SLAVE TO THE MATE BOND

||*RHIAMON*|| They are at it again, arguing. That's all they do, all they know how to do. When the noise of the door shaking against its hinge started, I knew it was that time of the year. The annual round up, the guards are here again, while I am told to stay locked in my closet. 'Do not make a sound, don't even breathe. Just stay there while we sort it out.' Those are the words my step-mother would always say with scornful eyes, glaring at me. Over the years, I've come to learn that these words aren't out of concern or love for me. No, it wasn't because she cared about what would happen to me if I got chosen. That was far-fetched, it's all because they needed me here, to clean the house, do the chores, and cook their food. That has been the only reason they always try to evade the guards every year. "We can't let her go yet." I heard my step-mom's voice raging from their room. "Sharon, do you know how much it costs to keep the guards quiet every year? I am tired of wasting my money on her. What good is her presence here? She should at least use her body to bring honour to this family." My father spat, in an agitated voice and I sighed. Clamping my hands over my ears, not that it would help. "Who will do the chores, or clean the house when she's gone? Don't expect me to take up her duties. I am your mate, not your maid. She is staying and that is final. I need her here, the girls need her to do their laundry. We can send her away when she's twenty-five." The growl that bounced off the walls was enough to know father wasn't in sync with his mate this time. "She is twenty-one, it would cost me a million silver to buy her freedom again this year. I am not wasting that much money on her. The girls are seventeen, they should learn how to wash their clothes, and do common house chores. When the guards return, you will present her. This discussion has come to an end!" Father declared with finality in his voice, and I listened for his retreating footsteps away from the room. "Jeffery, come back here. This discussion is not over. Jeffery, you fuc.ker." My step-mom screeched, and I knew her usual tantrum would follow. Sounds of items breaking echoed through the thin walls of the house. She does this all the time. Whenever she loses control of a situation, she destroys things, the noise of her screeching and the sounds of items breaking can be annoying, but it's not unbearable. It's better than getting hit, which she doesn't do. She claims I am filthy and would never get her precious skin stained by hitting me. Even her daughters, my step-sisters, don't acknowledge my presence. The only person who laid his hands on me was my father. I was eight, and I asked questions about my mother. He hit me until I passed out…I woke up to see I had a broken ankle, which never healed. The doctor he brought home assured me that my leg would heal once I got my wolf. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. My first shift happened, but I turned out to be a half-breed omega. It was all I needed to know my mother was human. Half-breeds are the runt of the litter, the healing ability of a half-breed is next to nothing. I don't know what the goddess was thinking when she created wolf rank and abilities. She did a terrible job with omegas, especially the rule that binds half-breeds. The banging sound on the front door returned and I knew they were here. I guess this time, I'll be taken. Footsteps echoed down the hallway. Soon I heard footsteps in the bedroom and the closet door pulled open. For twenty-one years, I've been made to live in isolation, like I don't exist. No friends, no knowledge of what it feels like to live in a wolf pack. The little knowledge I have about the pack is gossip from Adriel, my step-brother. "Get out." My step-mom spat, stomping out of the room, and I followed behind her. We walked into the sitting area, two guards stood at the entrance of the house and two others flanked dad. "Is she the one?" A guard grumbled in a rough voice. "Yes, she's my first daughter, and she's a virgin." Father responded, while my step-mom shoved me forward. "A half-breed, hmm she's a runt. Are you offering her, or buying her freedom for this year?' The pack guard asked, spitting close to my feet. "Offering, she would fit better in Alpha Keiser's bed." Father said in a dead tone and the guards cackled. Alpha Keiser, is the one they send s*x slaves to every year. Adriel has shared with me rumours he's heard about him, and he's portrayed as a beast and nothing more. "We'll need to see for ourselves." I didn't understand what the guard meant, until I felt hands grab my dress and they tore it to shreds. I flinched, my body shaking with fear and embarrassment as the guards stripped me of every piece of clothing on my body. Out of shame, I scrambled to cover my nakedness, but a whip made contact with my skin, forcing me to drop my hands. "Keep your hands still, if you don't want them chopped off." A guard threatened and I nodded frantically. "What do you think?" One asked the other. I couldn't make out which one was talking, because I had my head cast down. Even if I could raise it, I wouldn't right now. I have never felt such humiliation in my entire life. Bile rose in my guts as the guards walked around me in circles, checking me out. One of them slapped my butt, and the others laughed as I let out a yelp. "Her rear looks great. Alpha Keiser will be kind to our pack this year, after he sees her." Another guard commented, pinching my n*****s and I clamped down on my lips as tears streamed down my face. "So?" Father asked, breaking their inspection. The guards cleared their throats, as they stepped away from me. "We'll take her, prepare her. Make sure she's washed clean, and smells nice. We'll be back before nightfall." The leader of the guards instructed, before walking out of the house. Before nightfall? Perhaps I should look for a way out before they return. I'd rather roam the unclaimed land as an abandon instead of being subjected to this humiliation again, but how will I escape?