Alpha King and I

Chapter 2: Home

The table was laid out with one of the nicer cloths. An uncleanable white silk one with various vines in the design. Father was to my right at the head of the table already eating while mother sat across from me, slowly cutting up her steak. The dining area was brightly lit, accentuating its unnecessarily large size.

I had ran home fast enough to get dressed into the rather uncomfortable corset style shorter ensemble she had forced me to put on. Grey and light blue fabric made of a stiffer cotton which scratched my skin with every movement. Weird choice for a dinner dress, not matching either of their outfits which were both navy blue and more elegant, but nonetheless the dress she picked. Adding to my discomfort, she had my hair braided up and put into a tight high-ish bun, a near perfect 90 degree angle from the base of my skull. It was all very unusual.

Why not match like normal? Though I admit I dislike that a little more. At least this dress felt more like me. Maybe they had heard about the teacher giving me detention again? Avoiding eye contact shouldn't be a crime... I tried so hard to look at him too, but couldn't. The bright red aura from his anger was really hard to look at without hurting my eyes. I can't tell him that though... he would've thought I was making it up.

I had just prepared to finally put a piece of sweet potato in my mouth when mother started.

"Did Cory let you know that Mr. Hanshaw and I spent the night together yesterday?"

I held in my feelings, putting the food down as I looked her way. I learned long ago by the people that surrounded me, especially my mother, that I was to speak little -if ever- no matter the situation. Unless absolutely called on or necessary. Otherwise, it was just asking for trouble.

I often try to read the situation as best I can beforehand so I'll know whether its safe to speak, but most of the time I've been wrong. So I keep a lot to myself, including my noticing of her aura. Which was the usual off-black, I think for hatred. Cory gives off the same one and so does father, and its the only feeling I could think of that they would all share when looking at me. None of them knew I could see it. No one did. Having this "sixth sense" as the internet called it, wasn't normal. So of all the things I continuously kept to myself, this was one of the things I kept most close to my chest. This and the inhuman healing ability. Though I suspect mother already knew of this. At least, her and father beat me like they did.

Mother was wearing deep red lipstick smiling like a doll. Her eyes had the usual glint behind her perfectly tattooed lashes. Her diamond necklace shimmered as she pushed her chest out enough for father to notice. 

Mother is an escort, while father is the head of a large gambling syndicate. Yes, I truly am their child. A blood test was done and all just to check. Though sometimes it feels like mother still doesn't believe it. She's told me before, that when I was born, a black cloud floated above her just before she pushed me out. A cloud in the shape of millions of chains. As if to trap her. Since then, she's 'joked' that I must be a child of the devil.

Never could I have been born from them.

It's not like they wanted to have me in the first place.

We were so different.

They loved things that made my stomach churn. Things I could never dare do. Yet barely could I even raise my eyes against them. Beyond that, they were physically beautiful and elegant. Tall, lean, with pale and practically polished imperfect skin. Father built strong and confident, full of charm around others. Mother like a rose in the darkness. A rose with thorns. Untouchable unless you had the right wallet. Yet attracting even the shyest of men. Men such as Cory's dad.

Anyone who'd met them only lightly, would never have known what they were truly like at home. Toward me. Toward anything that disgusts them. Children, animals, weakness, the poor...

I controlled a shiver from escaping over the memories.

Mother further elaborated, "He paid quite handsomely, and gave me this necklace from his dear dead wife, so Cory must have let you know? Did he?"

Finally, I admitted, "Yes, I know." She chuckled.

"You must not, because you look absolutely fine. hmm?" I wish this would end. I just want to eat my potatoes and broccoli, save the steak, and go. Why can't she give me that. I breath in a deep quiet breath.

"I guess."

"Have I upset you child? You need to toughen up." Both her and father laughed at her comment. I clench my teeth. I can feel my hand shaking a little bit, so I shift it below to my lap.

My words come out with slight hesitation, "I don't mother."

"Don't be belligerent Selese." My eyes dart to father, he was visibly upset with me. Glaring, but still eating. I felt I hadn't acted out too much, but I dare not test him. I whisper an apology, then switch to staring at my food.

Dogs can eat sweet potatoes and broccoli can't they? Puffs would probably love them. He's always been a little more in tune with his less than carnivorous side. Thinking of him calms me, but not enough. I've lost my appetite.

Mother speaks again, "You're not trying to hurt yourself, so he couldn't have let you know. If I were him, I'd beat you until you tried again to end your life." Both her and father chuckled again, in unison this time. I closed my eyes and breathed deeper than before. Holding it in. This time I would not respond. She got her piece out. Mother should be happy now.

Dinner continues on with me finally being ignored.

I'll wait 'til I can leave to my room. Then I'll just sleep until I forget.