Broken Wolf

04

"Please don't leave me." I beg my big brother. In a few months he will be 20 and become Alpha. Grandfather decided he needs a mate and is dragging him off to the royal pack to find one. I don't want him to go!

"I have to pup, but I'll be back soon." He says. "Focus on your studies. You will change the world Libby. I'll be back soon."

Bane realized how bord I am in school and was able to get me to skip a few grades. Now I'm the youngest kid in my class. It has its perks like showing up the teenagers but it sucks that I actually have to work now. It's not too hard but definitely more work. I hated it at first until I met my friend Paxton. He's always there for me now that grandfather has taken Bane away. He's here but Grandfather keeps him away from me, but now he won't even be on pack lands!

I watch out the window as they leave. I feel the tears on my cheeks. I miss my big brother.

"Come on Lib, let's go for a run." I hear and turn to see my only friend.

"He really left me Paxy. He just left!" I cry and he hugs me.

"When he comes back he will be Alpha and your grandfather won't be able to do anything about it. It's not his choice. You know that pup." Paxton tells me.

"Still sucks." I mumble.

"Come on let's get your mind off it." He says.

"Thought you had math to work on." I respond.

"Yea... but you know I suck at that. I'd rather go on a run with you." I laugh and pull him to his room.

"Get your work and I'll help you. If you finish quickly we can go for a run." I tell him and he groans.

"Fine!"

"You are too smart for your own good kid." Paxton says and I smile at him.

"You know ya love it! You'd fail if it wasn't for me." I say and he laughs.

"True... I really appreciate the help Lib. I spend all my time training. I'm only 14 and have been accepted into the warriors ranks. It's unheard-of! I don't really have the time to figure this out on my own. You're a life saver." He tells me.

"You saved me first. I'm 9 and only a year behind you in school. Bane has been taken away by our grandfather. My aunt and uncle don't really care... you are the only person I have. You are my best friend Paxy." I respond and he pulls me into a hug.

"Don't get all sappy pup. I couldn't leave you all alone and look I got a tutor out of it!" He jokes and I chuckle.

"I don't want to go back to my aunt and uncles suite... it's not home. I'm in the same building but..."

"I get it." Paxton cuts me off. "When my parents died I had to move. Nothing was the same. Nothing was mine... but it will be better for you once your brother is Alpha. From what you've said of him I'm sure you will be back in your old room on the Alpha floor in no time."

"I'm just worried about him... grandfather is..." I trail off not knowing how to explain.

"Does he hurt you?" Paxton asked surprising me.

"How did you..."

"The way you're rubbing your shoulder... show me?" He asks not demands. Like he cares. It's amazing to me how he knows what I'm gonna say and just responds. I carefully move my shirt to show him the marks.

"He uses a belt mostly... it usually doesn't scar... just a few times." I tell him and he growls.

"Come stay with me whenever you feel in danger. The only benefit you have with your grandfather is that he doesn't truly care about you. Once he is distracted by something else he will forget about you." He says and I hug him.

"Is it true?" I ask. "Bane says that all ice Winters men handle their women and children this way. That it's normal. Father and grandfather... but you aren't like them. Are the rest of the men like that? Is it normal?"

"No, Lib... my parents were special. My Ma was the only woman to ever be an Ice Winters warrior. They respected each other... your family is abusive. Anyone with eyes can see that. It's true that the men here are... rougher than elsewhere but your grandfather... that's not normal. Even for here... but he's Alpha for now. What can we do?" He says sounding defeated.

"Just a few more months then everything will be better." I agree. "Come on let's go for that run."