Forced To Marry The Ruthless Alpha novel Chapter 1

"Have you made breakfast?" Those words are spoken with warning, bitter loathing that immediately makes my bruised skin prickle.

"Yes ma'am." I say softly, lowering my gaze from the sharp green eyes glaring at me. If looks could kill, I'd have been dead a thousand times over. "Leave." She commands.

Not needing to be told twice, I high tail it out of the house immediately, as if hell is on my heels. I didn't care for a thank you, being able to walk out unharmed says more than a mere word ever will.

With the school just down the road, I pull my hood over my head and quickly shimmy my way through the other students. They didn't shove me or give me abuse, most of them leave me be, they've seen the bruises covering my flesh, bruises that our Alpha and Luna have given to me without shame. It's no secret, the entire pack knows what they do to me, and they can do nothing even if they wished too. A mere wolf barely in his adulthood is no match for the Alpha.

"Kali! Hold up!" A familiar voice shouts.

Sighing lightly, I pause for a few moments to allow him to catch up. Like always, he swings his arm over my shoulders, his form towering over my 5"6, while I'm technically taller than average, he still says I'm small.

"Jackson." I greet with a small smile, relaxing slightly under the weight of his friendly warmth.

His brown eyes are kind, gentle as he stares down at me while we walk. "No fresh marks."

I give a small, slightly forced smile before looking away. Jackson hates that our leaders hurt me, it makes it worse for him knowing there's nothing he can do or say to help me. I presume the Alpha will merely toss Jackson in the cells for a few weeks to teach him a lesson.

"How did it go with Cici?" I ask, changing the topic as we head into the school building.

"It didn't, she wants to wait for her mate." Jackson sighs, the disappointment in his voice obvious.

"You tried to sleep with her on the first date?" I ask with raised eyebrows, surprised that he'd try such a bold move.

"Not exactly, I kissed her when I dropped her at her house. She freaked, assuming it meant more than what it was." Jackson says with a small shrug.

"It's your birthday next week, aren't you excited about finding your mate?" I say with a smile, staring up at him curiously.

Jackson scoffs. "Mates turn us into monsters, I'll pass."

I didn't question his words, even if I don't fully believe them. Wolves become more dominant once we have mates, become confident and less gentle. Males change far more, they become more animal than man when it comes to their mates, fiercely protective, extremely aroused, but there's a certain gentleness that we show to only our mates. A kindness, a love that no other will ever see or have.

"I'll see you at lunch." I say, breaking free from

Jackson and giving a small wave as I head off to the back of the school. Jackson is on the basketball team, while I prefer track, it's peaceful, and there's far less conflict.

After changing in the locker room, I head out to the field and begin stretching, ignoring the slight throbbing of yesterday's beating that covers my body from my ribs down. When I feel loose and a little more relaxed, I set off jogging.

There's only four other wolves that run track, it's uncommon for a wolf to dislike being challenged in strength and speed, which is why the rest of the school choose more aggressive sports.

As I run, I drift off into my own blissful world, sweating off my pain and anger, putting the thought of reality behind me if even for a short while. Track is enough to keep me fit, without bringing my wolf out. Alpha Kade and Luna Sasha don't like acknowledging my wolf, they can't stand me.

go through the school day like I would any other, rushing straight home from track without showering or changing.

The second I enter the house, I rush to my room and toss my bag on my bed. Despite being sweaty and in desperate need of a shower, I know I don't have time. So I head back downstairs, to begin cooking.

Scrubbing my hands, I route through the kitchen andplace theingredients on the side. For the past ten years I've been cooking, forced to slave away at the stove for hours at a time, beaten when it wasn't perfection. I'm practically a personal chef for them.

Giventhat I was 'asked last night to prepare classic Italian lasagne for tonight, I presume they'll be having guests over. Not someone they want to impress, no, someone they simply wish to enjoy themselves.

It takes almost forty minutes to prepare the food, before the whole cooking process even begins. Given that I have roughly three hours before my parents come home, I don't waste a second. My mind blurs as I cook, adding ingredients and flavours without the need to check a recipe book. Even still, I rush around for almost two hours before finally sliding the dish into the oven.

Setting the timer, I quickly fill the sink and get to washing up. Even if my shoulders ache and my hands are sore, I know showering or resting for even a minute is out of the question. They'll be home any minute.

Just as I begin drying the pots, I hear the front door open. I couldn't help but immediately become stiff, my eyes lowering as I carry on with my task. Drying, and putting the pots away.