Chapter 8

Octavia:

The trees around me towered over me like skyscrapers as I dashed around them, running for my life. The cold crisp air nipped at my fur but it didn't phase me. My fur was thick and warm. My paws practically melted the snow underneath them. I pushed my self to run faster. I felt a heavy pressure on me. I was scared.

"Run, Octavia." A deep voice growled out.

A small whimper slipped out of my snout as I pushed even harder and faster. This was as fast as I could go. I didn't know what I was running for. Or better yet, who I was running from.

"Octavia." He said once more. And like a flash of light he appeared in front of me. His dark greying hair was slicked back and his forest green eyes were focused on me. Dad?

I quickly halted to a stop so that I wouldn't run into him. I wanted to speak to him but I couldn't. All that came out was small whimpers and barks. I tried to shift but something was keeping me like this.

There was a long howl, not far from us. More wolves were on their way and I felt the overwhelming fear that was pushing me to run rise again. But I couldn't leave my father here alone. I desperately wanted to hug him and tell him how much I love him.

"He's come for you Octavia." Was the last thing he said before a large grayish black wolf jumped over him casting him in a shadow and away from my sight. Just as he was about to land on me I let out an ear piercing scream and closed my eyes tightly.

"Octavia."

"Octavia, it's okay. I'm here, calm down." His hands rubbed up and down my arms smoothly, sending a soft current across my skin. My head was resting on his chest, moving with the rise and fall of his breaths. His heart beat was strong and steady, it was so soothing I almost fell back into the darkness I came out from. "It was just a dream."

I lift my head off of his chest, but he sat up with me. A concerned look painted his face as his eyes scanned over me quickly. My throat felt drier than a desert, it's practically going to catch fire. I swallowed roughly hoping maybe some saliva might help but my mouth was quite dry as well.

Ajax leaned over and handed me a tall glass of water and I gladly excepted it. I drank the whole thing in two gulps, a few drops of water spilling over my lips. I barely even noticed until Ajax wiped his thumb across my chin.

I still hadn't mustered up the courage to look at him. I'll admit that I was a little scared to see what his icy blue eyes held. He had saved me from being violated for the second time, but this time was different. He was actually taking care of me and nursing me back to health. I was sat in his lap, his arm securely wrapped around me.

"Octavia," He spoke, his deep smooth voice bringing me back and away from my thoughts. I look up at him, his usual icy blue eyes were a bit darker and on the warmer side. He seemed stressed and tired, almost as if he had gotten no sleep.

Wait, what time is it? What happened? I looked around to find that we're home. We're sitting on my bed, in my room. I couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh. I glanced over at the clock to find that it was 8:37pm. The whole day had passed and I was a sleep for most of it. My head felt foggy and heavy, like I couldn't keep it up on my own.

I look back at Ajax, a thought crossing my mind. How badly had he hurt the vile man who attacked me? A flash back of my first attackers limp body hanging over me floated around in my head for a moment before I shook off the shiver that ran down my back.

"D-Did you kill him?" My voice was hoarse and it came out as more of a whisper. I cleared my throat as I awaited his answer. I kind of sounded like a man and it was a bit embarrassing. Ajax's grip on me tightened, bringing me flush against his chest. He kissed the crown of my head, surprising me before breathing in my scent. He was being kind and gentle? Who is this man and what has he done with Ajax?

"I almost did, but there are consequences to killing an Alpha that I do not need at the moment. I didn't want his father coming for you here and starting a war."

"So, he's okay?" I asked warily. The thought of him just walking around perfectly fine gave me goosebumps. He was rambling about so many strange things before he hurt me, there was no guarantee that he would just drop this and leave me alone.

"No, I beat the living fuck out of him. He'll be lucky if he's up and walking within the week." He said as his hands began to rub my back soothingly. It felt a bit strange to be in this position with him. It was like he actually cared. As if he actually liked me and didn't take me away from family just for revenge against my father.

I let out a frustrated sigh and lifted my hand up to run my fingers through my hair, but I froze instantly. "What is this?" I asked examining the white bandage that was wrapped around both of my wrists. What the hell?

"The pack healer believes that Brandon's claws were laced with wolfsbane," Ajax said coldly as he removed the blanket that was covering my legs, revealing my ankles that were also bandaged up. A horrible flash back of his hands wrapping around my ankles and pulling me back towards him sprung into my mind, making me feel sick.

"The pack healer also believes that he slipped you a type of sedative that is commonly used on humans who have insomnia, but that it was also laced with wolfsbane. Which makes it more effective on us."

