Fear and Loving

Chapter 1: The beginning

The soft gradually building vibration of my cellphone alarm pulled me from the bliss of sleep. I silenced it but didn't get out of bed. I really didn't want to move, it hurt when I moved. But I had no choice; I had to go to work. I sighed in frustration wincing when it caused my bruised ribs to throb painfully. My life sucked.

I showered & dressed avoiding my body in the mirror & any outfits that showed too much skin. No need to put my battered body on display. I settled on a dark red pants suit. It covered my skin well while still hugging my curves in a pleasing manner. My face was free of bruises for once so I only applied liner and mascara and a dark lipstain. I put my makeup bag in my purse just in case though, I never knew where his angry hand would land this time. I left my hair down watching it curl as it air dried. Loose hair wasn't a very good idea but I was too exhausted and in too much pain to deal with it. I glanced sadly at myself in the mirror once more before turning off the light and making my way to my own personal hell.

When I arived I gathered my supplies and his coffee. My light knock was answered by a single word. His rough cold voice made the word enter sound like a death sentence. I set his coffee on the large redoak desk, quietly and politely bidding him good morning so as not to set him off. I stepped back from the desk and stood head bowed waiting for what he wanted me to do next. Werewolves took eye contact as a challenge. I couldn't afford to challenge him.

He was quiet for too long; I must have done something wrong. And then I heard him inhale deeply. Shit. Did I put on perfume or use scented lotion by mistake? He hated artificial scents. I wracked my brain and trembled. He took a step toward me. Shit. I resisted the urge to run, that would only make things worse. I could feel the power rolling off him in waves as he got closer. He inhaled again.

"Ever... is it your birthday?" He asked voice sounding unusually low and strained. I was shocked, he had never addressed me by my first name before. What the hell was going on here? My trembling intensified.

"Answer me, Ever." He growled thru clenched teeth. Oh! He asked if it was my birthday. Was it? It was! I was 25 today.

"Y-yes alpha, it is. I forgot." I whispered still staring at my shoes. I would have usually addressed him as sir but I figured his title might calm him some. He stepped closer still so that his shoes came into my view. His hand slowly rose from his side toward me and I braced myself for the pain. But it didn't come. Instead he gripped my chin and raised my head. I immediately closed my eyes to avoid eye contact.

"Look at me mate." he growled angrily. Wait what?

"M-mate?" I squeaked. This couldn't be happening.

"Yes. You are mine." He said emphasizing the word mine. I shook violently stepping away from him.

"I, Ever Denise Collins reje- mmph!" Before I could finish he had his hand over my mouth and my back against the wall. The impact wasn't hard at all but it still caused my ribs to ache.

"You will not try to reject me again mate. Do you understand?" He said removing his hand from my mouth. I nodded. Still not looking him in the eye. Just when I thought my life couldn't get any worse. I tried to hold back the tears, I really did but it was no use. Soon I was just shaking and crying silently as he held me against the wall.
"Ever." He said my name softly, more gently than I'd ever heard him speak.

"Y-yes Alpha?" I stuttered through my tears.

"Why did you try to reject me?" Oh gods. This has to be a trap. He will hurt me if I answer. I just shook my head slightly. He growled in response. I prepared for the pain that would surely come this time, but it didn't. Instead his hand came up and grabbed my throat; gently.

"Look at me mate." I had no choice. I opened my eyes and made contact with his.

"Good girl. Now, you will answer my questions. Truthfully." I wanted to protest but I couldn't. Had he hypnotized me? I just stared at him, terrified.

"Why did you try to reject me Ever?"
The words came forth without my permission, in a defeated whisper.

"You've made it clear how much you hate me. You keep me here against my will. You insult and hit me constantly. I just can't bear to be tied to you..." My tears were never ending and obstructed my vision but I could just barely make out his shocked expression.

"Ever what are you talking about? I've never done anything like that to you."