I know there’s only minutes remaining because pretty much everyone is leaving for a flight to St. Barths where they’re going to spend the holiday season. Since I leave for Unity soon, my soon-to-be Alpha thought I should stay here. Supposedly, it would be less taxing on me.
This time away from my parents as well as Brody’s, along with all the other people I usually am forced to socialise with promises to be like a vacation.
“Simona, sweetie, everyone is in the office already. We all need a quick chat before you head off.” Fiona kills my hopes of spending the last few minutes alone.
“Of course,” I offer blandly excusing myself from my own party and making my way to Lawson’s office.
There’s no sign of sunshine here anymore. New curtains block the light because of the headaches Lawson gets.
I knock and wait to be called in. I’m the last to arrive. Taking the seat beside the desk—positioned perfectly so I can’t avoid looking at everyone when I sit—Brody’s fatherwastes no time launching into an explanation of why I am here.
“I trust you will remember you represent our family, and your Alpha, Simona. And that should be your motivator in everything you do: how you act and what you say. I’m sure none of us need to express how disappointed we would be if you didn’t strive for perfection. In regards to your grades, your average must not slip, and you are to be within the top percentile of each class. Any formal functions at Unity will require you to be chaperoned. If it is an external function or event, you will need to have prior permission to attend. Should you gain weight, we will need a valid explanation, along with an exercise regime to facilitate your weight returning to what has been set by our dietician. With regard to your clothing, your wardrobe has been provided and that is what you will wear, but we would prefer you to wear your uniform while you are at Unity. My son,” he points unnecessarily to Brody, “will be responsible for the management of your allowance, including your expenses.”
I keep my eyes downcast, fixed on a spot on the carpet, hiding the indignation—and the flicker of excitement—in my gaze. I wait for him to continue. And he will, without question, because Brody’s father is one of those people who believes only he should be speaking. No one around him argues, so I guess they believe it.
“In regards to your heat cycles,” he starts, and as much as I try not to flinch because I already know this is going to hurt, I still brace and turn slightly. "We have spoken with the Mothers at Unity Collegiate and have decided it would be best for you not to have access to any heat relief aides. As you are still a virgin, there is a concern that if you were to use any aides you may inadvertently break your hymen which would be very concerning. That task falls to your Alpha and no other person. Brody is worried for your welfare and wouldlike an annual medical report to be provided which Unity has offered to assist us with. Any questions?”
I wait before answering him, because that is also expected. Like they want to see me squirming while I absorb his wise words. And yeah, the sarcasm in my voice is contained because I have gotten very good at being as one dimensional as possible around these people. “No, sir. Thank you for setting everything out clearly for me to understand.”
On top of Brody being an asshole, he just proved himself to be a manipulative asshole. He’s now made it impossible for me to pass another medical examination, which I suspect will continue to give him endless amusement during the next few years. But that’s a small price to pay to keep him hundreds and hundreds of miles away from me.
Speaking as faintly as possible, I keep my eyes low. “Thank you all for coming today, but more importantly thank you for having enough faith to let me attend Unity. I won’t let anyone down, and I promise I will do my best every day.”
I lift my eyes at the end, a quick glance around the room confirming what I already knew—everyone’s focus is on Brody, not me. He nods towards his father.
“Simona will walk me out now. It will give me the chance to reiterate everything I’ve arranged for her. But I will see you all in St. Barths. And thank you for being here today—now excuse us.”
My parents get up quickly, and we say our goodbyes with handshakes rather than hugs—an adjustment directed by the setting. Near the door, Brody shuffles impatiently, effectively ending my goodbyes.
I follow him out. My insides are swimming with giddy energy, and I have to coach myself to hold my enthusiasm silently until they leave but I am fully expecting another parting shot from Brody. He’s too vicious not to do something as a reminder of the power he holds.
Walking through the front door, he ignores the world around him, barely acknowledging anything before waving to the driver to stay in the car. Inside, Brody’s friends are already there, along with a few girls who seem to be travelling with them.
I know better than to ask questions. Instead,I rush to reinforce my inner walls, preparing for his worst. It’s coming—I can feel it like a drop in the atmosphere.
Brody grabs my arm and squeezes. In a way, I’m thankful the driver and his friends are here, or it could be a hundred times worse. His grip tightens and I know I’m going to be left with a black ring around the top of my arm. One tug and I fall into him.
“Remember what I said, Simmy. I. Own. You. And your ripped up cunt.” He’s fast and rough, not just with his words. He grabs my face and smears my lipstick from one side of my face to the other. “Your parents know I own you. Mine do too. The whole world is fully aware that you are mine. Sadly, for me, I can’t fucking stomach you. I hate you as a person and for the way you have ruined my life.” A press of his designation sends his voice dropping—from casual conversation to an Alpha command—right into the shell of my ear, making me squeeze my eyes shut. “I forbid you.”
He flicks his hands, shoving me away from him. I bounce off the car and fall on my butt. A malicious scoff is the last thing I hear as he climbs into the car, and it drives off as soon as the door slams. Which is all I have prayed for since I woke up in this nightmare.
Part 2
Chapter
One
SIMONA
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. We have a small issue and will be diverting to the closest airport. I assure you there is nothing to worry about. We’re dealing with an electrical fault affecting our landing lights and restricting our ability to land at night. The closest airport is only ten minutes away, and we will have you safely on the ground very soon.”
A collective groan circles through the coach cabin like a cold wind in winter, putting everyone in a nasty mood. The woman next to me sighs in frustration before she laughs. It sounds a little frantic, but I don’t know her, her emotional flip-flopping might be how she is. I flick to the next song on my phone, and Koded’s latest song fills my ears, while I finish writing in my journal.
I go back to writing, but the lady sitting next to me says something, and I have to pull my ear buds out to hear her. “You watch, they’ll put us in a dumpster hotel, but honestly, who’s going to sleep tonight? It’s New Year’s Eve. You know it’s weird, I paid hundreds to attend dinner at Swansea’s, butbetween you and me, I’m so relieved I can’t go now. That’s weird, right? I think I’m more excited to spend New Years in a random town, with complete strangers. For one night, I can be whatever I want to be and that sounds fucking decadent.”
She talks a mile a minute, and the flare of her enthusiasm is infectious. Her floral scent gets spicier the more she talks, and it’s a subtle reminder she doesn’t pose any threat. “Guess I’ll have to make a night of it here, instead!”
The truth is though, if we were to crash into the middle of the Ocean, I’d make a night out of that too. Since Brody and all the families left, I have continued to do a lot of soul mending. I’ve got a long way to go, but my recovery has turned a different corner. I’m keen to live each day to the fullest—and on my terms.
