“If you don’t get your ass out here now, I’m going to beat your ass.” He growls and I can’t help but whine and crawl out of my hiding place. “Get over here now!” he orders.
I stand and scurry across the room, stopping when I’m right in front of him, head down and hands clasped together in front of me. I bite my lip, tensing my body, preparing for whatever he’s about to do to me.
“How dare you embarrass me like you did tonight.” His hand shoots out, gripping my hair, causing me to lose my balance and fall. ‘That’s right, bitch, bow at my feet like you should.”
“Dad, please.” I beg. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” I cry.
“Lies. Nothing but lies ever comes from your mouth. You'll wish that you’d learned your place soon enough. The Hartman Pack will take great joy in breaking you.”
“What?” I blurt before even realizing.
“There’s no what. They will be your mates, and I will be free of the debt I owe them. Why they even considered you as payment is beyond me. You’re nothing but a worthless bitch.”
“Please, Dad… Don’t do this.” I beg him, gripping onto his pants as he pulls on my hair harder.
He just laughs. One so bold and taunting, I feel my body begin to shake.
“It’s done, and why wouldn’t I? I’m going out and want dinner cleaned up.” He releases my hair and turns, taking a couple steps to the door, then pauses, looking back at me. “Don’t think about leaving this house. If you do, being mated to the Hartman Pack will seem like a gift compared to what I’ll do to you.” He slams the door shut behind him, leaving me a crumpled mess on the floor.
I take a few minutes and cry for the life I’ve been given. The one to come. A small part of me just wants to end it now. It would be so easy to just take my razor blade and go into the bathroom. I’d strip, fill the tub, then climb inside and slit my wrists. It would be scary, painful, and I’d probably have regrets, but all this pain would be over. Storm wouldn’t have a reason to stay here any longer. Everyone would be happy, and my father would get what he deserves.
Storm. Sweet and caring Storm. My death would gut him, but he’d get over it, eventually. He’d move away from this godforsaken town and find happiness.
I don’t move. And I don’t get my blade. I can’t do that to him. Making him sad isn’t something I want to do. The Hartman Pack isn’t taking me anytime soon, so I have time to make a plan. I just need to clear my mind, keep my head down and keep my dad happy. Storm should be home soon anyway, and he’s already planning for us to run. I just need to hold out a little bit longer.
“You need to be strong, River. You can do this,” I whisper, trying to convince myself every word I say is true.
Slowly, I get on my knees and stand. Blood is running down my leg, and small crimson stains adorn my dress. I carefully pull it over my head and add it to my dirty clothes. I’ll handle those tomorrow. Opening my dresser, I get out some pajamas, then tiptoe over to my door, opening it just a little and listen. It’s quiet.
“Dad,” I shout, then wait for an answer. It never comes. He has to be gone already, or just passed out. While both are great options, I’m hoping for the first.
I rush out of my room and straight to the bathroom and clean up before dressing. Once I’m done, I creep down the hallway, just in case I was wrong and he’s here. But he’s not. The lights are all on, and the table is still covered with the remnants of our dinner.
“Of course he couldn’t clear the table.” I mumble as I pick up the plates, carefully stacking and juggling them as if I were in a carnival, and take them to the kitchen. I thought he could at least do that much.
It’s a tedious job, but after thirty minutes the table is cleared, leftovers are put away and the dishes are washed and in the strainer. Opening the refrigerator, I get a can of soda, then turn off the lights, double check the door is locked, and head to my room. I’m ready for this day to end.
I close my door behind me when I enter my bedroom, making sure to lock it. If my dad comes home in a rage and wants me to be his punching bag, at least I’ll have time to protect myself and lessen his blows. The loss of the door seems insignificant at the moment, versus not being hurt.
Knowing I have school tomorrow, has me sick to my stomach. I wish Storm was here.
Sitting down on the edge of my bed, I pick up my phone, my fingers hovering over the message button. Do I bother him? I debate on it, but finally give in.
Me: How are things going?
I sit there, staring at the screen, waiting for him to answer. A minute passes and nothing.
“He’s busy, River,” I say softly. A tear rolls down my face, dropping onto my screen at the exact moment it vibrates in my hand.
Storm: Good. Better than that. I have so much to tell you.
My fingers hover over the keyboard on the screen when I see another message from him pop up.
Storm: I’ve found my pack. And there’s a beta, she’s… fuck, she’s everything. I know she’s not an omega, but none of us care.
He’s found someone. All the dread and fear in my heart turn to happiness. I can’t have him come back to me. Knowing that he’s finally finding the happiness he deserves. Him trying to save me will only ruin that.
Storm: They can’t wait to meet you. I’ve told them all about my amazing sister.
