I followed Gideon Shaw back to his pack’s territory, my steps heavy with reluctance. Given the expectations of our families and the fact that I’d been accepted to the same university as him, he had reluctantly allowed me to move into his territory. His apartment was within the pack’s residential complex, a place I once thought of as a sanctuary. Now, it felt more like a prison.
Gideon didn’t have his keys, but the door swung open anyway.
“Gideon, you’re back!” Salem Carter’s voice greeted us, her tone dripping with sweetness. She stepped into view, her presence as commanding as ever. Salem was the Delta of her pack, known for her beauty and cunning. Compared to my quiet determination, her charm and manipulation seemed to draw Gideon in like a moth to a flame.
That evening, I dragged Gideon out for a walk, hoping to clear the tension between us. We stumbled upon Salem being harassed by a group of rogues. Without hesitation, Gideon lunged into action. As the Beta of his pack, his combat skills were unmatched, and even though the rogues outnumbered him, they were no match for his strength and precision.
In the chaos, I was captured. Gideon saved Salem first, leaving me at the mercy of the rogues.
“You’re Elliana, right?” Salem’s voice cut through the air, her tone laced with mockery. She covered her nose and mouth, stepping back as if repulsed by my presence. “How did you end up like this? Even if Gideon didn’t save you, that doesn’t mean you should’ve just run away from home.”
Suddenly, everything was my fault.
“Don’t concern yourself with her,” Gideon said, his voice cold and dismissive. He switched to his loafers and handed his jacket to Salem. She hung it up with practiced ease, their movements smooth and natural, as if they’d done it a thousand times before.
I silently made my way to the bathroom to shower. Stripping off my clothes, I stared at my scarred reflection, my emotions numb. Some marks were from the rogues’ abuse; others were self-inflicted. They delighted in watching me harm myself, rewarding me with food when they were pleased.
After cleaning up, I found all my belongings shoved into a storeroom. Like their owner, they’d been tossed into a corner, forgotten by everyone.
I deliberately chose long sleeves and pants, an outfit I would never have worn before. When I arrived in the living room, Gideon and Salem were already seated for dinner.
“Always putting on a show,” Gideon remarked, his face full of irritation. He assumed I was always trying to capture his attention.
“Oh, don’t be like that. Elliana might just be dressed for comfort,” Salem said, her voice sweet but insincere. She placed a piece of spiced honey cake on Gideon’s plate, her bracelet glinting under the light. It was a gift from Gideon, meant for me, now adorning another woman’s wrist.
“Let’s eat,” Salem said, her tone inviting but her eyes sharp. I looked at the simple meal of three dishes and a stew, my stomach growling with hunger. For the past half-month, I’d been scavenging through trash for food. Occasionally, a rogue would tempt me with a hamburger, making me crawl and beg like a dog at their feet. Yes, I was their dog.
I picked up my fork and knife, devouring the pulled pork ravenously.
“You’re so uncouth,” Gideon commented, his face full of disdain.
“Sorry!” I mumbled, still chewing, and ended up choking and coughing.
Gideon frowned and ladled some stew into a bowl for me. “Drink it.”
I didn’t take it, instead feeling a wave of nausea and bending over to vomit. My body suddenly rebelled with discomfort.
Gideon slammed his fork down hard. “Can’t you let people eat in peace?”
“Please, don’t hit me, I’m sorry, I won’t resist,” I crouched down again, hugging my head and begging, my sobbing uncontrollable.
For the first time, confusion flickered across Gideon’s face. “Those rogues bullied you?”
His question hung in the air, unanswered, as I curled into myself, the weight of his indifference pressing down on me like a lead blanket.