I could feel my palms begin to sweat as my vision blurred over for a moment. I gripped Ajax's shirt as cold shiver ran down my spine and a thin layer of sweat began to coat my body. "Ajax, I'm gunna vomit." I choked out as my gag reflex started to kick in.

He was up in a flash, carrying me to the bathroom. His quick movements made me feel even more sick. He placed me down in front of the toilet and the vomit spilled out of my mouth. I hadn't had much to eat so my stomach was mostly empty causing the vomit to consist of just liquids.

Ajax squatted down beside me and pulled my hair back while rubbing my back as I finished puking my brains out. I groaned as I flushed the toilet and sat back. "This completely disgusting and you didn't have to stay." I say as he helped me off of the ground and over to the sink. I rinse my mouth with some water before swishing some mouthwash around in my mouth. I once read somewhere that it's bad to brush your teeth after vomiting, something about the acidity and how it stays on your teeth.

"I did have to stay because you can't move on your own with two hurt ankles." I roll my eyes and lean off the counter and try to take a step forward and completely fail and almost fall to the ground. Ajax caught me just in time and lifted me up as if I were a child. His forearm rest underneath my bum, and I wrapped my legs around his torso afraid that he might accidentally drop me.

"You know I'm not five years old, right?" I tease lazily as I rest my heavy head on his shoulder and wrap my arms around his neck. Why is he so tall? He smells so good. My wolf was howling inside at the proximity of our mate.

"You do realize you're acting like you're five by clinging onto me, right?" He walked out of the bathroom and began moving to the door of my bedroom.

"I'm not clinging! I just don't want you to accidentally drop me, duh." I say with a bit of sass lacing my voice. The mansion was quiet as we entered the dimly lit hallway. I never would of thought I would be so relieved to be back here. I felt... safe.

"I could pick you up with my pinky and not drop you." He scoffs arrogantly as we descend the stairs and make our way over to the kitchen. I playfully roll my eyes at his words.

His sits me down on the island and moves over to the fridge. I shiver at the absence of his warmth. I looked down to find myself in a large black t-shirt, that must've been his because I've never seen it before. I hope I'm wearing shorts underneath this and I really hope it was Cipher who changed me. Speaking of which, I miss her so much.

"How's Cipher?" I ask as I watch him dig through the cabinets trying to find something. He gave me a small roll of the eyes, but I could help but laugh a little.

"She was the biggest pain in my ass when we got back. If I would've allowed it she'd probably be here making sure you don't move a muscle so you don't get hurt."

"She's sweet." I mentioned, he should be happy that his sister is willing to be so gracious and helpful. Family is something that I value so much. It's very close to my heart.

"Yeah," He grumbled as he pulled out a box of plain crackers. "She's too sweet, especially towards you." Wait... what?

"You can't seriously believe that your sister would ever make a move on me, right?" I giggle and watch as he shrugs his shoulders casually and begins to wash some fruit that he retrieved from the fridge.

"Until you started living here I never really talked to my sister. We're not that close, not the way we used to be."

I was shocked to say the least. I guess I never really thought too much about Ajax's relationship with his sister. I guess I just assumed all siblings were close because well... they're siblings. I was also shocked because he was beginning to open up to me a bit.

"What happened that caused you guys to not be so close?" I ask, I was feeling sympathetic towards him. It hurts to know that not everyone has a great relationship with their family.

"Octavia, there's a lot of things you don't know about Cipher and I. Our family is no where near as great as yours." He sighed heavily and turned around handing me some water and plate of fruit and crackers. "Eat lightly, just in case you feel sick later."

"How would you know if my family was great or not?" It was rude of him to just assume that I had a perfect family and that we didn't have struggles. I'll admit that we didn't have many and the majority of the struggles fell upon the eldest, Orion. They fell upon him because he was to be the next leader and most of our struggles were pack related.

"That's a story for another time, Octavia. I'm not just going to spill all of my dirty secrets to you in one night."

My eyebrows come together in frustration. "Well, why not? You brought me here against my will and put me in harms way multiple times!" I was practically seething. All I wanted was answers. Was that really too much to ask for?

"Enough Octavia!" He growled out loudly. I couldn't help but flinch and cover my face with my arm, scared that he might hurt me. I didn't really know what to expect anymore. I lower my arm after a few moments of silence to find him looking at me. For once his face wasn't expressionless, he looked hurt. He seemed disappointed as his ocean blue eyes took in my reaction.

"I... I wasn't going to hurt you." He mumbled leaning against the counter. He let out a heavy sigh as he rubbed his eyes. He must be exhausted after all the events today held. "It was never my intention to hurt you... ever. It's just your father, you remind me of him and I get so angry. And now this stupid ass mate bond..."

