Over the next week, I was confined to the bed. The only person I saw after the first time I had woken was Levi the healer. She brought me food and provided me with medicine. Most of my wounds had healed only leaving behind minor aches and scars that would eventually fade. My "heat" had also passed. Levi said that it ended so early because my body was weakened from the injuries and malnourished.
The regular meals I was being provided were helping with my healing process, but it would take a lot more time and consistent meals before anyone noticed a difference. I wasn't given much food because Levi claimed that I was too malnourished for my body to handle a lot.
It was only a day or so ago when I was permitted to shower that I had finally seen my own reflection in a mirror. My stomach was slightly sunken in and you could make out a lot of my bones. My ribs were present and noticeable but my shoulders and collarbone stood out angrily against my pale and bruised skin. Even my green eyes were swallowed by my sunken face and my cheekbones were too present to look normal. My black hair which I had always tried to take care of was a sight. It was uneven from being pulled and ripped it and it lacked a healthy shine. I looked dead, hideous. Mistake. That's all I could see while looking into that mirror and in a blind moment, I had broken the mirror with my fist. I wasn't able to hold myself back, it had felt good.
Levi had stormed in and yelled at me. At first, she seemed worried until she noticed my fist and the mirror. I was punished. She had cut my hair after that incident before it easily hung down to my mid back but now it barely touched my shoulders. It was uncomfortable. Since that incident, I was never left alone for too long.
The window blinds stayed closed since my escape. I didn't ask to see the outdoors, I avoided it. My curiosity for what was beyond the walls that kept me safe had been quenched. To further press the urge to leave and see more of what the world has to offer would be my undoing. Kain has threatened to leave me to the cats. I didn't know why they were bad but I knew that I wouldn't last long on the other side and would end up being an easy target. The risk wasn't worth it.
"It's good to see you sitting up." I looked over at the now open door, where Levi stood. She held a glass in her hand and slowly walked toward me, handing me the water.
I kept my gaze to the floor and didn't move. Besides the incident with the mirror, I made sure I followed every rule. I would not be labeled worthless or a mistake again. I would be a good, obedient, Omega.
"Still not going to talk are you?" She sighed and set the untouched glass down on a side table. I made no move to confirm or deny her question. I felt the bed dip as she found a place to sit.
"Your old Beta called you Toby, is that your name?" I gave a short nod deciding that it would be better to be called by name over what I was.
"Alright, Toby, why don't you show me where they kept you?" Kept me? I wasn't a prisoner here, this was pack. It was annoying that they seemed to speak so ill of the wolves that made up my home.
I didn't go to move, unsure if she meant now or later.
"Come on. Kain and the others are out hunting. I want to get this done before they all return." She urged me off the bed and I complied. I wasn't really sure why she was so curious but I slowly started walking toward the door. I felt Levi following close behind me as we made our way out.
"Don't try to run, Kain will have a hissy fit if you do and I don't feel like listening to that pup have another tantrum." Levi sounded like an annoyed grandmother. I often heard some of the older wolves talking like that to the pups. I always watched from the sidelines and enjoyed the way they said things as if they didn't care even though their voices held warmth.
When I stepped out of the room it was like nothing had changed. The same floor, the same walls, everything was the same besides the smells. I was never allowed in this part of the pack house unless Alpha gave me permission, which has been rare. Alpha preferred me in less crowded parts.
Making a left I made my way towards the area in the house where my room laid. It was a bit of a walk but one I was familiar with. I couldn't help the giddy feeling I was starting to get at being in my space once again. As a werewolf, I found refuge in my room. It was where I slept, where I grew up, where all my possessions were kept. Even my wolf was excited to see our little "den".
"They kept you far from the main parts didn't they?" I wasn't sure if it was a statement or a question but I didn't focus on her words and she thankfully didn't continue.
Surprisingly I didn't see anyone out. It didn't seem like there were any Weres even home.
"They are all out hunting, they should return within the hour." Again I didn't respond. I wasn't sure how to respond. No one's ever spoken to me so much before besides Alpha or the Beta, but they never required a response.
Finally, we came upon my door. I opened it and stepped inside leaving the door ajar so Levi could follow.
I looked around the tiny space. I wasn't given a massive room, it was only big enough for two bodies to fit. There were a few tattered blankets on the floor that made up my bed, and a few books laid in a corner sometimes they acted as my headrest. It wasn't the comfiest but it was mine. On the back wall was an open doorway that led into a tiny bathroom. It had a toilet, sink, and shower, again it was small. My frame was able to squeeze into the tiny bit of space but it couldn't fit more than me.
I had a few pictures on the walls and a few of my clothes hung up on hooks. Again, it wasn't much. I had only ever been allowed a long t-shirt and old nightgowns. I used to have more but over the years I either grew out of it or they became too tattered to wear. It didn't matter though, I was thankful for what I had.
Behind the door was also the rules. The elderly omega had written them down before she passed away and they've stayed there ever since. This had been her room before I came and then we shared it until the day she died.
My wolf itched to be let out so he could roll in the blankets, and I really didn't want to stop him. The only issue was, was that I wasn't sure we would fit.
"This," It wasn't a gasp but Levi's voice held shock as she continued. "This, is where you sleep?" She hadn't moved from the doorway, she just stood there looking over the room from the opening.
I couldn't resist removing the gown I had been forced to wear and put on one of my two over-sized shirts. There were holes along the bottom and the once white shirt was aged and stained a dirty brown, but it was comfortable and the scent of what I knew covered me. I couldn't help closing my eyes and just breathing in the air around me. After about two weeks of chaos, being back in my room was like stepping into a utopia. Without thinking I crunched down and rearranged the blankets so that I could lay down, not caring about she-wolf who stood just a few feet away from me.
