Tasting 346

346–Handcuffed

Nora:

I passed out the moment their screams of praise grew louder. When I woke up, I was in my room,

confined to the bed, with a doctor tending to my wounds. I was given sedatives after the match so

that they could transfer me back easily. It is not like I was going to protest or anything but I guess

they were afraid of me after watching me kill that mutant monster.

“How long will it take for me to heal?” I asked the elderly man, his glasses resting on the bridge of

his nose. He glanced up, peering at me over the rim of his glasses while wrinkling his nose.

“Such a strong warrior, yet you’re concerned about your health?” he remarked with a chuckle. Then

he added, “Did you recently give birth?”

I hesitated for a moment before nodding.

“Hmm, you need plenty of rest. I’m also prescribing these vitamins–make sure you eat well,” he

said, oblivious to the fact that I couldn’t care for myself. I was merely a tool to bring wealth and

popularity to the pack. But I just gave him a small nod in response.

“I’ll be on my way now. They’re celebrating your victory outside, but I suppose you won’t be

attending,” he said, his words carrying a hint of mockery, though the sympathy in his eyes made me

wonder if he was truly concerned for me.

“Enjoy the feast,” I offered a faint smile, and he nodded before leaving. Once he was gone, I settled

back into the bed, the restraints preventing me from getting off bed.

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346 Handcuffed

11 298 Vouchers

The next day arrived, and they had planned a celebration for the victory.

I had no desire to be part of those festivities, except for one thing–I wanted my prize. My babies in

my arms. Restless, I spent most of the day tied to the bed until Rollo arrived.

He leaned against the doorframe, watching as I rolled my eyes at him.

“May I ask why I’m suddenly in handcuffs?” I groaned, turning my head to face him. He had been

quietly observing me from the doorway all this time. Creeping me out actually.

“Some pack members and council officials raised concerns that if you could kill a mutant, you might

also be dangerous to those around you,” he replied softly, as if he didn’t know I would never do that

because they have my babies?

“Oh! So when I win, it’s all thanks to Brody’s training, but now I’m accused of being too dangerous?

Why don’t they ask why Brody trained me to be so dangerous?” I raised an eyebrow. But when he

smiled and stepped closer, I sensed he wasn’t here with any ill intent.

“You’re not wrong. The hypocrisy has always been there. I really do feel sorry for you, Nora. But I

started hating you because of the way you came into the Alpha’s life and stole my sister’s crush.

However, after he ditched her, I realized it was never meant to be,” he explained. It finally made

sense why he had been so bitter toward Janet as well.

“When can I see my babies?” I wasn’t interested in having a heart–to–heart conversation with him.

My mind and heart had already given up on explaining to others how much pain and misery they

had inflicted on me.

“Soon. You just need to heal first,” he replied, dragging a chair from the side and sitting down.

“What’s your relationship like with the Alpha King brothers?”

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346 Handcuffed

208 Vouchers

Suddenly, everyone seemed to be bringing them up. Even the maids had started asking me the

same question.

“We’re just friends,” I muttered.

“I thought you’d call them your family. Didn’t Lord Atwood want to adopt you legally?” he questioned,

pushing his long hair back without even blinking.

“Yeah, I guess they wanted to experience having a stepsister around,” I shrugged.

“Does it hurt your feelings, what you’ve been through?” he asked, making me chuckle a bit.

“So, you agree that everything you all did to me was wrong?” My question made him break eye

contact. He averted his gaze, knowing full well it had been unjust.

“To be honest, I would have eventually discovered everyone’s true nature anyway. The only time I

truly suffer now is when I can’t hold my children,” I admitted sincerely.

After year of being a doormat for my stepbrothers, begging them to let me stay, I was over it all. I did

everything I could to mend our relationship. Today, I could proudly say that there was nothing more I

could’ve done to change the outcome of my tragic life.

“Do you know who the father of your children is?” Rollo’s next question didn’t surprise me at all.

I’d been asked that countless times now.

With a steady motion, I nodded before adding, “I assume he passed away.”

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