Chosen

Chapter Five

    Once Axel left, Cat and I went to her room to prep for tonight. She had a piano and I gravitated to it. I hadn't been allowed to play in years. She listened to me for hours while she decided on what to put together for me to wear, and every once in a while she offered some ideas. It was around seven when she decided to get me ready. I stood on the balcony watching the other girls trying to impress the Alphas. My eyes caught sight of Axel. He looked bored and worried.
 
  Had he been looking for me? Cat walked out and wrapped me in a shawl, it was chilly.

"Come on. It's your turn."
   
   I nodded and took her hand. Remembering her words that first day, I held my head up high and confidently walked with her. I felt all the eyes on me. Every male watching me with lust and curiosity. Why would Alpha Mark threaten them, what was so special about me? I was apparently like some forbidden fruit. I caught Axels eye as I walked to the piano on the little stage. His eyes darkened as they raked down my body. The dress Cat chose was clingy and showed off my curves and delicate frame. I sat down and took a deep breath. I let the world melt away as I sang. 
  
  When I finished, I was breathless and exhausted. My body ached. Everyone was staring at me shocked. I blushed and glanced at Cat, who nodded her head at Axel. His eyes were a light gold, and watching me intently. I blushed and walked off the stage. Cat hugged me with a delighted squeal.

"You were amazing! I'm so glad you were the last one to preform. You did wonderful! Let's go chat."
   
    She drug me away and I peeked over at Axel, he was surrounded by she wolves who were excitedly chatting and trying to get his attention. He looked uncomfortable and unnerved. His eyes met mine and I smiled at him shyly as Cat drug me away. I was wandering around by myself after some time, when I bumped into someone. I looked up at Alpha Mark. He snarled at me and grabbed my arm roughly.
   
  I could feel the bruises forming where he was holding me. I tugged my arm and whimpered. I wanted to get away. He was angry. The look on his face was murderous. I knew he had heard that Axel was going to claim me, none of the other males showed interest after Axel started to. Alpha Marks grip tightened and I started crying.

"What did I tell you, Adalynn?"

"N-no. Please. Don't. I... haven't done anything. Please, Alpha."
 
    I sobbed and clawed at his hand as he tried dragging me from the gathering. I caught the eyes of a few females and tried begging for help.  Alpha Mark was going to try to rape me. I struggled and fought against his hold as he drug me away. I did the only thing I could think of and jammed my knee into his groin. When he dropped my arm with a shout and sank to his knees, I took off towards Axel. I followed my nose, my eyes blurred by my tears. I tripped on my gown and ripped it but frantically shot back to my feet and ran towards his smell. I wasn't paying attention and I smacked into someone.

"Adalynn... what's wrong, little one?"
   
Axel. Thank God. I broke down and started sobbing. I knew I was a mess. Axel tilted my chin up gently, making me look at him. His eyes scanned my body and widened at the handprints on my arm. The marks were red and angry. He pulled me to him and I buried my head in his chest. Cat must have seen me slam into Axel and noticed something was up because she appeared by us all of a sudden.

"Axel. A-alpha M-mark. H-he... he.... oh my god. Please don't let him."

"Let him do what, baby?"
 
  Axel murmured and played with my hair, trying to soothe me. My breathing was erratic and my vision began to blur.

"Adalynn... he didnt... I'm so sorry. I lost track of you!"

"Cat.. what is she talking about? What was Alpha Mark going to do to her?" 
  
Cat looked at me and turned to Axel.

"He was going to rape her. His goal was to ruin her so you wouldn't want her anymore."
 
  Axel growled loudly and all the chatter stopped. Axels arms tightened around me and I started shaking, frightened. I clung to him, sobbing. He was my safety. I couldn't let Alpha Mark take that from me. I deserved a chance to live. Blake walked over, concerned and confused by the sudden commotion.

"Cat, Addy. What's happened?"

"Mark attacked her again. Still think stopping me earlier was a good idea, Blake?"

   Axel snarled at him and glared in the direction I had run from. Alpha Mark emerged, looking angrier than I had ever seen him. I began to panic as he made his way towards us, glaring at me.

"Please. Don't let him. Please. I... I don't want him."

"Addy. Shh. No. We won't let him do that,  little one."
 
  Axel murmured, rubbing soothing circles into my back. My lungs screamed for air, but I was too panic stricken and upset to calm down and give them the air they needed. I got dizzy and felt myself go limp as darkness swept me away. The last thing I saw was Axels face as I fainted in his arms.