Broken
1111 Words
LEAH
“Leah!” Sarah ran into my arms as I walked into my room. I was taken aback for a second before realizing it was her.
“Sarah, what’s wrong?” I asked, a heavy tightness developing in my chest.
Sarah had tears in her eyes. He wouldn't dare hurt her, not after I complied, I could ruin everything for him in a snap.
“What happened, Sarah? Talk to me.”
She signed, *it's Adrian, he said you are leaving forever… and it's all my fault.* That bastard, how dare he?
“What! No. That's not true. It's not your fault, it's father. He wants me to get married. How could it ever be your fault?” I hugged her tight. I detached and took her hand, “I will tell you everything, but you have to be patient with me.
“Ma'am Leah, Alpha Charles requests your presence.”
I slowly turned and met a maid at the door. “Now?”
“Yes ma'am.”
*You are not leaving now Leah? Right?* She signed.
“No. Of course not.” I placed my hand on her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. “It's okay. I will be right back”
I turned to the maid, “Stay here and take care of her.”I reluctantly left Sarah.
Arriving at his office, I pushed the door open, “Father?” I approached him, He moved so fast from behind his seat and slapped me across my face. I staggered, the pain stinging; I should have prepared myself for that.
“What exactly did you do in there?”
“I have no idea, what are you talking about? I did my very best; I smiled and said the words you made me practice.”
“With lifeless precision.” He cut me off.
“I did my best, so don't you dare blame me for anything. I don't want to get married to Alpha Damien, but you don't seem to care.”
A heavy blow landed on my face, I fell this time, unable to withstand the pain. I burst into tears, letting it all out. This facade, this mask, they were starting to diminish. I was slowly losing it.
“If you are so unhappy, then Sarah will be Alpha Damien's bride!” He thundered, my heart sank and I immediately crawled up, clasping my hands. “Would you not like that Leah? You get to be free.”
“ Sarah is a child! Why would you even think of something like that?”
“Oh, I see why not. I will make some excuses for you and let him know we have finally decided to proceed with your sister since you are in no position to be in a marriage. Of course, he will be rigid for a while, but he will get used to it. No powerful Alpha likes to be talked back to”
“Father, I'm sorry. I am sorry, please take back your decision” I cried, kneeling before him as I should have done from the beginning. I thought I could fight against him for once.
No, there was no way. My father has the key to my existence! My father has succeeded in breaking me.
"What's going on?”His voice hit me like thunder—dark, cold, and cutting right through the room behind me. I froze in my position, beads of sweat appearing on my forehead.
Father took my hand and helped me up.
"Alpha Damian!" My father called, stunned, voice almost tripping. Neither of us could believe he was standing here in my father’s office, his presence filling every inch of the room.
My mind was too wrapped in shock, and my eyes were locked on the alphas. There was this intensity in his gaze like he could see right through me, holding me in place. I couldn’t look away; I didn’t even want to try.
“I believe I asked a question.” He stated.
“Oh uh…Alpha Damien, it's not what you are thinking…”
Alpha Damien cut him off“And what exactly am I thinking?”
“Nothing, nothing of sorts. Leah and I were just talking. Apparently, she wants to stay a little while.” Alpha Damien itched forward.
"Charles," he called, his voice dripping with authority, "your daughter is coming home with me tonight. And if I find out you’ve been mistreating her. . .consider our deal off." His gaze stayed fixed on me, every word sinking in like cold steel.
I was roasted. Roasted. I’d thought I was in enough trouble already, but this was a whole new level. And as for Sarah, she’d be right in the middle of whatever storm came next.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stand, not letting go of the alpha’s eyes. There was something in his look—something that made my pulse race, something I didn’t quite understand but couldn’t pull away from.
"Please, don’t cut off the deal. He hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s just. . .a father punishing his daughter for doing wrong." I could barely believe I was defending him. But the alpha’s attention shifted—just a flicker in his expression like he was weighing my words.
He reached out, his hand surprisingly gentle as he cupped my face, his thumb trailing slowly across my bottom lip.
A shiver ran through me, heat pooling deep inside, and I had to fight to keep from leaning into his touch.
Why was this notorious alpha—this supposed monster—holding me like he cared? And why, in that moment, did I feel… safe? Did he perhaps miss the cut on my lips, or did I not sustain any?
"Alright," he said quietly, almost like a promise. "Whatever you say… wife."
Wife. The word felt like both a promise and a challenge, a strange glimmer of hope. He had come here for me and fought for me, but I still didn’t fully understand why. The man in front of me was supposed to be dangerous, a ruthless leader, the most feared alpha with the largest pack. So why did he look at me like that? Why was this monster so unexpectedly. . . sweet?
"Please. . . and thank you," I managed, feeling his hand linger for just a moment longer before he finally let go.
“Let's talk privately.” He requested. I nodded and left with him; I could feel Father's eyes boring holes.
This was my life now. I will be living with a beast. . . but one with a strange and unexpected softness.
- Writer
