Alpha Alexander

Chapter Four: Stop

**** Trigger Warning - Domestic Violence - SA - Non-Graphic ****

*** Alexander's POV ***

The room began to blur and shift into another memory. The voice in my head was screaming stop. Suddenly I was back in my childhood bedroom, watching myself take a nap before waking up by sounds that haunted me my whole childhood. I could hear my mother crying, "stop."

I glanced at my barely one-year-old self lying in a playpen listening to what was happening. I felt sick to my stomach. I didn't have to see what was happening to know what was going on. Yet my body moved on its own as I left the bedroom, walked through the living room, and saw the master bedroom door at the other end of the kitchen slightly pushed closed. I swallowed the ball of vomit that threatened to escape my throat as I slowly walked to the bedroom. Then, pushing the door open, I witnessed my mother pinned face down into the bed with Terry holding her wrists behind her back while he took advantage of her. The look on his face screamed satisfaction with his actions before he glanced at me with his sick smile. This man who was supposed to be my father wasn't my father. He was a sociopath.

"Stop!" I screamed.

I swung my fist, hoping to make direct contact with his face. Instead, his evil laughter filled my ears, and the painful ringing also joined. Reality began to shift into focus. My knuckles burned. There was blood everywhere and a broken mirror facing me. I was back in the bathroom of the room I was staying in. My breathing was erratic. The ghost of Terry was gone, for now. Adrenaline and rage were coursing through my veins. I couldn't hold back anymore. I started crying hysterically and punched the wall repeatedly until I fractured my hand.

The bathroom was a mess, and so was my hand. Unlike my hand, the bathroom couldn't repair itself. I needed to get out of here and away from people. Suppressing this rage and his voice was getting impossible, and I was terrified of having an episode and taking it out on someone else, not knowing who they were, or worse... killing them in my fit of rage.

"We need to leave," I whispered to Peter.

"Where are we going?"

"Anywhere is better than being around innocent people. We need to go now," I muttered as I got up and washed my hands.

I grabbed a towel and washed the blood up before picking up the shards of the mirror. It was the least I could do since I broke it. I tied the garbage bag, tossed the towel in the hamper, and grabbed my backpack. I left a note on the bed apologizing for the broken mirror and a large sum of money to compensate for the damages. Then, I slowly opened my bedroom door, ensuring no one was around. It was getting late, so the chances of running into anyone were slim. When I was sure the coast was clear, I exited and headed to the woods to get undressed.

"Can you take over for a while?" I asked Peter.

"Of course, I can. This way, you can rest a little, and I can stretch my legs," Peter replied.

I found a good spot to undress and folded my clothes neatly before placing them into my duffle bag. There was something freeing about discarding all my clothes and belongings. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath of the cool night air. The sounds of the leaves rustling on the trees and the creaking of the trees as they swayed peacefully in the breeze were soothing. Moments like this made me feel free from these haunting thoughts, my inner demon... From Terry. My mother was the bravest woman I have ever known; I never knew how brave she truly was. I hope I can figure out how to get rid of the voices in my head, so I can return home long enough to show my love and appreciation to my family truly.

Right now, I needed to focus on letting Peter out and giving him time to recover from the bullshit he had to deal with because of me. I stretched my arms and legs before letting my shift take over. I dropped down onto all fours as Peter's fur began to sprout. Within seconds Peter stood tall and proud in the woods, wagging his curled tail.

"Rest, my brother. Let me take care of you while you sleep. Terry seems to leave you alone when you are inside my universe," Peter instructed as he picked up the duffle bag with his mouth.

"Thank you, Peter. You are an amazing companion and brother," I sighed.

I climbed into the mountain of pillows and blankets on a massive bed he had in the cave that overlooked a field of flowers. It was peaceful here. Sometimes it would rain squeaky balls, cubed cheese, and chicken nuggets. The first time I witnessed this, I was really confused, but in Peter's previous life, he loved all those things, so it only made sense that his universe would carry on those silly little quirks. I quickly settled in and felt sleep begin to wash over me.

"How long do you want me to run for?" Peter asked.

"As long as you want. Just try not to get into any trouble," I chuckled.

"The master of mischief does not get into trouble! It finds me," Peter retorted.

I couldn't help but let out a full belly laugh. He was such a goof, and it was true; trouble always seemed to find us. His paws thudding against the soft earth lulled my heavy eyes to sleep. I was in good hands... uh, paws with Peter. It didn't take long before I was swept into a wonderful dream. I was chasing a creature or person with pink hair and silver eyes. They had no physical form but were laughing and playfully dancing around me and flying through the air. I wish all my dreams could be this enjoyable. Maybe it was the Moon Goddess trying to tell me something? I don't think I was ready if it was a hint about finding my mate. At least in the dream world, I couldn't hurt her. But if she were just as mesmerizing as this creature or person, maybe I wouldn't be able to hold back.