Ivory's pov
It's been a few days since Hunter and I went on our run. He seemed to have believed me. I've kept my distance from him for a bit, but I still want to be near him for some reason. Ugh, I hate this feeling! What is going on? On top of everything, Sasha doesn't want to talk to me either. I guess she didn't like my decision.
"So… You don't remember cutting me off a couple of days ago?" "No, I just ended a discussion about what happened." "Without even listening to me! I've been listening to you for years! I've been trying so hard to be there for you, and when one happy thing shows up… You just dismiss it. You're denying yourself happiness. It's as clear as day. If you had let go for longer than a second, maybe we would be free of them already." "Nothing ever lasts. And even if I do let go, and catch a minor glimpse of happiness, maybe my answer would be different. But that wasn't meant for us. You know it, I know it. Our life has always been painful. But no matter what, no matter how much pain. He is still our family, and he is all that we have left." I scream at Sasha.
"Do you even hear yourself? He's not our family! We mean nothing to him! Why Ivory! Why do you keep letting him win? You don't understand. There is no defying him. He always gets what he wants." Sasha looks at Ivory within their minds and seems to stand there appalled. "You have let this creature gain more power over you every moment of our lives. It's always we can't, and we can't, you can't! We can leave. We can be free! No more torture at Rebecca's hands, no more Marcus. And yet you can't be strong enough to fight for it. Stop accepting this! Damn it, Ivory, you are worth so much more than this… I wish you could see it too. I live here too, you know… You were never alone." Sasha walks away, and the conversation closes just like that. I know she's right, but I just can't. It doesn't matter anyway. I can't stay. I just don't know when I can slip away. This way, I can be free of pain, and everyone else is safe.
Rebecca's POV
I'm giddy today. The little omega got her present. I was so happy to see her tense in pain once it was on. It was simply the icing on the cake. "Maybe when we tell Marcus, he'll let us run together!"
"That would be lovely, wouldn't it? Us running through the forest, all majestic and playful, basking in our undying love for each other…." I was lost in thought. I didn't realize when I had run into a wall. Scilla laughs in my head while I step back, a hand on my forehead. "Hey, watch where you're going! You almost gave me a concussion, you blind…." I look into the eyes of whoever decided to block my path, and I'm utterly surprised. "Who the hell are you?" With a dashing smile, the man before me looks embarrassed and takes a step back, bowing low. "I'm so sorry; I never meant any disrespect. It was an accident. I just got lost, that's all." I look him over. I can't lie and say he's not attractive, but not as Handsome as our mate. "True there, but what's with him? Groveling already? Sure, we deserve it, but doesn't that sort of ring some bells?" I stop and think for a moment. "No, not really. Everyone worships us." I laugh and then look at the man. "Why are you here? You're not a rogue, but you aren't from here." The man quickly looks up and nods. "Of course. I heard that my friend was here, and I just wanted to check up on her." Friend?.... "What... you don't mean…" I can't help it. I can't. It's too fucking hilarious. I burst out into pure laughter. There is no way in hell. Omega's don't have friends. They have masters since they are not worth more than enslaved people. It's so funny. When I'm suddenly interrupted, I'm doubled over, just enjoying myself. "What's so funny bitch? Can't a girl have a male friend?" I look at him, and suddenly, I'm frozen. The hell?
His voice sounded the same, but his face… It's straight out of a horror film. His eyes may as well be portals to hell; it's the grin, the cheek-to-cheek, shit-eating grin. Almost as if... Any moment, he'll kill me, eat me, with nothing left. He's a pure monster. But then he's suddenly gone, and the young man is back, looking at me so confused. "Are you alright? Did you hit your head?" Cute, sweet, and docile. Nothing like what is underneath. Nothing, and for some reason. Though he just scared the hell out of me, I smile.
"What's your name?" He looks at me and looks away. "Jackson." I get close to him and grab his arm. "I think you and I will be the best of friends." "And what makes you say that?" "Hmm… Let's just say that our little omega has… seemed to think she has a choice, and… maybe she needs another reminder. What better way than dear old Jackson." Jackson looked at me, and I could have sworn I saw a smirk for a moment, but again, it was gone as quickly as it had come. "Why not? I'm sure it's nothing I can't help. What's going on?"
Roxie's POV
Something isn't right here. The guy that was here is gone now. Rebecca gave Ivory a gift. Now that is what gets me. Rebecca is never friendly to anyone. Ever, well, except my brother. But that's because she doesn't want to be removed from the pack. I tried talking to Hunter about it, but he said that it was punishment enough because I put her in the hospital. As if. Something is up with her, and I'm going to find out what it is.
