I sat in my room on my bed, wrapped in a towel. I stared at myself in the mirror, taking in all of the bruises that covered from my face to my feet. I wasn't pretty by any means and the bruises didn't help. I didn't understand why the Alpha King wanted to marry me. I got up and sat at my makeshift makeup table and began doing my makeup. I took time to cover the discolored skin on my face and neck. Commotion outside my door stopped me.
"No one is allowed to enter this room." A man said outside the door. I turned in my seat.
"She's my sister. I'm allowed to see my sister." Lucas's voice answered.
"The Alpha King forbids it." The man replied. There was a moment of silence before there was a shuffling sound.
"Man! Fine! I don't wanna see that dirty bitch anyway." Lucas spoke, irritated. I could hear his footsteps receding. I went back to doing my makeup, trying to make myself beautiful. A few minutes later, there was a knock on my door. Hesitantly, I stood and went to it, opening it. Behind the door stood a tall, fit man with curly, blood red hair. His green eyes looked down at me as if surprised to see that I was short. He studied my exposed skin. I could see the shock in his eyes, but he kept his expression neutral. In his arms was a long, white box with a black ribbon. He was dressed in a suit as well.
"Miss, this is from the Alpha King for you to wear tonight." The man informed me. The man next to him facing the opposite direction looked like a fancy security guard. "I can see that you are nervous. Don't worry. The Alpha King is a good man." The red haired man smiled.
"May I ask your name?"
"Renley…. Ren." I answered quietly.
"Well, Ren. I am Lucah. If you need anything, I am at your service." He handed me the box.
"T-thank you." I gave a small bow before going back into my room and closing the door. I exhaled deeply, setting the box on the bed. Lucah and Kai seemed like nice people, but I couldn't let myself trust them. If I did, they could turn into something horrible. Something that would hurt me. I pulled the ribbon off and opened the box. Inside was a black dress with royal blue highlights. I lifted it to get a better look. It was sleek and there were sparkles embedded in the fabric. There were gloves to go with it that nearly went to my shoulders. I set it down, going to finish my makeup and cover any skin that would be exposed. The ceremony started once the sin was down which meant that I didn't have a lot of time. When I got dressed, I stood in front of the mirror. The dress hugged my skinny body, showing off my curves. It went all the way down to my feet, covering my black heels. I looked at my makeup covered shoulders, neck, chest, face, and top parts of my arms. For once in my life, I looked beautiful and normal. Tears came to my eyes, but I held them back. A knock distracted me.
"Miss Ren? Are you ready?" Lucah's voice came through the door. His name being so similar to my brother's made me uncomfortable. I walked over, a little unsteady in heels, and opened the door. Even though I was getting married to the most powerful Alpha, I was 18 years-old. I spent my whole life being abused and I didn't want to continue my life that way. I had to run away. I had nothing to take with me besides a few articles of clothes and a little bit of money. I forced a smile. I would be free soon. He offered me his arm and I took it. He walked me down the hall, the security guard behind us.
"You really are beautiful. I thought the Alpha King had a few marbles missing." Lucah said. I stayed quiet, my heart pounding in my chest. We made it outside where everyone was gathered. They all sat in chairs, Kai standing in front of them all in an all black suit. We stopped at the start of the walkway between the two groups.
"Good luck." Lucah whispered, releasing me and disappearing. The music started and everyone looked at me. My heart was pounding in my ears, but I did all that I could to remain calm. Forcing myself forward, I slowly walked down the aisle. When I reached the last row, I saw my father. He looked furious. I focused my attention on the Alpha King. When I got to him, we turned so that everyone could see us. The Priest began talking, but I paid no attention to his words. I was formulating my escape plan.
"Do you, Renley Wolfhound, take Alpha King Kai Silver as your Lawfully wedded husband?" The Priest asked.
"I do." I said calmly, despite how everything in me was freaking out.
"And do you-"
"I do." Kai interrupted. There was a moment of silence.
"Then I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The Priest spoke. Kai leaned down to me, planting a kiss on my lips. Even though it was brief, a feeling shot through me. An unbreakable bond. I blinked up at him, suddenly feeling like two magnets attracted to each other.
"Alpha King, please think about this." Father came towards us. Two security guards blocked him.
"To all of you who bear witness, Ren is now my Luna. You will have the highest respect when even thinking of her." Kai turned to the crowd, an arm around me. I was now married to the most powerful Alpha. How was I supposed to escape? Damn it! I should've thought of this.
~~~
I was walking around during the celebration party. I was checking all of my exits while staying inconspicuous. I stopped next to the pool, a glass in hand as I looked up at my brothers and Julie. They did not look happy.
"Look. It's the little rat that weaseled itself into the Alpha King's lap." Julie crossed her arms. My hands tightened around my glass. "He's probably going to use you and treat you like the trash that you are."
"Yeah. Who could love someone as ugly and used up as you?" Jonah laughed.
"You would've married him if you would've just kept your legs closed." I said without thinking. She gasped and clawed me in the face, making me stagger.
"You will never be more than someone's maid!" Hands shoved me to the side. I blinked, dropping my glass as the ground disappeared from under me. Cold water encased me, making me gasp and choke. I clawed at the water and kicked my legs, surfacing once to cough and sputter. I could hear Julie and the others laughing as I sank below the surface of the water again. I had never learned how to swim and I had a feeling that it would lead to my death. I clawed at my watery grave, my lungs screaming for air. Suddenly, I heard what sounded like someone jumping into the water. It sounded like a loud thud, the water shifting around me. An arm moved across my back and another behind my knees moments later, bringing me up. I wrapped my arms around the person's neck as we breached the surface. I gasped loudly, coughing up all the water that I had inhaled. I wiped the water from my face so that I could see. Holding me in the water was Kai, his grip firm but gentle. I looked at him, breathing hard, to see his eyes dancing over my face, shoulders, and chest. Embarrassment overtook me and I realized that my makeup washed away in the water. My eyes moved to Julie and my brothers who were now silent. Kai carried me out of the water, setting me down on my feet, then went to my father, Julie, and my brothers. He had taken off his jacket and the wet, white, button up shirt clung to his ripped body. It would drag the hearts of most girls into his bed.
"Assume that our partnership is over and your reputation is gone. These four will never find a mate or rise to power." Kai growled at my father. I hugged myself, shivering. This was my chance to slip away. Kai came back to me.
"I'm just going to change into some dry clothes." I forced a smile. "I will be right back." I waited for his nod before turning away and heading into the house. I got to my room, changing quickly into baggy jeans and a t-shirt. My raggedy shoes would have to do. I grabbed a bag next, throwing in several pairs of clothes. I shoved my money into a pocket then grabbed paper and a pen.
"Dear Alpha King,
By the time you read this, I will be long gone. It's not you. I don't want to live my life being tortured anymore and there's no way to know for certain that you won't hurt me. I'm broken and damaged so if you know any better, you'd let me go.
Thank you for saving me.
~Ren" I felt the 'unbreakable bond' in me twinge, making me pause. No. I have to go. I put the letter on my bed, grabbed my bag, and went to the door. Hearing movement outside, I locked my door and went to my window. I was on the first floor and I could sneak out of the window with ease. I opened it and looked out. Everyone was still at the party so I was in the clear. I climbed out and ran for the road. I ran down the long driveway and into the road. Then I ran until I physically couldn't anymore.