The Power Of Choice

Chapt 7

~Damien~

There were several gasps, as Andrew dropped the bomb shell news on everyone. I could feel their eyes on me, tension in the air almost palpable. I could hear Jacob whispering to his brother, while the teacup which the Luna was drinking out of shattered as it fell to the floor. Even the Alpha had sucked in a sharp breath of air in disbelief.

"I-Is this true Damien, I-Is he really your m-mate." For the first time ever, I heard the Alpha stumble over his own words. I might have found it funny if not for the current situation. I quickly raised my head to look at the Alpha.

"Yes, my Alpha. Jackson is my m-mate." Even though I had agreed with the Alphas words, I wasn't even sure if Jackson would be willing to become mine, even if I brought him into and showed him my world.

"Are you sure that he is your mate?" The stuttering man was gone to once again be replaced by the stoic Alpha I'd grown accustomed to.

"Yes Alpha, I'm certain."

My response was met with silence. I could feel the tension in the air thicken, but I wasn't exactly sure why. The Alpha leaned back into his chair placing his hands over his face. I glanced quickly at my father, his eyes were glazed over, and though his lips where moving no words could be heard. Finally, I looked at my mother, but she was shaking like a leaf in an autumn breeze with her hand covering her mouth. Tears were forming in the corner of her eyes, threatening to overflow at any moment.

Finally, the person who ended the silence was the Luna. She was looking at me, eyes wide, and the only emotion I could see in them... was terror.

"How could you....to your own mate..." Her words sounded as loud as a thunderclap in the silent room, even though she had barely spoken above a whisper. I was confused at her statement. Sure, I messed up, but it's not as if I had tried to kill him or anything. Besides, I hadn't known he was my mate when it happened, I'd only found out after the damage had already been done. Did they think I had done those things to him even though I knew he was my mate?

The Loud footsteps and the following kick to the gut, confirmed my suspicions of the misunderstanding. I rolled across the floor hugging my stomach. My attacker hadn't held back in the slightest and I was sure I'd have a bruise for the rest of the week. I looked up and was shocked to realize that the one who'd kick me was none other than my own father. The look in his eyes as he stared down at me, made my blood run cold. The last time I'd seen him look that way was when I saw him kill a Rogue who had entered our territory and attacked one of the kids. Seeing him look at the body of the Rogue with those eyes was one thing but being on the receiving end of them was on a whole different level. It sent shivers down my spine, and I instantly broke out into cold sweats. I felt that he would kill me if I didn't explain myself, and fast.

I tried to stand but he kicked my feet out from under me and I crashed to floor once again, slamming face first unto the hardwood floors. Then the real beating began. He rained kicks and punches down on me without mercy, not giving me a chance to fight back in the slightest. The only reason I knew he wasn't trying to kill me, was because he wasn't aiming for my vital areas. He just wanted to inflict as much pain as possible; and inflict it he did.

When he finally let up, I laid on the ground groaning. My clothes were ripped to shreds and there was so much blood that the scent was so thick in the air. He stood above me panting with his fist still clenched as the blood from his knuckles dripped onto the floor. No one had stopped him from beating me. Even my mother had stood there and watched as he pounded on me without mercy. They hadn't even given me a chance to explain myself.

"Why did you do it son?" his voice was gravelly and strained, yet the seething anger was still there. I didn't know whether to answer him or not, in fear of the blows once again finding purchase on my body.