Page 17 of Knot So Broken

Derrick scoffs as he follows me to where my trolley sits with the rest of the sides, “The Mullen pack are a bunch of thick-headed Alphas. Only thing going for them is the size of their bank accounts given to them by their parents.”

Surprisingly, that is the first thing I have ever agreed with Derrick about. I did notice that the Mullens had an air of superiority about them, one that only comes with having money. I just hum, not giving much of an answer to him as I grab the bowl of beans and place it on the table. I don’t get much further as Derrick spins me, making me squeal at the rudeness of his movement.

For the fourth time today, a man has touched me when I don’t want it. While both Ledger and Theo’s touch was unexpected, it didn’t repulse me. Not like the Mullen pack’s and Derrick. He pulls me against him so my core is pushing against his thigh. I hate the way my body reacts to the touch. The spike of pleasure as he holds me closer to him. Even though he is a Beta, he can smell my arousal which only adds to the delight on his face even as head rages. I am furious I can’t help my body's reaction. That I can’t stop the side of me that craves the touch Derrick is giving me, even though it repulses me.

“You will be mine, Kennedy. I won’t let any of those packs have you. Your father will see just how perfect giving you to me will be. I will give you everything you could ever want and in return, you will bend over and present that perfect slutty little pussy to me like I know you have been wanting to do all these years.”

I whimper as I begin to sweat. My heart thumps in my chest as I dart my gaze around looking for an exit.

Just as I go to push the Beta off me, the sound of footsteps outside the door has Derrick stepping away. He carefully adjusts his suit, leaving me stunned at the change of demeanor as my father and a few of his men step through the door.

Seeing him has me returning to myself. Grabbing my trolley, I dash from the dining room, leaving behind the sound of the men laughing, no doubt to my detriment.

That night, I cry myself to sleep, much like I do every other night. Nightmares plague me. Dreams of Alpha’s hands touching me. Taking from me. Desperate Betas that can’t seem to keep their hands to themselves whispering in my ear about all the things they plan on doing to me. My father’s face as he watches a pack take me away. Terror as I am beaten again and again.

My throat is hoarse when I wake in the morning. The sun blinds me through the cracks in my curtains and it takes me a moment to see through the blurriness. Sitting up, I check the time.

8:00am stares back at me like a bad omen. My stomach drops as I launch out of bed. “Fuck, fuck, fuck!”

Never in my life have I dared to be late for a day of school. Even from the early years I always ensured that I was dressed, had my bed made and ate well before it was time to go to school.

Yet today, I know that I am fucked.

Finding the first pair of jeans that I can see, I pull them on before finding a knitted sweater that I know will be suitable and approved by Calvin.

Finding a brush, I pull my hair up into a ponytail, leaving a few tendrils to frame my face. I slip on the same converse I was wearing yesterday, thankful that I was already wearing socks.

Grabbing my bag, I race down the stairs making sure, yet again, my feet are light as I make the way to the door.

I manage to avoid my father’s wrath as I begin sprinting in the direction of Ridgeview. I berate myself the entire way as the pain of my ribs yet again threatens to see me fail. I know that I can’t stop.

Stopping would result in my being late. Being late would result in my father finding out. Calvin learning of my tardiness would bring me pain that is unthinkable. Thankfully, by the luck of some higher power, I make it to the front door of the academy just as the bell rings.

Even though I am the last person in the room, I sigh as I sit down in my seat knowing that I won’t be punished for my late wake up call.

I startle as hands smack down on the desk in front of me. I yelp as I look up at the person standing in front of me.

The guy whose name I didn’t get to know yesterday stares down at me. His eyes are hard but it does nothing to distract from the beauty of his face. His gaze is hard and penetrates my soul. He is angry. Wild at that.

His knuckles whiten from where his hands grip the edge of the desk. I hear the wood groan under his grip.

My eyes travel up his dark skin. I follow the veins that pop beneath his skin, unable to stop myself from being drawn to them. His muscles that tighten the sleeves of his shirt tense under my gaze.

His rum and sandalwood scent tingles my senses. I feel my core clench as the scent muddles my brain. I should be terrified, not aroused.

Movement causes me to snap my head up towards him. He has moved right into my space, his face right in front of my own. I can’t help but cower away from him as that terror now overcomes me in waves.

Shaking in spot, I squeeze my eyes tight, waiting for the hit to come. It always does whenever I am faced with the anger of a man.

Yet as the seconds go by, the hit never comes.

Instead, I feel the Alpha close the distance between us. His head comes right up beside my ear. What I don’t expect is for him to dig his nose into my hair, burying his face deep in the strands until his face gazes along my neck. I hear him inhale deeply. It's like he is trying to take his fill of my being. Once inhaled fully, he holds his breath for a moment before letting out the breath through his mouth.

His warm breath on my neck causes a shiver to roll down my spine.

I feel a spark of arousal tighten my core once again. My slick coats my panties but I can’t seem to care. Not when he pulls this kind of feeling from me. Not when the entire class fades

to the background. Not when at this moment it's just him and I. Me and this stranger locked in this moment.

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