down most of the time I was there. I could not afford to catch the attention of anyone. After I was done, I immediately left.

“Exalia, what were you doing out there?" I heard someone ask. 

I turned around to see Jake walking toward me, a small frown on his face. I groaned under my breath, rolling my eyes. What the fuck did he want from me?

"You are not a maid," he said, his frown deepening as he placed his hands behind him. Why are you serving?"

“Your new Luna asked me to serve as a maid to save my father, and I'm willing to do worse," I said, keeping my expression stoic. "If you won't mind, Alpha, I would appreciate it if you stay away from me." I bowed slightly and left him.

I walked into the kitchen and headed straight for the counter where the food that I was to serve was when I suddenly felt a hand shove me hard against the wall. My body hit the cool surface with a resounding thud and I felt a wave of pain shoot through my body. 

Grunting in pain, I turned to see a heavy body looming over me, his hands holding mine captive as he pinned me against the wall. “What the hell?" I muttered under heightened breath as I struggled to get out of his hold. "Who the hell are you?” 

“Oh little girl," the person above me muttered on a gruff voice as his grip on me tightened. "You're just a maid, so you should be happy that I am interested in you." His cold tongue slid across my face. "Stay still!” 

His second hand grasped my arm as he got closer. I recoiled, my heart racing, as the smell of sweat and alcohol hit my nose. 

I didn't know what happened; one moment I was struggling with him, and the next moment the alpha was sent flying back.

“Ah!” I shouted as a silver rod burst from the alpha's chest, blood spurting from the wound like a fountain, the sound of his gasp echoing in the hall.

“You killed him!"