Chains of Fate

6

Aria

I was left alone in a spare room, regretting my decision to defend the girls, knowing now my new owner will use this as a weakness, one he will exploit.

I know men like him, like I know this man is my mate, and I know how it ends. I may have lost my wolf, but I still had my wolf senses intact. The moment he invaded my home I knew who he was to me, and what he could do to me. What he would do to me. I hated him.

He had not discovered this yet, the injections and sprays had diluted the bond, so long as I avoid his eyes I should remain hidden.

I don't know what this new master wants from me yet, so far he hasn't hurt me, but neither did Kain. I'm playing a very deadly game.

I remain naked, alone, and afraid. Sitting curled in a fetal position in the same corner my cage used to hang. Their so-called doctors inspected me rubbing creams on my skin, stitching together my ripped flesh. I hated them too, their creams burned and needles stabbed me in the name of healing when we both know this won't be the last time my body is broken.

This place is bad. Built on false hopes and white lies. I just have to wait until that veil between their truths and lies falls.

I've gone numb on the outside, each movement almost robotic. To those around me, it would appear I was on autopilot or a blank canvas, broken on the inside out. But each movement was the opposite, every step thought out, every outcome analyzed. Because these people feel I'm too self-aware or violent they will not hesitate to "break me in" I've seen it before, I've felt it before. As long as they believe I'm dead, they won't try to bury me further. After all, you can't kill the dead.

Master had locked me in this room, awaiting his command like the good little corpse I tried to portray. Because before I was certain of my death now I'm at war with the unknown.

My "mate" stepped in, his power radiating off him in waves, he did this on purpose, I assume he wanted me to know his status, his superiority. His ability to destroy me.

He looked at my position, his eyes assessed me with exasperation. 'Here,' he says throwing me a baggy t-shirt and undergarments. Showing his cold untethered demeanor.

I just stare at them, wondering what kind of test this was. A false sense of security lulling the animal into the claws of death. 'Put them on.' He said in a bored tone, I took this as an order and hurriedly dressed in the provided garments.

He begins the interrogation, exploiting my knowledge for his benefit.

'What were you to Kain?'

I don't answer, this was a test, a test to see if I was broken and obedient, 'Answer me, girl.' He says, running a hand down his face.

'I won't hurt you.' Lie.

'What's your name?' After not hearing a response he rephrased the question.

'Tell me your name' This I
understood was an order.

'Aria,' Seeing that his command responded in my cooperation he repeated his previous request.

'What is Kain to you?'

'My previous employer.' According to "The Trade" we are employees, not slaves, and must respond accordingly. We are there willingly, and by our own choice. At least that's what we were told. Yet another lie in this web of deception.

'Where is Kain?'

'I don't know.' My answers were automatic, a trained response, like a recorded message. I didn't want to give any weakness or sign of life away. Like a possum when threatened, play dead, become prey. Then when they least expect it, you pounce.

You play their game. You play the useless pawn.

Right now we were at war, a mental war to see who will break first, to initiate the first move, to sacrifice the edge of the game.

I'm not losing this game. Not again. He may take me for a fool but I will never underestimate my enemy, always prepare for the worst outcome, that way you are either disappointed or pleasantly surprised.

'Do you have any idea of his whereabouts?'

'No.' My answers seem to frustrate him more, but he doesn't strike me, wanting to keep up this nice guy act.

'Fine, I don't entirely believe you, but I'll accept it. Right, you can either remain a rogue or stay here.'

I decide to play a risky move, a gamble, 'Do I have a choice?'

'Your right you don't, you'll stay.'

He turned his heel and began towards the door. I hated him, I hated this game.

But he did give me a direct answer, no lies, no deception. Showing he was not a patient man, his limited patience creating cracks in his gameplay.

I've got nothing but time to exploit this, learn new weaknesses and strengths, but soon the bond will be revealed I just need to make sure I'm ready when that time comes. I expect I have a month until I run out of the wolfsbane and the vile potions I stole from Kain.

He stopped as he reached the door, 'Well, this will be your room, and Beta Ryan and Beta Sarah will get you settled, feel free to take a shower and I'll send some proper clothes up. There is a guard outside, don't try anything.'

He exited the room, and if he was true to his word like I assumed, I will be living in this room. Meaning I can stash my things here for the time being. I had one month, one month to escape and return to Kain.

I needed him, I wanted him. Although he was the cause of so much pain in my life he also was the only constant. No one has ever been there for me, my life always uncertain, abandoned by my parents, previous owners, but never Kain. He gave me certainty, something rare in my life. I knew how it ended and how I would be buried, it was a given. Like the pain and suffering. But he also gave me life, a role in his pack. Running Silver Lake from the inside, keeping their lives safe. No one has ever done that for me before.

So even though he will kill me, even though he beats and rapes me, he is still my savior. Giving me a restful certainty of my death.

Because people like me never know, traded off until we die, never knowing who will do it. But Kain didn't, he kept me, loved me, and I am forever grateful for it.

So I will fight to get back to him, to get back to my destiny, joining my friends in silver coffins. A certain peace of death.