The second we reached Beta Benjamin's house, I didn't hesitate—I ran out of the car and headed straight to the house. But I didn't go into the main house; I went to the back. It's usually quiet there. I can cry without experiencing any form of disturbance.
When I reached the backyard, I found it empty, so I sat on the cold floor. I cried for a long time, only stopping when I ran out of breath. I also felt lightheaded; I needed to sleep.
I helped myself to my feet and slowly entered the house. I went straight to my room and immediately threw myself on the bed. I was drifting off to sleep when my door suddenly opened, startling me.
A maid walked into my room. "You're back. Ms. Madison wants you in her room," the maid said. Even the maids don't respect my privacy, and that's because they don't see me as Beta Benjamin's daughter, but as a mere Omega.
"I want to sleep," I murmured in response.
"This is not the time for that," the maid retorted. "She is pretty pissed. She returned home long ago. Why are you just coming in now?"
"Just leave. I'll go to her when I'm ready," I murmured.
"Suit yourself; I'm not the one who will endure punishment. You'll be punished alone." The maid turned and walked away, not bothering to shut my door.
Screw her.
I want to be mad at her, but I can't. I know she's right. Madison will likely punish me for showing up late. She is always seeking ways to take out her anger and frustration on me. I should probably visit her room now.
After gathering a little strength, I forced myself out of bed and dragged myself out of the room. I got to her room and knocked on the door.
"It's me, Linnea. You wanted to see me," I announced after knocking.
"Get in here," she responded. Upon her reply, I gulped and slowly twisted the doorknob. I entered her large room and saw her filing her nails.
She's filing her nails herself? This is new. She makes me do everything for her. What caused the change? She's acting very strange.
"Come here," she ordered, and I went to her.
"I couldn't find one of my necklaces; where is it?"
A necklace? What necklace?
"I don't know about any necklace," I said simply.
"It was in one of the bags you dropped. Did you hide it away?" She glanced at me.
"What?" I frowned, unable to understand her.
"Did you sell the necklace for money?" she continued.
What is she talking about? Why would I steal from her?
"I didn't," I mouthed, moving my gaze away from her. I can't stand her.
"You took it and sold it. Are you planning your escape already? I heard you plan to leave the pack as soon as you turn eighteen."
What??
How did she know that? How did she find out about my plan? I never disclosed my intentions to anyone. Oh wait, I informed the Alpha. And I also gave Celeb a hint. But that was it. I don't think the Alpha told her; such matters are confidential.
Did Celeb tell her? But I never revealed the entire plan to him. How did she discover my plans?
"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied, still not looking at her. I want to leave the pack on the night of my birthday. I wish to disappear without any drama. I'm not asking for too much.
"You don't know? I went through your rags; I saw how you arranged them. The boy did not lie."
The boy? Is she referring to Celeb?
"I don't know what you're talking about. I always tidy my clothes," I repeated, standing my ground.
"Hm," she adjusted in her seat and continued filing her nails.
"How much is the necklace worth? Will it be enough to get you to the city? Do you want me to give you more cash?"
This is the problem with Madison: she loves taunting and mocking me. She never believes a word I say. She sees me as a nobody.
"I don't," I sighed.
"I told you yesterday, didn't I? You're not going anywhere. The head Alpha won't allow you to leave; my father already spoke to him."
What is she talking about? What does she mean by that?
Curious, I drew closer to her.
"What do you mean?" I questioned, now staring at her.
"Oh, now you're interested," she snickered. "You heard me; you're not leaving the pack. The head Alpha won't grant your request; my father visited him this morning."
What?!
"I begged my dad to make you stay. If you leave, I'll be quite bored. Don't you know this?"
What the heck is she saying right now? A scoff left my lips as I stared at her. She's a lunatic.
"You're the most interesting person in the world; your presence alone brightens my day. Do you want me to be sad? Why would you think of leaving?" She rolled her eyes.
I'm holding back because it's the right thing to do. If I react, I'll be falling straight into her trap. I must hold back.
But goodness, I am boiling inside. I want to strangle her. I wish I could watch her take her last breath.
She hates me, but she wants me to remain here so she can continue tormenting me. She's obsessed with the idea of seeing me in pain. I've never wronged Madison. I was always careful around her, even as a kid. I did everything I could to please her. I did everything my mother told me to do.
I could sing for her. Dance for her. Roll on the ground for her. She could even step on my body. I did everything! I've never offended her. Why does she enjoy seeing me in pain?
Why does she enjoy hurting me? And the fact that everyone in the pack sees her as an angel seriously irks me. She presents herself as an angel in public but torments me in secret.
No one would believe me even if I revealed her true nature. I'm so frustrated. This is very frustrating.
How did I end up in this house? Why did my mother do this to me?!