Brute

⚔️ Chapter 1 ⚔️

I snatched the phone out of hunters hand.
Shaking I spoke fast to Ivy.

"What's going on Ivy? Is this a joke?" I panicked.

"No, I was bound and couldn't say anything, it's done. The only option we have is to go to war, but Em I've been in meetings with these beasts, conversations that were less than humane. Go to war, we die. We don't go to war, we still die. Hide Em. Both you and Hunter, hide. There are rallies happening in TN, to March against the capital, meet me there."

I lost my breath.

"I love you Em, please be careful." Ivy's voice was choked.

Tears fell as I told her bye and turned to look at Hunter.

"We need to go." I said.

Hunter shook his head in agreement and we went upstairs. My hands shook as we put only what was necessary in our backpacks. It was cold so we grabbed our coats and ran downstairs. While grabbing some none perishable foods there was a bang on the front door.

"He said two days?!" I scream whispered.

Hunter held up his hand, motioning for me to wait and be quiet. He walked to the door and looked out the peep hole. He backed away quickly as the door was smashed in, ripped off its hinges. I screamed as two very large men came in. They were massive, filling the doorway, and towering over Hunter.

"Your sister shouldn't have called you. The king is very angry. You have been summoned for the court hearing and sentencing of Mrs. Ivy Rae Smithson. Your husband is to be kept under house arrest to ensure your obedience." The taller male informed us.

"What are the charges against her?" I asked loudly.

"Treason against the crown, helping a slave to escape, helping a breeder to escape, and trying to keep the king from potential finding his mate." The tall man smirked.

"Breeder? Slave? What are you talking about?" I asked while my voice rises in fear.

"You will learn soon enough. As of now you are to come with us. As direct orders of you do not follow we will shoot Mr. Smithson." The second male spoke up.

I gasped, looking at Hunter I ran to him. His arms pulled me in.

"I will find you." He whispered.

I was pulled from him by the guard and ushered out the door. Outside was a barbaric looking enclosed cage being pulled by four horses.

"To ensure you can't run." The first guard said reading my face.

I was pulled up to the door and roughly pushed forward. I fell to the floor of the carriage. The door was slammed behind me and I hear the lock slide into place. There were only two small windows that allowed light so I couldn't see a whole lot, but from what I could tell I was alone.  I was so happy I wore a coat as it was freezing inside.  The ride was bumpy after we left the main road and tree shadows peeked through the windows. I knew I would have bruises as I was jostled around inside the cage. We finally stopped when the sun went down and my stomach growled at the smell of whatever they were cooking.

"Hello? Hello!" I yelled out.

"Shut up woman." A deep voice growled while punching the door near my face.

I let out a shriek in fear as I backed away.

"Please... I'm hungry..." I started.

"Why don't you humans learn?" The voice growled again.

I heard the lock slide open as I backed up. The door was thrown open and I fell back, hitting the floor. My ankle was grabbed and I was yanked forward. I gasped but couldn't make any other noise as I shivered in fear looking up at the man.

"When I say shut up, you shut up." He growled at me.

"I'm s s sorry." I stuttered. "I'm just hung..."

Ahh

My head snapped to the side as the back of his hand connected to my cheek. My chest heaved as I tried to hold back tears.

"I don't care what you are. We will not waste food on a slave, especially not one that will probably die by the end of the week."

I looked at him in shock. I didn't realize I might not live past the court hearing.

"Now if you don't shut up I will fill your mouth with something that will keep you quiet." He looked at me with flashing eyes.

I shook my head in disbelief and backed up again. The door was slammed shut again. I felt tears prick my eyes as I laid down and fell into a fitful sleep.