"Maybe we should go for a run. All these thoughts are racing through, and we aren't dissecting them. We need to calm down. Stressing won't help us." "You're right. Run it is." I quickly run outside and shift, taking off for the woods. "Can't I take over? I promise to behave…." Claire pouts a little, and I can't help but give in with a smile. "Sure, Claire, you deserve it. Stay within the perimeter." "You got it."
Claire POV
I take off running, mostly to feel the wind rushing through my fur. It's been a while since we trained in our wolf forms, so I was starting to get a little cooped up. But this ultimately makes up for it. Roxie is so sweet sometimes. She's strong too. I don't know what I'd do without her. I race the bunnies for about an hour before there's a nudge on the inside. "Alright, Claire, time to head back." "Really? Already?" Roxie laughs. "I know, but once we get all this sorted out, we'll go on more runs, maybe with Ivory and Hunter." "You promise?" Roxie laughs again. "You're adorable sometimes; you know that, right?" Claire huffs. "I am nothing of the sort… I am the strongest female warrior in this pack. I am not adorable." "Uh-huh... "I growl at her playfully and then head back towards the packhouse.
Roxie POV
As we're walking back, we catch a scent, it's so sweet, but then… it turns sour. Almost like... Rotten fruit. Ripe fruit, rotten fruit. I can't seem to settle on one. It's calling us and warning us. "Claire, follow the smell, don't get too close. We don't know what this is…." "Roxie, I know what this is, and I'm getting as close as possible." "Claire! Stop!" But I'm powerless as Claire rushes towards the smell. God, I hope she's wrong. Just before she can break through the trees, I shout at her. "CLAIRE! STOP NOW!" She comes to an immediate, silent halt and goes to yell at me when I tell her to look. She looks over towards the back of the packhouse where we were going to go inside and see's Rebecca standing there facing this male. His back is to us, but we can't see him. But what we do see is Rebecca's face. She was paler than death, and then what made it even freaky, she smiled. Suddenly they were talking like old friends. I don't understand. The man with the odd smell… my… nope. Not until we know for sure. But with Rebecca of all people? I don't know what they say is we are too far out of range, and moving in means we'll be seen. So we yet again watched. I see them get up and walk towards the packhouse, and I wish I knew what the man looked like. A part of me is hopeful, but another part is guarded, ready. I don't know why, and Claire has been silent since. We need food. Maybe that will help us think. We head back inside, hoping to get some answers.
Jackson POV
After the lovely Rebecca gave me all the delicious details about my favorite person, I decided it was time to see her. It was only a matter of time. No one stops me or even looks at me weirdly as I walk through the halls. I must say I'm surprised. This place is pretty lax. There aren't many guards around either... Hm... Once I get to Ivory's door, I knock. Not long after the first knock, maybe a moment or so, the door opens, and there is Ivory. Healthier than before. Not entirely, but more beneficial. She doesn't notice the way she keeps her arm close to herself. But I see it. I see all of it. "Ivory! I'm so glad you're ok. Alpha James told me you were here recovering and that he didn't know when you'd be able to come home… You should stay here…." I know she won't. "Hi Jackson, so glad to see you. I know everyone is nice here." I shake my head. "Well, come on, let's see how those legs work. Alpha James said you had quite a fall during your recovery. Said you hurt your back and it would be hard for you to move… I'm glad to see you looking better." I grab her hand and walk out towards the benches outside. "Come on, sit down." I wait for her to sit before grabbing her hand, the trembling one.
Before she can say anything, I start slowly moving the bracelet, expecting it at all angles. "You know... Supreme craftsmanship right here. Rebecca did a very nice job with this. Didn't she Ivory?" I don't expect her to answer. I just keep doing it for a moment. "You know Ivory… Remember when I said you could live with me any time? I meant it, you know, I did... But then you left, came here… and do you know what sucks the most?" I look at her, and her eyes are filled with tears, and she's so beyond confused. I smile, and for just a quick moment, the mask drops. I watch as she freezes, her whole body paralyzed in complete and utter fear. I lean in closer, squeezing her arm just enough to keep her in place. Inches from her face, I whisper, "You didn't do as you were told…."
I let her go and replaced the mask, but it seemed that it didn't matter. I smile brightly and rub her head, though she recoils from me. "It's alright, Ivory. There's nothing to fear. You can do it. I believe in you." Then I get up and walk away. Let's see what you do now… It's hard not to laugh, honestly. She didn't even see it coming, and now what other choice does she have left? It's time to roll the dice. It's only a matter of time before she's gone.