Page 16 of Knot So Broken

I know what this is.

My father is finally showing me to packs. He is ready to sell me off.

After a moment, he excuses me.

Turning, I ensure my movements are slow as to not cause any suspicion as to how

this has made me feel.

“See you soon, doll.”

I hesitate halfway through the open door, turning back and finding Charles smirking at me.

Once the door has closed behind me, I make a beeline for the stairs, grabbing my bag in my rush. Taking the stairs two at a time, I don’t waste any time getting to my room. The thought of one of those Alphas coming after me makes me feel sick.

I know that my father wouldn't stop them. The thought of any of them coming near me makes my skin feel itchy.

Locking my door behind me, I rush straight towards the bathroom, pulling at my clothes until they are discarded on the ground.

Turning on just the hot water, I step into the spray refusing to curse as it scolds my skin. I don’t care though. I need to remove the feeling of them from my skin. Their touch, while seemingly innocent apart form whatever the fuck that was with Charles, lingers even long after I have scrubbed myself raw.

I go through an entire bottle of scent neutralizing wash as well as some flowery smelling soap I found while grocery shopping.

After using an excess of product on my skin, I eventually begin to settle as I collapse back onto the tiled wall of the shower. I drop my head and close my eyes. I have known for a long time that my father would eventually find a pack for me. I knew that I would never have a choice in the matter but the fact that that time is now here makes me panic.

I thought I had time. Time to add more money to the stash I have been hiding in a slit in my mattress all these years. Time to build up the courage to finally run. But now, I know I don’t have any left.

He is taking control from me.

My life isn’t my own and it never has been.

I sigh before turning the shower off. Wrapping myself in a scratchy towel, I dry myself before finding pyjamas to get dressed in.

I know better than to go downstairs now. I don’t expect the Alphas to be gone for a while and I can’t run into them again.

Instead, I pull out books and begin the assignments we have already been given. Once the sun has gone down, I finally allow myself to venture downstairs. While the citrus scent of the Mullen pack still lingers, it has significantly diluted and I know I’m at least safe for now.

Entering the kitchen, I begin my chores for the night. I cook an array of food for my father and whatever men he will have at his side for the night.

The dining room is thankfully empty as I begin setting out the meats and sides in the middle of the table.

The door opening behind me has me startling but I don’t allow it to stop me from what I am doing.

The touch of hands on my hips has me freezing, a plate of mash potatoes in my hand dangerously close to slipping out.

The touch begins moving over me and it doesn't surprise me who is taking liberties they shouldn’t.

“I’ve heard Calvin is finally organised for packs to start meeting you, Omega. I thought I would have had a bit more time in trying to convince him that you should be mine.” Derrick’s voice whispers in my ear.

For years it has been the same song and dance with this particular Beta. He started off as a young gun, desperate to climb ranks with whatever dodgy deals my father was trying to spin at the time. He must have done something impressive because he quickly became Calvin’s right hand man.

He also became one of my biggest tormentors.

I will myself not to react.

It feels like my life is a constant state of not overreacting in regards to men. Instead, I continue with putting down the potatoes ever so carefully, standing back up to full height to dislodge Derrick.

“Yes, I met with the Mullen pack today,” I say quietly, ensuring that the tone of my voice gives nothing away.

---