THE SILENT REBELLION

Chapter 14

Base-Beta Jeremy

The afternoon found me in the kitchen, lost in my own world as I danced around, preparing for dinner. The music blasted in my ears, the beat driving me as I chopped, stirred, and hummed along. It was my escape, my moment to forget everything else.

After my impromptu dance session, I handed off the laundry duty to my newly dubbed *Loyal Starfish* and went to my room to charge my iPod. I’d been without it for what felt like forever, and I was eager to dive back into my music, but it was dead. Typical. So, I settled into a quiet patience while I waited for it to charge.

The morning had been spent at the medical tent, where Dr. Spencer was surprisingly talkative. He’d been more than happy to see me speaking again. During my punishment, he’d ignored me completely, which had been difficult. But now, he talked non-stop about his children, especially his son, who was excelling in school. Dr. Spencer hoped his son would follow his path into science.

When I asked about his daughter’s interests, he shrugged. “She’s more her mother’s responsibility than mine.”

The words hit me like a slap, and I had to fight the urge to let my temper explode. Instead, I kept my cool and made a passing comment about how his daughter could always use science for nursing, which seemed to be the only career path allowed for women in their world. But Dr. Spencer just dismissed it, turning the conversation back to his son’s sporting achievements.

I sighed inwardly. It didn’t matter right now. What mattered was that I was free for a while to enjoy something as simple as cooking, and, even better, music. The thought of listening again made my heart race with anticipation.

The ingredients I had to work with were limited, but I decided on a rich bolognese. The last meal had been a sad excuse for a stew, and I was determined to make something better. It felt like a personal challenge to inject some flavor into this place, and maybe, just maybe, make meals a little more bearable for everyone.

As I chopped the onions and garlic, Silver—my loyal wolf—huffed and disappeared from the kitchen. She couldn’t stand the smell of onions.

The door creaked, and I turned, sensing a presence behind me. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Base-Beta Jeremy standing in the doorway, a sickening smirk on his face. My stomach churned. He slid the bolt home, trapping me in the kitchen.

I looked at him coolly, masking my growing unease. "What can I help you with, Jeremy?"

"How lovely it is to hear your speaking voice for the first time, my beautiful Greta." He stepped into the room, a disgusting smile creeping across his face. "I’ve been waiting for this moment."

I backed up slowly, my skin crawling as he closed the distance between us. My eyes darted to the knife on the counter, my mind racing with the possibility of using it if necessary.

"I have to cook dinner, Jeremy. I don't have time for small talk," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. But my hands trembled as he stepped closer.

"But Greta," he cooed, voice dripping with mock sweetness. "This is the first time I’ve heard your voice. The only other time I heard you speak was when you screamed on that stage."

His eyes darkened with a hint of disappointment. "Tut, tut, Greta. That was a poor introduction, don’t you think?"

I clenched my jaw, my heart racing. "I’m not sorry I fought back," I shot back, my voice hoarse with anger.

Jeremy’s grin widened as he eyed my collar. "I think it looks very attractive on you, my dear." He reached for it, but I slapped his hand away. His grin shifted into something more sinister.

He took another step forward, and I pressed myself against the counter, my breath shallow. I could feel the heat from his body radiating in the space between us.

His fingers grazed the leather of my collar, and I recoiled, feeling a shiver run down my spine. I moved to push his hand away, but he caught my wrist, shaking his finger at me like I was a child.

"You know," he said softly, his voice low and predatory. "It’ll look much better when it has my name on it."

The words hit me like a physical blow, and horror flooded through me. He wanted to claim me. He wanted to mate me.

My throat closed up in disgust. "Eurgh, never," I spat, pulling my wrist free and turning my head away from him.

But he wasn’t done. His hand tightened around my wrist, and he twisted my arm behind my back with a cruel efficiency. I kept my other hand steady, gripping the knife, ready to defend myself if needed.

His other hand went to my hair, yanking my head back sharply. I gasped as his lips touched my ear, and I felt his hot breath sending chills down my spine.

"It will look better when it has my name on it," he murmured again, as though it were an inevitable truth. I tried to twist away from him, but his hold was too strong.

I gagged as he dragged his lips along my neck, a slimy, disgusting trail that made me want to vomit. "Did you just lick me?" I yelled, struggling to break free.

Jeremy only laughed, his grip tightening, and I felt his other hand slide lower, trying to pin me further against the counter. My head swam with fear and disgust.

Silver growled, standing protectively behind me, but the force of Jeremy’s power pushed her back. I was terrified. Jeremy was stronger, and there was no way I could escape without a fight. But I wasn’t going to go down without one.

"Feisty, like your mother," he taunted, his eyes gleaming. "I can’t wait to see how it translates when we’re mated."

I gagged as he pressed his lips against mine, his body forcing mine backward, and I had no space to move, no room to breathe.

Tears welled in my eyes, and I struggled with everything I had. "I will not be your mate, Jeremy," I managed to spit out through clenched teeth.

His eyes darkened. "You’ll learn to obey me, Greta," he growled. "You’ll learn what it means to please me."

I wriggled beneath his hold, desperate to get free. "Never," I hissed. "I’d rather die than be your mate."

His hand tightened on my wrist, and I fought back with all my strength. But this time, I wasn’t going to let him win. I wouldn’t let him take me without a fight.