THE SILENT REBELLION

Chapter 15

His grip on me was suffocating, and when he pressed his groin into me, I realized with horror just how much he was enjoying this struggle. "If I bed you," he sneered, his voice dripping with perverse satisfaction, "you'll have to mate me to avoid the shame."

"I would rather live with the shame," I shot back, venom lacing my words. My voice trembled, but I didn't waver. "You would suffer from it more than I."

His cruel laughter echoed around the room as he ground his hips against me, igniting a wave of revulsion so strong I felt bile rise in my throat. "Oh no, sweet Greta," he mocked, his grin twisted and demented. "I'll put all the blame on you, make you out to be the w***e who tempted me like a siren. After all, everyone knows how disruptive and rebellious you are."

His arm snaked around me like a choking vine, and he pulled me closer, his body crushing mine. His hands roamed over me, violating the sanctity of my skin. "I’ll take you right here, right now," he threatened, his voice a sickening whisper, "and tell everyone you were just trying to get out of your punishment."

Panic gripped me, a cold, immobilizing fear that made my body quake. I thrashed desperately, using every ounce of strength I had to break free. In my frantic state, I thought I saw a shadow move past the window, a flicker of hope that someone, anyone, might come to my aid. I screamed, my voice raw with terror, as his hand slithered up my thigh, lifting the bottom of my dress.

"NO! Get off me! GET OFF ME!" My cries were frantic, tearing at my throat. I prayed that someone would hear me. But he only laughed, a vile, satisfied sound that cut through my hope.

"Oh, this will be sweet," he whispered in my ear, his breath hot and foul. "I wonder if you’ll be as good as your mother."

Everything around me froze.

Time itself came to a standstill.

My mind reeled as his words sank in. My mother… She never told me. She never said… He had r***d her?

The truth came crashing down, splintering every cherished story I’d ever heard about my mother’s brave escape. Her sudden decision to leave wasn’t just romantic and daring; it was an escape from a monster.

A wave of nausea surged up, and before I could stop it, I vomited all over him. Chunks of my lunch splattered across his clothes. He recoiled with a shocked curse, giving me just enough time to break free. I stumbled toward the door, unbolting it with fumbling hands and running as fast as my wobbly legs would carry me.

My grandfather's office was my sanctuary, and I flung myself inside without knocking, slamming the door behind me. But he wasn’t there. The room was empty, and my heart sank. Where was he?

Shaking, I curled up under his massive wooden desk, pressing myself into the shadows. The door creaked open, and heavy footsteps crossed the room. My breath caught in my chest. Was it Jeremy? Please, no. Silver, my wolf, was pacing and whimpering within me, her instincts tangled in my fear.

The footsteps drew closer, and I stuffed my hands into my mouth to muffle my breathing. My lungs burned, and it felt impossible to draw air as I waited, dreading the moment I’d be discovered.

"Greta?" my grandfather’s deep, authoritative voice broke the tension. Relief washed over me so powerfully I almost wept. "What are you doing under my desk?"

I crawled out, my body still trembling. Tears streamed down my face, and I was a mess of bruises, torn fabric, and tangled hair. I must have looked pitiful. I reeked of vomit and fear.

"Base-Beta Jeremy attacked me," I whispered, my voice cracking.

His eyes darkened, and his mouth set in a grim line. "When did this happen?" he demanded.

"Just now, in the kitchen," I said, choking on the memory. "He said he was going to force me to… to mate him, so I’d have no choice." My lip quivered, and I struggled to keep myself together.

My grandfather’s brows knitted into a furious line. "Did he succeed?" His question cut through me, sharp and merciless.

I shook my head, my heart crumbling at his lack of warmth. "No," I whispered, wondering why he would even ask that. All I needed was comfort, for someone to tell me it would be okay.

"This is a serious accusation," he said slowly. "Are you sure you didn’t lead him on in any way?"

"No!" I protested, the anguish bubbling up in my throat. "I hate him! I’ve always found him repulsive. How could I ever…?" Tears clogged my voice as I saw doubt flicker in his eyes. "Grandfather, please," I begged. "Look at me. Look at what he did." I rolled up my sleeves, revealing the red welts and finger marks that marred my skin.

He examined the evidence, his expression impassive. "I see," he finally said. "You have some compelling marks, but I need to hear Jeremy’s side before I make any ruling. Go clean yourself up and return to the kitchen. Your punishment still stands. I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you."

I stared at him, stunned. Was that it? Was that really all he had to say?

His expression softened a fraction. "I’m sorry you’re hurt, Greta, but we need dinner prepared. If you still need comfort afterward, seek out your grandmother. That’s what a Luna is for."

Silver let out a growl in my mind, full of rage and disbelief. I reached out to her, brushing my hand over her soft fur, grateful she was there. She nuzzled me, a small comfort in the darkness.

Head bowed, I left the office, each step heavy with disappointment. As I walked down the hall, I heard my grandfather over the intercom, summoning Jeremy to his office. The thought of encountering him again made my blood run cold, and I hurried to the bathroom.

I scrubbed myself raw under scalding water, trying to cleanse away the filth and fear. Afterward, I crept through the house like a shadow, every corner a potential threat. My senses were on high alert, Silver’s abilities amplifying my awareness.

When I finally reached the kitchen, I locked the door behind me, heart hammering. My iPod lay on the counter, and fresh tears sprang to my eyes. I wrapped the cord around it and set it aside. Blocking out my senses was no longer an option. I had to stay vigilant.

Silver whined apologetically, but I hugged her within my mind. *It’s not your fault, Wolfie.* I tried to reassure her. *We thought we were safe. It’s not our fault.* I buried my face in her fur, clinging to her warmth. *I love you, Silver. Thank you for protecting me.*

She nuzzled me back, offering what little comfort she could. But there was no time to linger. We had a job to do, and time was slipping away. With Silver’s strength flowing through me, I worked quickly, preparing dinner as efficiently as I could.

Just as I was placing the homemade garlic bread in the oven, a loud knock rattled the door. My heart stuttered, and I reached out with Silver’s senses. Relief washed over me when I realized it was my friends, the Loyal Starfish.

I unlocked the door, and Bee burst in, her grin fading the moment she saw my bruised face. The rest of the group followed, their expressions mirroring hers.

"What happened?" Joan whispered, horror-stricken.

"Base-Beta Jeremy," I murmured, my voice small.

"No!" Sophie gasped, eyes wide with disbelief.

I recounted the ordeal, my voice wavering but growing steadier with their unwavering support. Unlike my grandfather, they believed me. Their sympathy and anger on my behalf lifted some of the crushing weight from my chest.

"We’d better get to work," I sniffled, wiping away tears. "We can’t afford to be late with dinner."

They nodded, springing into action. Together, we set the table and finished the meal. But my mind wasn’t at ease. I had to know if Jeremy would be punished. I approached my grandfather’s office, hand raised to knock, when I heard the low rumble of male voices inside.

Silver listened with me, and our hearts sank when we heard Jeremy’s smug tone. It sounded like a casual conversation, not the interrogation I’d hoped for. My chest tightened with dread.

I turned to leave, but the door swung open. Jeremy stepped out, a smirk twisting his lips. "Ah, Greta," he drawled, satisfaction oozing from his every word. "I explained everything to the Alpha. He understands now. Naughty girl, telling such tall tales." His hand reached out, and he traced the bruise on my cheek, making my skin crawl.

"Don’t touch me," I hissed, pushing his hand away. I brushed past him and entered the office, seeking the safety of my grandfather’s presence.

The Alpha’s expression was harsh. "I’ve heard the truth, Greta," he said coldly. "You disrespected Base-Beta Jeremy.