Tony’s scent. It is the same as Vinny’s. And I realize in this moment…
I never grew accustomed to it. Ialwayshated it.
I can’t breathe.
My world shifts on its axis as I remember what I so desperately attempted to forget.
Content warning for chapter twenty-nine
-Graphic domestic violence
-Attempted sexual assault
-Graphic murder
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twenty-nine
Xenia
Over One Year Ago
Shivering in the closet, I rock myself forwards and backwards to attempt to garner any heat; it is all that I am able to move. The power is off, it has been for a few days, but still,hehasn’t returned. My heart is heavy, my mark throbs, and my stomach growls in anger.
I am starving. Nearly to death. And I’m bitterly cold. While it is Florida, we are in the dead of winter, and the thin walls of the apartment do nothing to withhold the chill.
My mind has devolved, it has churned and spun and I do everything I can to convince myself that Tony loves me.
That my alpha didn’t forget me, he must have been held up. He is out working hard forus.He is everything I ever wanted.
The mark on my neck pulsates, but it is in pain. It never healed properly, not like it should have. Another stark reminder that our entire relationship…isn’t right.
Time passes as my mind separates from my being. I imagine that Tony is here, that we are cuddling as he whispers sweet nothings into my ear. As he helps me make up a nest. As all of the happiness in the world wraps me in its warm embrace.
A door slamming open brings me back into existence, jolts me back down to reality, but I am still in darkness.
There is both relief and terror that circulate through me.
“Xenny!” The name is slurred and pitched as he whips open the closet. The light is blinding, and I squint up blearily at him. “There’s my girl!”
My vision stabilizes, and I can see that Tony’s eyes are unfocused. I cannot help the immediate panic that claws its way up my throat.
He bares his teeth at me. He bends over, his greasy hair falling forward, the rancid smell of alcohol mixing with his syrupy scent. “My omega! Exactly where I left you!” He cackles into the air, pulling a key from his pocket.
And then he is releasing me from the restraints, but he doesn’t bother to catch me as I fall out of the closet. My body is too weak to do anything other than land on the cold floor, the hardwood digging into my cheek.
“You’re always so fucking clumsy, but while you’re down there.” And then Tony’s hand finds my hair, he yanks me up by it, strands falling to the ground around me, followed by searing agony. He presses my face against his jeans, his cock hardening.
A scratchy whine leaves my throat, my eyes watering as my dream crashes around me. Tony did not leave me here to help me.
I don’t have a choice.
Omegas never do.
“Please,” I beg. “Please, I need food.” He was gone too long this time.
