Chosen

chapter twelve

"You were probably around two when you went missing. I promise you we looked everywhere for you. Your brother and I were determined to find you. What happened while you were in Rivermist, little dove?"
    My father asked me and I bit my lip. I wasn't sure how to tell him. I hadn't even told Axel yet. I looked out the window and sighed. I suppose someone should know the extent of abuse.
"Alpha Mark k-kept me in the dungeon. H-he would often beat me. I- I've had a few broken ribs and stuff. I w-was an o-omega there. He also let other pack members do as they pleased. I wasn't allowed to talk to anyone, or look them in the eyes. He made sure I knew how ugly and worthless I was. He got angry when I didn't shift at sixteen. That was probably one of the worst beatings. He tried beating me into shifting. It didn't work. I still haven't shifted yet. There's more but... I'm not ready..."
   I whispered drawing my knees to my chest and staring at the wall. My body stung with the memories of the beatings I took from Alpha Mark. I honestly wanted to forget but I knew I would never be able to. The scars he made sure stayed put would be my reminder. Not to mention the mental scars of being told I was worthless and stupid. At one point I had even been offered to rogues as part of a treaty with them.
"I... I had no idea..."
   Cat whispered and I looked at her sadly. She smiled at me softly, her eyes filled with anger and sadness. I wiped at my eyes and sniffled. I noticed Blake from the corner of my eyes, his face pale and his eyes filled with anger.
"Where's Axel?"
    I whispered and Cat sighed.
"In a meeting. He should be done soon. Have you told him any of that yet?"
"No.... I haven't really had much time with him yet.."
   I looked at my feet and sighed. I wanted to spend time with him but he was often busy and I had been unconscious the last few days. Ian walked in and grinned at me. He drove Axel mad with how affectionate he was towards me. I giggled and waved at him. My father shook his head and sighed deeply.
"You're too affectionate with his brother."
"I.... Ian is my friend, papa. He's helped me a lot. Just like Cat and Alice. I... there isn't many people I'm comfortable around yet... I was often kept from socializing. The times I was allowed to Alpha Mark would beat me in front of everyone as a show of his power. One time someone challenged him and I ended up with thirty lashes from the whip. He also threw four buckets of wolfsbane over me. I was sure I was going to die that day because he couldn't seem to stop. But when he was done and I was taken to my room in the dungeon... he sent a doctor in to heal me... or keep me alive at least."
   I whispered and shuddered at the memory. The pain filling my senses again. I had gotten several stitches that day and Alpha Mark didn't allow anything to numb while my skin was sewn back together. I had my eyes closed, trying to calm myself. I could feel the panic building at the memory, my nails dug into my palms deeply. Someone suddenly grabbed my hand and opened it, my eyes snapped open and landed on Axel. His face gave nothing away as he examined my palm. I had drawn a little blood but nothing that would cause permanent damage or distress.
"Deep breaths, little one."
    He murmured softly and I took a calming breath. I turned and smiled at everyone. Their eyes all filled with tears and anger. Not at me but at what Alpha Mark had done to me.
"I'm okay though.... that wasn't too bad. There's... more. I'm just not ready."
   I whispered and turned to the door as it opened again. Axels parents walked in and his father stiffened at the obvious tension in the room.
"What in the world has been going on?"
  My father stood up and sighed.
"Alistir. Seems your son is mated to my daughter that was kidnapped all those years ago. We were asking questions of what her life was like before she came here and..."
"Ah. That makes sense. Has she opened up about more?"
    I glared at him, for some reason I didn't feel like he should be allowed to know anything yet. Axel pulled me into his lap and tucked my head under his chin. The contact calmed my anger almost immediately. His fingers brushed under my rib cage and I couldn't help the giggles that escaped my lips. Axels father snorted and I continued to giggle.
"S-stop. It t-tickles."
    Axel grinned at me and I bit my lip, trying to contain my giggles. Axel stopped suddenly and I gasped for air as my giggles subsided. I got off Axels lap and stretched.
"Has anyone told her of the ball yet?"
"Ball?"
    My head snapped to Cat. She usually told me about things like this. I was often given the choice to either stay in my room or attend. I hadn't gone to one quite yet because I wasn't ready.  I felt the panic tug at my mind and glanced at Axel. He was watching me cautiously.
"Since the moon accepted your bond to Axel, you now need to be introduced to the pack and the Alphas of the other packs. It's tradition and very important."
"When is it?"
"Tonight. But.. don't worry, Addy. You're ready. This is what we worked towards. You'll be okay. I'll get you ready and your mom can even help. It'll be..."
    I nodded and bit my lip, trying to keep myself from panicking.
"Let's go. We have just enough time to prep for the ball."
   My mother murmured and took my arm. Cat led us to my room, chatting with my mom quietly.