"But you did hurt me. You gave me a reason to fear you Ajax. I don't know what you have against my father, but it certainly has nothing to do with me and I don't think I should be the one to suffer." I watch as he looks down ashamed. I've never seen him like this. I was surprised to see so much emotion in him. Or any emotion that wasn't anger.

"Great. I've become just like him." He let's out low growl once more before turning around and smashing his fist into the counter, causing me to flinch again. Just like who? What is he talking about?

"Ajax," I whisper softly, not wanting to anger him further. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing, Octavia. Please eat, so that I can get you back to bed. I'm tired." He turns around, his face void of emotion once more. I knew that he wouldn't tell me anymore so I drop the subject and eat a little. I downed the whole water bottle, not even leaving a drop left.

Once I was finished he cleaned up after me. We sat in silence the whole time. I didn't know what to say to him. I felt somewhat guilty for prying into his personal life, but at the same time I knew I deserved answers.

Ajax lifted me up, wordlessly. He was carrying me like a child once more and I didn't dare complain. He turned the light off in the kitchen before descending up the stairs. Only, he didn't stop at the second floor where my room was located. He continued to go up to the third floor.

I've always been curious as to what it looked like up here. I wanted to ask so many questions like, Why are we going upstairs? Why not my room? Are we going to your room? Where will I sleep? But I decided that keeping my mouth shut would be the best option.

The hallway was just like the second floor hallway. Only there was less doors. There were two doors to the left and one door on the right. Ajax moved towards the door on the right. His room.

I think it's safe to say that I was completely shook. The room was large and extremely modern looking. I hadn't expected it to be so clean and crisp looking. The room was much larger than mine. The entire wall to the left was replaced with glass. You could see the entire backyard and forest from here. In the middle, pressed up against the back wall was a large king sized bed with maroon colored sheets and pillows. On each side was a glass night stand. On the right side were two white doors that probably led to the closet and bathroom. Off to the side was a sitting area, with a large flat screen tv, and white couch and two arm chairs that surround a glass coffee table.

Ajax walked over towards the bed and sat me down carefully before leaving and entering his closet. He was no longer wearing the suit that adorned his body earlier. He had on a white t-shirt and casual shorts. I looked around the room in awe once more, the white walls made the space look even bigger than what it was. I ran my hand over the soft duvet. His scent was everywhere driving me mad. He smelled delicious, almost like chocolate but more manly. I'm sure that made absolutely no sense.

He emerged from the closet wearing nothing but a pair of grey sweatpants. His top half was completely naked revealing his chiseled chest and taut muscles. I could feel my lips part slightly, just waiting for the drool to spill over. I tore my eyes away and focus my vision else where.

I watched has he moved over to the sitting area and grab something before making his way over to me. "You can stay up and watch some tv, if you'd like. But I'm exhausted and going to sleep." He handed me the remote to the tv before rearranging the pillows and pulling back the duvet. "If you need anything, just wake me up. If it's past twelve am there will be a guard posted outside the door, you can also ask him."

I nod my head at his words, watching him carefully. He truly did seem exhausted and maybe that was the reason for all of his kindness today. He was probably too tired to fight the bond that he has enforced upon us. I was disappointed to say the least. Ever since my first shift all I could imagine was heart warming love that would consume me when I found my mate. But instead I've got abuse, hostility and anger. None of which I deserve. I could feel my heart sink in my chest.

Ajax turned to me and lifted me up, sitting me up against the headboard of the bed. He covered me with the blanket before turning off all the lights in the room beside the one that sat next to me on the night stand.

He climbed into bed, pulling the covers over his chest as he lay in the middle. His back was towards me, I watched him for moment. I didn't know why or what I was expecting but it's like I couldn't look away. So I simply watched as his toned back expanded with every breath. He seemed to fall asleep quickly while I, on the other hand, was restless.

I finally decided to turn on the tv and watch Reign of course. This show was so good and I needed something to take my mind off of all the events that happened today. Time seemed to pass quickly, it was nearly one o'clock in the morning.

I was watching episode nine or ten but I couldn't really remember at this point. The radicals had planned an attack on the castle. When they reached the chambers of queen Mary I began to feel uneasy. I could feel Ajax stir in his sleep beside me but I pay him no mind as one of the radicals struck queen Mary in the face causing me to flinch and coward back. The uneasy feeling began to grow inside me, spreading through out my body as the man began to violate her.

I turned it off immediately as hot tears began to roll down my face. I felt sick once more as I choked back a sob. I pushed the covers off of me carefully not wanting to disturb the man sleeping besides me. I tried to wipe away the tears but it was useless, more and more continued to spill out as horrid flash backs danced through my mind.

