Chapter 4 Ally

I found myself in a familiar, but distorted version of my home. The walls seemed to close in, and everything felt so surreal but so real, I just couldn’t describe it nor could I place my finger on it.

I see myself in the kitchen when all of a sudden I hear footsteps approaching closer to me. Turning around I saw him there, John standing mighty.

His expression twisted into a malicious grin. "You think you are one of us, don't you?" he smirked at me, his voice dripping with hatred. I attempted to speak, but no words formed. It felt like my voice had been stolen just like how they had stolen my identity from me.

He stepped closer, narrowing his eyes at me. "You think you're so special, don't you?" he continued, his tone becoming more evil with each word. "Well, you're not. You're nothing but an intruder. You’re nothing but a worthless collection. You are nothing at all. you do not exist.

I wanted to object, to tell him he was wrong, to tell him I am capable, to tell him I could be loveable, to tell him I seek his validation, to tell him I wanted him to accept me but my mouth wouldn't cooperate. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing in my ears. I took a step back, but the kitchen seemed to stretch, the exit getting distant away from my reach.

"Running away, are we?" his mocking laughter filled the room, a sound that sent chills down my spine. He gripped my wrist, his hold sturdy. "You're not going anywhere"

The space shifted, and suddenly we were in the backyard. The roses that were once vibrant and full of life, were wilted and dying. John pushed me towards the thorny bushes, his eyes glistening with malice.

"Let's see how you handle this," he hissed, shoving me harder. I tripped and tumbled, landing among the thorny bushes. The feeling was too real. Too real because I felt every scar on my body bleeding. Too real because I could feel raw pain.

I attempted to stand up, but he was there, pressing down on my shoulders, and forcing me deeper into the bushes. "Stay down where you belong," he spat, his voice a fierce whisper in my ear. "You will never be one of us, bitch”.

Tears streamed down my face, mingling with the blood trickling from the cuts. I gazed up at him, my sight blurry." Why are you doing this?" I finally managed to choke out, my voice barely audible. He leaned in closer, his expression hardening.

"Because you need to understand where you belong," he said coldly. "You don't belong here in this world, and you never will." Having said that, he rose to his feet and moved aside, abandoning me in the backyard alone. Alone, that’s all I could ever be.

The sky grew dim, and a distant rumble of thunder echoed in the background. The dream slowly faded away, yet the lingering emotions of fear and pain stayed with me. My heart pounded as I jolted awake. The room was enveloped in darkness, the only sound filling the air was my erratic breath, echoing in the silence. I looked around and realized I was in the cell where the Alpha had tossed me. A fraction of light peeked through a crack in the wall, implying it was the next day already. I was unsure whether it was dawn, midday, or evening.

My stomach rumbled loudly, serving as a harsh reminder of hunger and how I didn't eat at all throughout yesterday. Every muscle in my body resisted when I attempted to shift. The dream's terror clung to me, combined with the despair of my current reality.

I compelled myself to sit up, my body shaking from hunger and fatigue. The very light creeping into the cell offered slight comfort, but it was something at least. I leaned against the rough wall, shutting down my eyes briefly, trying to gather strength. The memory of John’s cruel smile haunted me, and I wondered if this misery would ever end.

The sound of the cell door screeching open startled me. I looked up to see a young man, his presence commanding however strangely soothing. The dark waves of his hair framed his face gently, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to penetrate my very soul. Stepping into the cell, his expression softened as he observed me.

"Are you okay?" His voice was gentle, o to the harsh environment around us.

I nodded my head silently because words were failing me. He stepped closer and without hesitation scooped me up in his arms. His strength was very visible to me, but his touch was extremely tender as if he was afraid of hurting me. It was only then I realized I was too weak probably unable to stand on my feet that's why he did.

"I'm Xander," he said, his breath warm against my ear. "Let's get you out of here."

I nodded clunging onto him, too weak to oppose or even ask questions. He carried me out of the cell and through a string of dark passageways. The walls were lined with rich tapestries, their complicated patterns almost seeming to move in the dim light. We entered a magnificent hall, the ceilings soaring high and embellished with chandeliers casting a gentle, golden light. The marble floor gleamed under our feet. The beauty of the place was amplified in the darkness, with every corner shrouded in shadows.

Xander carried me up the staircase and we reached a door at the end of a long hallway, he gently pushed it open with his shoulder. Inside was a bedroom, far more alluring. The bed was big I'm guessing king-sized, draped in rich, burgundy fabrics. It was stunning, I have never seen anything as glamorous as it. The room could fit in thirty guests and even leave room for air. He sat me down on the bed.

"I'll be right back," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You need to eat."

I watched him leave, my mind struggling to process everything. I allowed my eyes to roam across the room to take in more details. It was beautiful yet it held an air that is unsettling. The dark, sturdy furniture, thick curtains, and shelves filled with ancient books all made it feel like we were in a place that belonged to a different era.

