Chapter #9

A/N: Hey! THANK YOU SO FUCKING MUCH FOR ALL OF THE READS, MY GOODNESS! I'm so happy:) Fan, vote, comment. Please comment! I love comments. Tell me what you think!

*Edited*

Astrid's POV*

I hummed softly, stirring the noodles in the hot pot of water. I was almost done with the pasta- the sauce was completely ready, and the noodles were almost ready. Matt had wanted Alfredo tonight, so therefore I was cooking Alfredo.

Hearing the front door open, my eyes widened in fear. Supper wasn't ready- Matt always wanted supper ready the minute he got home! Quickly I threw the pasta into the strainer, being quick and a bit sloppy. I now shoved the newly-drained noodles into a large white bowl with gold rimmed edges. Pouring the alfredo sauce into the bowl I mixed it together. It didn't look beautiful, and the noodles weren't cooked all the way through, but it would just have to do for now.

"Astrid!" He roared. I sprinted to the dining room with the bowl in my arms, setting it down. I had already set the table to perfection, along with his glass of gin.

A bit much work for a 17 year old, really, but I had gotten used to it over the years.

He walked into the dining room menacingly, a calm look on his features. That's what scared me the most. Whenever he was really angered, he would always look cool and collected. But there's always calm before the storm.

"Alfredo?" He questions, causing me to nod fiercely.

"Yes sir." I replied firmly. He nodded, starting on his Alfredo pasta. "Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but may I please have something to eat?" I asked, my voice now small and timid.

He growled, his eyes snapping up to mine as he launched the silver fork across the room. I heard the loud 'Clank!' of the utensil hitting the wall, and I winced.

"How dare you interrupt me? More importantly, WHY ISN'T MY PASTA COOKED?!"

I was physically shaking now, looking up at him in fear.

He charged forward, his hand latching onto my throat as he slammed my back against the dark blue wall. He glowered at me, pulling his fist back and slamming it into my nose.

"No!" I cried, tears pouring down my face as he proceeded to beat me. "Please stop! Please Matt! It hurts! Matt!"

~*~

"Kitten! Kitten wake up! Baby, please! Wake up now!" My eyes shot open, sitting up quickly. I was panting,  sweat covered my body and tears ran down my flushed cheeks. I looked around frantically, looking for the source of the voice.

Finding Ash, I started to cry harder. He grabbed my waist, hauling me onto his lap. With his big strong arms wrapped securely around me, he murmured soothing words into my ear.

"Shh, baby. Shh. I'm here now, it was just a dream." His last sentence had me crying harder, shaking my head.

"No it wasn't!" I cried, "It all happened! It was real! It was M-M-Ma-tt-t" He growled softly, obviously trying to contain his anger.

"He will never fucking touch you again," He ground out, tightening his grip on my body. I cuddled into him, my tears ceasing finally. My arms wound their way around his neck, pulling him closer.

He nuzzled his face into my neck, placing light kisses to the skin. I shivered at the touch, pulling back and pressing my lips to his soft pink ones. He responded immediately, kissing me back. The kiss was soft and gentle, loving and caring.

When we finally pulled apart, I pecked him once more on the lips.

"I love you," I whispered. I was still cradled in his big muscular arms, and I loved every bit of it.

"I love you too, Kitten. I love you so much.." He murmured, whispering the last part. I snuggled deeper into his embrace. "Do you want to watch TV?" He asked casually, causing my eyes to practically pop out of my head.

"S-Seriously?" I choked. His eyebrows furrowed together into a frown, obviously confused.

"It's just TV, babe.." He trailed off, until his own eyes widened with realization. "Haven't you ever watched TV?"

I shook my head, still entranced by the idea of watching television. "Are you kidding?" I shook my head once again, my eyes finally landing on the large TV in the bedroom.

I jumped as a deep growl bubbled from Asher's lips. "What did he let you do?" He snarled. I knew he was beyond angry and trying to tame it, but I also knew that no matter what happened, he would never hurt me.

Looking down, I hesitated from answering his question.

"He let me cook and clean," I spoke finally, my voice quiet and shaky. "and one time he let me make a phone call, I think."

"Baby, you need to tell me his full name and where he lives." His voice was strained, and I could feel him shaking behind me.

My gaze snapped up to his, and I shook my head fiercely. "No! No no no no. If you knew, you'd go after him and he would kill you and then you'd be gone and then he'd come after me again and I know he already is and I can't lose you and.."

"Shh, Kitten. Shh," He murmured, pulling me closer. "You know I'd never let him touch you, and believe me- He couldn't kill me," I squeezed my watery eyes shut, trying to calm my breathing.

Nodding, I pulled back and pecked his lips lightly. "Um, can we have something to eat?" I asked timidly, my cheeks burning a deep shade of scarlet.

His deep chuckle filled the room, causing me to blush deeper.

"You don't have to ask, Baby." He informs me, still amused. Scooping me into his muscular arms, he carries me downstairs and into the large kitchen. He set me down on the counter, kissing my forehead and walking over to the fridge.

"Have you ever had eggs and bacon?" He asked carefully, looking at me over his shoulder.

"No," I whispered, embarrassed and ashamed. He growled softly, and I felt the familiar tingles as he placed a finger under my chin, forcing me to look back up at him.

"Don't look away from me. It's not your fault. It was never your fault," He told me seriously, whispering the last part. Nodding slightly, I wrapped my arms around his neck, burying my face into his chest.

~*~

*Ash's POV*

After breakfast, we had decided to go into the living room and have her experience television.

It angered me to no end knowing that the stupid prick hadn't even let her watch TV. What the hell was wrong with him? I had tapped into her thoughts during the nightmare she had and saw it all. She had said it was real, too. How the fuck could he do that to such an innocent girl?

Astrid was completely entranced in the movie we were watching- Finding Nemo. It hurt to know she'd never seen it, and that she'd only used a phone once. She deserved every goddamn thing she could get- not what that prick had given her.

Her small giggle brought a large smile to my lips, my wolf purred at the sound. He had never once purred throughout my entire life- God, I was whipped.

"Is that a bad thing?" She asked quietly, her voice shaky with uncertainty and a bit of fear.

Frowning, I don't know what the hell she's talking about.

'She read your mind,' My wolf reminds me, and my squinted eyes suddenly widen.

"No, Baby! No no no! Of course not!" I reassure her, peppering light kisses all over her beautiful face.

"Are you s-sure?" She whimpered, and I nodded once more.

"Yes, Kitten. It's a wonderful thing."