My wrist felt like they were on fire, I unwrapped the bandages to see the deep cuts. They should've been healed by now. I checked on my ankles to see that they were doing much better than my wrists. I slipped off of the large bed and held on to the bed post for dear life.

I tested out my ankles by putting some of my weight on, it stung but it was bearable. I didn't want to be carried around like a helpless child. I tried my best to stop crying but a steady flow of tears continued to trickle down my cheeks. I limped my way over to the couch and curled up into a ball. I grabbed the blanket that was draped over the seat as decor and pulled it over my shivering body.

I couldn't believe all the horrible events that have happened to me since I left my home that night. I wanted nothing more than to reverse time and ignore my brothers warnings. He told me I needed to leave, that it wasn't safe. But I haven't been safe since.

I closed my eyes tightly, willing and hoping to stop crying. I was afraid that I might make too much noise and wake Ajax or cause enough suspicion for the guard to enter. I buried my face into the couch and awaited for the darkness to consume and relieve me of reality for a few hours.

***

I awoke to the sunlight beaming across my face. I turned my back towards it and sunk deeper into the mattress and pulled the duvet closer to my body. Wait... I sat up quickly and looked around surprised to find myself in his bed. He must've moved me. I look at the clock to find that it was 8:27am and Ajax was no where in the room.

I could hear some chit chat going on outside of the door before Cipher poked her head through. She gave me a warm smile her bluish green eyes were bright and enthusiastic. "Hey!" She greeted me as she slipped through the door and made her way over to me. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine." I tried my best to return a smile that was as bright as hers but I can tell I failed. Her eyes roamed my face carefully. I probably looked absolutely disgusting. My eyes are probably red and puffy from crying and my cheeks must be tear stained.

"May I?" She asks pointing at the bandages on my wrist. I nod my head, glad that she asked for my permission to touch me. She unwrapped them carefully and sighing when she found that they were no where near healed. She examined my ankles as well and we were both surprised to find them perfectly fine. I was beyond relieved.

Cipher disappeared into the bathroom to find new bandages to wrap my wrist with. She told me she had gave me a bath yesterday and made sure to clean my hair as well. I felt better knowing that I didn't have any of that sick mans germs all over me.

"Thank you," I said has she finished wrapping both my wrist. "For everything." Cipher has truly been an angel to me from the moment I got here and I know that this whole experience could've been a lot worse without her.

"Of course, you're my sister in law and my Luna. It is my duty to take care of you. No matter what." I smiled and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her in for a hug. She giggled before giving me a small kiss on forehead.

"Now come on," She ordered extending her hand. "Let's get dressed for the day, our mother is dying to see you. I told her to wait down stairs because I didn't want to overwhelm you."

I took her hand and allowed her to lead me out of the room. The guards bowed their heads respectfully as we passed them and made our way down the stairs and to my bedroom. "Go wash your face and stuff. I'll pick out an outfit for you."

"Pick something comfortable please!" I call out as she disappears into the closet. I turn the bathroom light on and practically jump in fear at the horror that is my face. The bags underneath my eyes were bigger than slugs and my cheeks were pale, my bottom lip looks cracked and raw from biting on it to hold back my sobs. I tear my eyes away from the mirror and began to brush my teeth before scrubbing my face clean.

I leave to find Cipher digging through my closet. "Here," She says tossing me a pair of high waisted leggings. Thank the lord! She's actually gunna let me dress comfortably. I remove my shorts and pull on the stretchy material. Once they're on I smooth them out and make sure they aren't twisted or anything. "Ooo, I love this! Here put it on!" She turns to me holding a cropped Tommy Hilfiger sweater. I smile sadly at the piece of clothing. It was truly Siren's sweater but she let me borrow it and it's just so comfy I never gave it back.

"I love it too." I laugh a little before pulling it on. I threw on some running shoes to completely the outfit. We exit the closet and I remove my hair from the bun I put in last night. I run my fingers through a few times, not really caring how it fell.

I was feeling much better already. Cipher and I finally made it down to the first level of the mansion to find Christina in the kitchen making breakfast. My stomach growled loudly, announcing our presence.

"Oh dear!" Christina said surprised as she rushed over to me. She looked hesitant to touch me so I gave her a small smile and grabbed her hand. She ran her thumb over the back of my hand. "I was so worried about you. How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay now. I feel much better." I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. It was a lie, although it was nice to have people here who actually care for me and seemed concerned for my well being. It made me feel... at home.

The picture above the chapter:

This is what imagined Octavia to look like. I don't really know who the girl in the photo is so I apologize for that. But as I've mentioned before you are free to imagine the characters to look however you please!

Octavia's outfit:

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