The Broken Queen

Chapter 52; Whispers & Warnings:

Dani's POV:

The morning light streams in through the silk curtains, blinding me in the process. I rub them, exhausted. My watch reads 7:30am, half an hour before the alarm. I only managed a few broken hours, and every bone aches for more sleep, but there's no time. We leave in four and a half hours, and there is a lot to do.

Swinging my legs off the bed, I shudder as the warmth seeps out of my bones. I walk over the wardrobe and yank it open. Timmothy told me last night that he had gotten one of his staff to fill it with a few things for me, as a gift.

A gift? This is a haul. Dresses, skirts, tactical leggings, workout gear, jeans, jumpers, and tops of every kind. Wow, these are all so beautiful. Shoes neatly lined at the bottom: trainers and sleek black boots. Even a drawer, filled with undergarments in my size. I can't help but feel mortified. Did Timmothy pick these out for me? Oh Goddess...

I hurry into a set of clothes, half-distracted by the vanity on the other side of the room. It's stocked with hair ties, brushes, combs, hairbands, and clips. The unexpected, thoughtful touch tugs at me. I haven't seen such accessories since I was a child... I make a mental note to pay him back somehow.

For the first time in years, someone has gone out of their way for me. My reflection greets me with dark circles and hollow cheeks, but softer than before. I smile as I braid my hair into three plaits, weaving them into one thick braid, before smoothing my edges with gel. Just as I put the gelled comb down, a knock rumbles against my door.

"Come in."

Timmothy steps in, sleeves already scrunched up at his elbows, smelling faintly of ink and cigarettes. He looks far more rested than I feel. We make eye contact in the vanity mirror and my cheeks ignite, feeling embarrassed for staring.

"Good morning Alpha Brown, how did you sleep? I hope the accommodations were up to par." His tone carries the casual weight of someone who already knows the answer.

"I got a couple broken hours. But that's nothing new." I respond with a half-smile.

He nods once, not pressing any further, and I'm grateful. "Before I make the calls, I just want to clarify your instructions. You don't want me to mention your first name, only call you Alpha Brown, correct?"

"That's correct" I answer without hesitation. His brows lift.

"Such a thing is unheard of. Alphas are always called by their first names to distinguish them through generations. Using your second name—people will talk."

"Good," I reply firmly. "Let them. Using my surname masks my youth and gender, forcing enemies to underestimate me until it's too late. They hear Alpha Dani, and they picture a young girl. That makes me a target. It's better if they don't know what they are up against, until they face me. Tell them directly that I'm a man if needed. And frankly, I enjoy putting assholes in their place. I'm not afraid to stand up to abuse, violence or corruption anymore. Plus my father will be furious to learn of my survival, never mind Alpha status if whispered of an Alpha Dani, a teenage girl, reach him or my old pack. I can't face him yet, it's all still too fresh. When I'm ready, I'll deal with my father, I'm still planning what to do to him."

For a brief moment, he studies me, his wolf flickering in his eyes. Then he nods with something close to admiration. "I'm impressed by the tactical edge and maturity in your reasoning, Queen Brown."

"Not Queen yet," I mutter, though his respect warms me.

"You are in my eyes Dani, and I'm sure whatever you decide as punishment for your father will be as gruesome as he deserves." He smiles at me, his wolf showing in his eyes.