Moonlit Futures

Lexi POV

Jumping awake at the slam of a door I gazed up with bleary eyes before snarling at the person in my room.

"Now now April! Is that anyway to treat your mate?" Greg said with a chuckle.

"I wouldn't know seeing as we aren't mates." I spat out.

"Seeing as you killed his mother, I don't think he'd treat you any better at this point in time." Greg said studying his nails. Hiding the pain I felt I gazed at him cooly out of slitted eyes.

"I don't recall that I killed her. If my memory is correct it was you who ultimately caused her death. Thank you for that by the way. It was such a pleasant experience getting accused by mate and rejected because of your acts. I'm sure you know that though." I told him with a vicious smile. Watching his eyes narrow, I smirked at him before settling back in. 

"What is it you want this time Greg?"

"I did save you life you little pup so it might do you some good to act like it."

"I wanted to die." I hissed out. "Death is a better option than being stuck here with you." 

Watching him smile I leaned back warily.

"Well I'll see what we can't do to change you mind then April." Grabbing my arm, I winced as the scabs tightened across my skin, some breaking open. Pulling on my arm I cursed as he tightened his grip and dragged me along side him. Pulling me into an open clearing I squinted my eyes as the sunlight streamed brightly over head. Watching as we neared a post, I could feel his grip on me tighten. Seeing the majority of the bodies coming into view I tugged my arm free violently, surprising Greg before walking steadily by his side. I refused to show weakness in front of his pack. As we drew nearer I could hear the mumblings of the crowd as they parted to allow us closer. Stopping just in front of the post I turned to face Greg and his huge grin. Holding out my hands I let him bind them together before binding me to the post. Biting the inside of my cheek I heard him begin to address the crowd.

"As most of you know our Luna challengers were placed on hold a few days ago because our Luna needed time to recuperate. The doctor assures me she is feeling better so in order to make up for the lost time she will get 50 lashings with the silver threaded whip. This punishment will continue until she accepts her position as Luna and begs for forgiveness or death." Grinning evilly at me I turned my head toward the crowd and bit down hard on the inside of my cheek. Hearing the crack of the whip behind me, I tried to breath deeply and relax my muscles. Feeling the sting of the first lash made me bite down harder on the inside of my cheek. This continued until after the 5th lash I could taste the blood in my mouth. After 30 lashes I felt my knees giving way and clunk heavily on the ground. The crowds murmurs had turned to those of awe and sadness. Fading in and out of darkness I waited until I heard the last lash before letting out a shaky breath. Spitting out the blood in my mouth I bit back a strangled scream as rough hands grabbed my arms where the whip had landed and dragged me back to the doctor. Feeling the soft sheets across my cheek I waited until the door closed before weeping openly. Hearing footsteps down the hall I turned my face into the bed. Hearing the door open I smelled the doctor walking in before turning my face towards the wall. Hearing a second set of footsteps approach the door, I braced myself as the door flung open and Greg walked in.

"James, we missed you at the whipping today." I could hear the inquisition in his voice.

"I'm sorry Alpha. I was out getting plants to make the wraps for her back during the whipping. I saw we were getting low and I know you want her as fresh as possible for her daily whippings."

"Plants?"

"Old trick in the book. My mentor taught it to me. It should help reduce inflammation and swelling which will in turn help them heal. Her back won't ever be scar free but by tomorrow you should have something to hit instead of ribbons of skin." Shuddering at his words I heard them discuss a bit more before the door closed again. Sighing I felt myself giving way to the pain when I heard a whisper next to my ear.

"I believe you." Smiling I tried to form words but all I could do was mumble.

"You have to hold on Lexi. Promise me you will hold on." Mumbling again I let the darkness take me.