True to his word, Xander returned shortly with a tray of food. He set it down beside me and helped me with his hands steady and reassuring. The delicious aroma of freshly baked bread, cheesy goodness , and a simmering stew made my tummy rumble even louder.

"Chew slowly," he said, passing me a slice of bread. It felt like a warm hug in my hands, and I savored each bite, feeling the flavors dance on my tongue.

I nodded, taking small bites. The food was simple but delicious, and I felt some of my strength returning with each mouthful. Xander watched me carefully, his eyes never leaving my face.

"Why are you helping me?" I finally managed to ask between bites, my voice still weak. He paused then settled at the edge of the bed. "Because you don't deserve to be treated like this," he said, his voice firm. "No one does." There was something in his eyes, an emotion I couldn't truly understand. But there was no malice, no cruelness just empathy and a hint of sadness.

"Thank you," I whispered, not sure what else to say. He grinned a gentle, authentic grin that made him more welcoming. “You're welcome. Now, let me show you where you can take a shower. You need to clean up and rest."

He pointed to what I assumed to be the bathroom, just as grand as the bedroom. The walls were lined with dark tiles, and a large clawfoot tub sat in the middle. The shelf held a variety of soaps and shampoos that I noticed all belonging to men.

"I'll leave you to it" he said, giving me a reassuring nod. "Take your time”. I watched him leave feeling grateful and confused.

He walked out and shut the door behind him, I made my way inside and turned to the tub, letting the hot water fill it. The steam filled the air, carrying the scent of sandalwood and easing some of the tension from my muscles. Stripping off my clothes I sank into the water, closing my eyes and letting the warmth wash over me. But even as I relaxed, questions swirled in my mind. Who was Xander? Why was he helping me?

The water soothed my aching body, I was curious and decided I will find out. But for now, I allowed myself to simply relax and recover, still very much weary that I was in this ruthless beast’s territory and one wrong move could end me. In as much as the universe didn’t want me, I clung to it desperately. How ironic.

After stepping out, I made my way back to the room where I could now vividly hear moans and grunts coming from the next room. I understood immediately that the Alpha was entertaining one of his numerous women, I guess the rumors were true after all.

I then recalled I didn’t know where to find my belongings because of the incident that happened. Feeling defeated, I slid down the wall and hugged my legs, eventually falling asleep in my dirty clothes without realizing it.

Later that night, I woke up to the sound of Alpha entering the room. He mentioned that I would be sleeping here, in his room because he didn't trust me at all. After all, I might consider running away again. He looked at me like I was foolish for thinking I could outrun him.

He let out a sigh and made his way towards his bed. I couldn't help but notice how gorgeous he was. He assessed me with a discerning eye before standing up, his chiseled stomach visible as his shirt rose. I watched as he went into the closet and tossed me one of his shirts. I went into the closet and dressed into it. It stopped mid-thigh on me, creating tension between us when I stepped out.

Under his cold gaze, I felt self-conscious, every scar and imperfection on my body suddenly magnified. I awkwardly tugged the cloth over myself, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he could see right through me, exposing all my vulnerabilities.

"Just relax," he said, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Even if you were the last woman on earth, I wouldn’t ever look at you."

“Don’t you dare even come close to me, you’re to sleep on the couch “Uncouth being” he mumbled the last word under his breath but I heard him loud and clear.

His words stung, and I could feel my cheeks burning with humiliation. With a heavy heart, I resigned myself to sleeping on the uncomfortable couch, as far away from his piercing gaze as possible. I didn’t realize it started raining again only when I heard it drum against the windows, I shivered involuntarily, the chill creeping into my bones. Annoyed by my discomfort, he didn’t offer any sympathy. Instead, he sat on his study table and buried himself in paperwork, rolling up his sleeves in a way that somehow made him even more attractive the light illuminated his face casting a soft glow, and I keenly watched him. From his eyes down to his Adam’s apple.

With a frustrated sigh, I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to ward off the cold that seemed to seep into every corner of the room. It was then that he finally took notice, his expression darkening with irritation.

"Stop with your irritating shivering," he commanded, his voice as cold and unwavering as ice as if it was my fault I got cold.

"You’re disrupting my work."

Before I could even talk back, he came beside me with his grip firm as he lifted me from the couch. I tried to resist, but he was unyielding.

"Enough," he growled, his tone throwing me off the edge. "You’re sleeping in the bed. Don’t make me repeat myself." Feeling powerless against his commands, I allowed myself to be led to the bed, my heart pounding with a combination of fear and uncertainty.

As I lay there, watching him work with ruthless efficiency, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just witnessed his true, wicked nature but again, why did he offer me his bed? I decided not to read meanings into it knowing it would be best for me to shrug it off. And I knew deep down, I should stay at arms length from him because I was in a world full of trouble.