Watching me, the healer finally stepped in the cramped room. She ran her hands over the walls and as she stretched out her arms it was clear that she was almost able to touch both walls. She shook her head and continued to inspect the insides.
"You've been here a long time." It was a statement.
"Were you pack?" A question that even I wasn't so sure of. I was pack but I wasn't pack at the same time. It usually depended on the day, but I was never an official pack member. I was never scent marked by Alpha because I didn't follow the rules well. Without answering I simply pointed to the rules.
She furrowed her eyebrows and followed my finger until her eyes landed on the paper taped to the door. Her hand brushed over the paper and I jumped up when I noticed she was trying to take it down. I think I shocked her because I wedged my body in between the paper.
"Toby." Her voice was firm and I winced knowing I shouldn't have come between her and the wall.
"Toby, move." She left no room for argument and I stiffly moved my body. Swiftly her hand came up and ripped the paper down.
I felt panicked. Those rules kept be good, they protected me, ensured I had a place. They didn't make me a mistake, they made me a good Omega.
I sank to the floor and crawled back to my pile of blankets and burrowed in. I wasn't sure if I could properly remember my rules but I would have to try.
"Toby, are you able to talk?" I didn't respond. She turned to me.
"I'm going to need an answer, Toby." Facing me, she crouched low until we were eye to eye, her voice was stern but calm. "Nod your head 'yes' if you can talk or shake your head 'no' if you can't."
I debated for all of a second if I should do this or not. Surely the rules gave away what I was allowed and not allowed to do. Talking wasn't one I'd ever been granted permission to do. Figuring obedience was best I slowly shook my head "no" redirecting my eyes to the ground.
A pregnant silence before she left a long sigh escape her lips. She stood up giving my head a gentle pat. "Good boy."
'I was good!' I couldn't help my feelings of satisfaction at having my head patted because I did something right. Even the praise was music to my ears and if I had been in my wolf form I'm sure my tail would have wagged as well.
I didn't let it cloud my judgment though. I did what the rules said to do, I was slowly getting back on track and this new pack shouldn't be much different than my old one. Rules surely carried over.
Lost in my own thoughts I didn't notice Levi's intense gaze until she started for the entrance.
"Come on Toby, Kain and the pack will be back soon and until the Elders have seen you, Kain wants you to stay in the study."
Elders? Why?
And my thoughts drifted back to the other day when I had woken up and overheard part of their conversation. I couldn't recall who said what but what I did remember was that this new pack had no intention of keeping me.
I was trouble.
I was a mistake.
My realization brought me back to reality. This wasn't pack. I had to find my Alpha. I still was unsure if he was alive but he would keep me.
Standing up I gripped onto one of my blankets not wanting to part with its familiarity. I kept my head bowed in submission and silently walked towards Levi hoping she wouldn't notice or care that I wanted to bring my blanket along.
She didn't seem to care as we stepped out and she shut the door to my sanctuary. A silent sigh left my lips as we started the long trek back to the study that was currently being used as my room.
The walk was silent again but this time tension filled the space between us. Levi was deep in her own thoughts and I was perfectly happy with the silence but the tension put me on edge. Soon we arrived and she let me in.
"I've got to go meet the pack, why don't you take a nap? I'll bring Alpha Kain up once he's showered." I didn't respond just stood at the edge of the bed waiting for her to leave. I didn't have to wait long and this time when she left I heard the click of the lock. She has never locked the door before and I was curious why she would do so now.
Letting out a sigh I had been holding I clambered onto my bed and wrapped myself in the small blanket. The smell was old and dusty but it brought the comfort I'd been missing. Closing my eyes I kept the edge of the blanket under my nose and within seconds I was fast asleep.
****
I woke to the murmurs of voices. Opening my eyes slightly I quickly became aware that there were a good number of people sitting in the seating area discussing something.
I recognized Kain first. He was walking leisurely in the middle of the group. His arms crossed over
His chest and head slightly tilted down as he listened to the wolves speaking. He was wearing a tight blue shirt that hugged his body perfectly, his shirt only helping to define his muscles and make his arms look larger. His jeans accenting his legs and seemingly made specifically for him. His beard seemed to have been trimmed and his wild hair was pulled back into a bun. Even though his posture and everything about him screamed dominance and strength, I couldn't help but be attracted to him. Even my wolf looked at him with appreciation.
Ben was also standing, but he was leaned up against the wall. His eyes were downcast but, in a similar fashion to Kain, he had his arms crossed and looked lost in thought as he listened. His body was also clad in form-fitting clothes accentuating his muscles. Ben was built and intimidating but he lacked the same presence as his Alpha. If anything, Ben came off as warm-hearted and I had to stop myself from looking fondly at the wolf. He claimed me as a mistake. I would not be fooled by false kindness.
Basil, Trent, and Levi were all situated in the chairs. There were two other wolves present but I had never seen either before and all I could make out was the backs of their heads.
As if sensing my gaze, Kains eyes snapped to mine and I was quick to advert mine before I was punished.
I buried my head back into my blankets wanting to look as small and un-intimidating as possible.
"Toby." I couldn't deny the silkiness of his voice. It rang loud in the crowded room but it sent tingles down my spine.
I slowly sat up, head bowed but slightly tilted, showing that Kain had my full attention. My heart was beating wildly in my chest.
I heard footsteps walking toward me, and a musky and addictive scent filled my nose. It had to be an Alpha thing because my Alpha had a similar smell to him.
"You will answer my questions, understood?" I nodded my head, body now trembling in fear. Would I be able to answer him? I couldn't talk, what would I do if he asked me something that demanded more than a nod?
My thoughts continued to stress but I kept my ears open.
"Tell me what they did to you."
........................................
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