Lycanthropy; The Ascend (#Wattys2018)

Chapter 10; Regret

Three weeks later, Leslie finds herself sitting in the same den as Zy and the Alphas, talking about the future of the pack, barely tolerating their presence. What happened three weeks ago left Leslie completely raw and fragile. After Zy was done with her, he fell asleep almost immediately; falling on top of her trembling body so that she could go nowhere until she gathered all the strength that was left in her to push him off and try to escape the horrible land. She failed of course; the shock made her weak, so weak she could only walk a few steps before collapsing on the same sandy beach she was raped on. Next morning, Zy had dragged her unconscious body back to 'camp', saying she was exhausted from the hunt and their 'little romantic activity' that followed afterwards last night. Everyone believed him, as expected, you can't race with the King of Deception. 

She was and still is deeply traumatized, not just emotionally this time. She felt as if Zy's sole goal in life was to break her into as many pieces as he could, and he was succeeding. Her body trembled and shook uncontrollably whenever the terrible memory sneaked up on her. But Zy made her feel unsure, he acted as if he had done nothing unforgivable; grinning and winking at Leslie whenever she walked past, whispering dirty things into her ears whenever he caught her alone, chatting and laughing louder than ever. These all made Leslie even more uncomfortable and upset, she felt herself falling into the submissive role and felt Zy rising into a dominating and controlling bastard. She didn't respond to whatever he would whisper, ask or say. It would've been pointless. She felt like she was at the mercy of him; that he would take her right there and then whenever he wanted or punish her if she said or did the wrong thing. But luckily he didn't, not yet anyway. He didn't feel a trace of guilt, never apologized or showed any remorse, making Leslie question if what happened was really rape. After all, she didn't REALLY try to stop him; she didn't do everything in her power to stop it, but at the same time; she didn't want it. Maybe her feelings are lying to her? Maybe she's just overreacting? Maybe it was her fault? She DID respond to his kiss and his touch. Maybe he didn't know she didn't want it? But she told him. Did he not hear? Did she not say it loud enough? She was the one who gave in to him, the one who attacked him, the one who fell on top of him. Maybe she deserved it? 

"Leslie?" A soft voice made Leslie return to the present, as she noticed everyone staring at her expectantly, she realized she must've gotten distracted from the conversation.

"Oh sorry... Can you repeat please?" She asked, looking down at her paws in embarrassment and from the corner of her eye she saw Zy's famous half-grin. Probably knowing she was thinking about him, but not in the way he would expect.

"Would you agree on expanding borders?" Rody asked, his voice firm as always. Leslie thought for a bit, but was still distracted by her embarrassment.

"Uh yes sure.." She responded curtly.

"So.. Me and Rody were thinking." His hands travel over her body. "Since we've known each other for quite some time now.." His fingers clench around her hair. ", have discussed every possible aspect of pack leadership.." He yanks her head back. "Taught you skills.." Scream. "You got to know every pack member.." He forces himself between her bare legs. "And since we're growing old.." Thrust. "We think it is time for you to take the lead over the pack." Scream.

"What?!" Leslie shakes her head, breaking out of the memory. Her eyes filled with panic, she looks around.

"We think you should begin leading the pack, as mates." Rue repeats calmly.

"As what?!" 

"I think that's a brilliant idea." Zy answers, smiling brightly, and winking at Leslie. She remembers what he did and shuts her mouth before saying anything she would regret later. Her breaths quicken, and she feels herself sicken to the stomach at the thought of being mates with Zy. As the Alphas and Zy begin engaging in the conversation, Leslie's mind drifts off to the future. The Alphas will step down and they will take their place, meaning the Alphas will no longer have power over Zy and he can do as he pleases. But then again... The Alphas never really had power over him. He is just an arse-licking jerk, he had gotten the Alphas' trust and support over a very short amount of time by always being in their heels, always attending every possible meeting and always playing the good guy.