The Alpha's Abused Mate

Chapter 11

"What would I do without your smart mouth?"

The lyrics filled the room, wrapping around me like a hug. My body began to move on its own. Each step I took made the hurt in my heart a little lighter.

I did a pirouette feeling the air whip past my face as I spun, the world blurring for a moment before I found my center again.

The dance studio was my safe palce, the one place where I could let my emotions pour out freely. I'd been dancing since I could walk, and over the years, it became my therapy—my way of dealing with the chaos that life threw at me. It was my escape. Today, more than ever, I needed it.

"You've got my head spinning

No kidding

I can't pin you down"

My movements became more intense. Each step, each twirl, I did helped to get rid of the pain. The humiliation from earlier still burned in my chest, and the memory of my sister’s betrayal played over and over in my mind.

I leaped, pushing myself higher than before, as if I could leave all the hurt on the studio floor. I executed a slow controlled aeriel, landing perfectly on my feet.

"My head's underwater

But I'm breathing fine"

The studio was silent except for the sound of my breathing. I closed my eyes, allowing the music to guide me. The tears I’d been holding back finally broke free, streaming down my cheeks as I danced with everything I have left.

"You're crazy and I'm out of my mind"

I’d spent hours crying, hiding in the bathroom where no one could see me. But now, here in the dance studio, I had an outlet—a way to channel all the emotions I’d bottled up.

"Cause all of me loves all of you

All your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections"

I twirled again, the room spinning around me. My tears blurred but I kept going, pushing through the exhaustion. With each leap, I tried to let go of the emotions I felt.

"Cause you give me all of you

And I give me all of you

Uh oh"

The music swelled, reaching its peak. I poured everything into a series of arabesques. I twirled and leaped one final time, landing softly as the music faded into silence.

For a moment, I stood there, my chest heaving as I struggle to catch my breath. The tears had stopped, but the ache in my heart remainedd. Still, I felt lighter, as if a small piece of the weight I’d been carrying hd finally been lifted.

A soft clap broke the silence, startling me. I turned quickly to find Brandon standing at the studio’s entrance with a wide grin on his face.

“Wow,” he breathed in awe. “That was incredible, Rose.”

I managed a smile, still panting from the dance.

“Thanks,” I replied. “What are you doing here?”

“I was looking for you. School’s over.”

I blinked in surprise, realizing how much time has passed. “I must have lost track of time.”

He stepped closer, looking at me intensely.

“I can see why,” he said, smiling “You look good in those tights.”

I giggled “Shut up, you pervert.”

He laughed “What? It’s true. I still can’t get over how incredible you were.”

“How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough.” He looked off into space for a moment, then snapped his fingers as if he instantly came up with an idea. “How about we go to the park? We could just people-watch, you know. It might be good for you.”

I hesitated, considering his suggestion. The thought of returning to Alpha Kyle’s house, where I felt suffocated, made my chest tighten. A trip to the park sounded like exactly what I needed.

“Okay,” I agree, nodding. “That sounds nice.”

I walked over to the corner where my music box sat and switched it off, then grabbed my bag.

“I’m ready,” I said.

“Aren’t you going to change?”

I glanced down at my black leggings and white crop top, then shook my head. “No need to.”

He grinned. “Good. I prefer you like this anyway.”

I giggled again, and we left the studio together. He held me hand as we walked through the empty hallways. We talked and laughed as we walked.

When Brandon drove us to the park, the sun was low in the sky, making the scenery golden and even more beautiful.

As we strolled down the park, the laughter of children filled the air. In thatoment, I realized how much I needed this—a simple moment of peace.

We found a quiet spot near a pond where ducks sat on the water. We sat down on the grass, watching the scene before us. Brandon stretched out, closing his eyes and sighing in content.

“Do you come here often?” I asked softly.

“I do, especially when I need to think. Nature has a way of calming you down, don’t you think?”

I was silent for a moment, staring at the pond. His words echoed in my head. I realized that I’d never really had the chance to feel that kind of peace. My life has always been too chaotic, too full of responsibilities.

“I don’t know,” I whispered.

Brandon opened his eyes and turned his head to look at me. “Why do you say that?”

“I’ve never really felt at peace before,” I admitted, feeling tears in my eyes. I tried to blink them away, but one escaped, sliding down my cheek.

Brandon took my hand in his, his thumb gently caressing my skin.

“You will,” he said“I promise you will.”

I smiled through my tears, touched by his kindness. After a moment, I laid down beside him, and we both stared up at the sky, watching as an airplane flies above. We pointed at it and laughed, talking about the little things in life that made us happy. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt... Free.

We talked for what seemed like hours. The conversation flowed easily between us. Eventually, though, I knew it was time to leave. I didn't want to get in trouble with Alpha Kyle for staying out too late.

As we walked back to his car, we continued to talk. He drove me home, following my directions to the palace, and soon enough, we pulled up at the gates.

“Whoa!” Brandon exclaimed, taking in the place “Your place a literal mansion.”

“It’s not really my house,” I said. “I’m just staying with a friend.”

“It could pass as a hotel. How many people live here?”

“A lot.”

I glanced at him, feeling happy about everything that happened today.

“Thank you,” I said.

He looked puzzled. “For what?”

“For everything.”

He squeezed my hand “Anytime. If you ever need me, just call.”

“Too bad I don’t have a phone,” I joked.

Brandon pulled out a pen and a scrap of paper from his pocket, scribbling something down before handing it to me.

“Here,” he said, “That’s my number. Call me whenever you can.”

I quickly folded the paper and tucked it into my backpack “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

We sit in the car for a moment longer, neither of us wanting to say goodbye. But eventually, I knew I had to go.

“Bye,” I said, giving him a small wave as I opened the car door.

“Bye,” he mutters, watching me as I stepped out.

I waved one last time before heading inside, bracing myself for whatever awaited me.

The moment I stepped through the door, I came face to face with Alpha Kyle, and the look on his face was anything but welcoming.