Alone - In Spirit

CHP 7

I ducked into the basement just as he stepped into the kitchen, breathing a silent sigh of relief.
He could not know I was here.
I watched him quietly through a crack in the wooden trap door that sectioned off the basement from the rest of the house. He looked...... scared.
I frowned.

What was he so afraid of?
His mom?
Mrs. Felicity??

I had never seen him so shaky or nervous before. Never.
Something inside me was determined to find out what it was.

After he left the kitchen I slipped back out, getting as close as I could to the living room. I'd eavesdropped before, but it was always a sort of passing by thing, now I had to hope no one saw me.
"60 dollars." Mrs. Felicity stated.
"60 dollars!?" Artemis' mother laughed heartily.
"Yes, $60. That's how much I bought him for."
I froze in place.
She's not talking about the goldfish.
I bit my lip and forced myself not to panic.
Why was she discussing me with these people, why??
Artemis is a witch, just like his mother and his father. They should be avoiding Felicity at all costs!! Not having tea in her living room.
I wanted to find out why.

"Ok, well give me 90 then and we'll call it even."
90? What is she selling??
"90's a little much for what I have on me."
"We can split it then, 60 now and 30 later."
"Sounds like a plan."
"Allright kid, go down to the basement. I'll be there later."
What?! Wait, Artemis!?
She sold her own son to Mrs. Felicity!?!
That was a problem, a big problem.
But the bigger issue was whether or not I should hide. What would it even accomplish? Artemis would notice me sooner or later- if not immediately.

I walked back into the kitchen but hid in the bathroom instead of going to the basement. I knew I'd get hurt for my cowardice later but that wasn't anything new.
I heard Artemis' hesitant footsteps as he descended down the stairs. 
I frowned at myself, not wanting him to get hurt.
I can't stop it from happening.
The thought made me want to snarl but I stayed silent.

The only remaining guest left, and I stepped out of the bathroom.
Almost immediately Mrs. Felicity saw me, and I tensed as she walked over.
"Why aren't you in the basement with the new brat?" She demanded.
"I was just cleaning a bit upstairs before Jax gets up from his nap." I lied, forcing myself to look steady.
She glared and shoved past me, I flinched and followed her quietly.
I didn't look at Artemis, I don't know if he looked at me.

You're an alpha.
My inner wolf snarled.
You're a king! Yet you bow to some pathetic woman?!
You choose to sweep the floor while she preens herself!

She should be dead by now.
Stand up. Show her your place.
Memories danced in my head.
"He can't lead the pack."
"Brother, something smells off."
"Take a few steps back and try again."
"Stupid mutt."
"Brother!?"
"Go ahead and whimper at me. See if I'll care."
"RUN!!!"
"It's too hot in here."
"Look, I caught my very first rabbit!"
"Aw, the little alpha can't growl?"
"You're a nameless nobody, always will be."
"Stand back, I'll take care of it."
"You're too rough on him, he's just a child."
"THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!!!"
"Take a deep breath with me, everything will be ok."
"Mom!? Dad!?!"
"Everything's going down today."
"This can't be happening."
"Son, listen to me closely."

"I love you."

Whoohoo! What a rollercoaster!!
Let me know what you all think ;)

As always I hope you enjoy my writing.
Side note: I'm considering doing a flashback chapter so you guys have some clarity on Hawke's past, at least enough to understand what's going on and how it effects him.
(Hence the little montage up there)
Listen to ur drugs and dont do parents- I mean, uh, yeah the other way around.
("Not sure what my drugs would be saying but I can't wait to find out" -My younger brother 2022)
See you in the next chapters!!

You all look lovely today!
- Ur maybe-not-favorite-anymore author!