HUNTER:

What have you done! You hit her! Hurt our mate!

Shut up Aden!

Go back! Apologize! Love her!

I won't. She'll never be safe if I love her. It's better if others think I hate her.

You're wrong. She will make us stronger. Mate bond makes us stronger.

I block Aden from my mind. I hate that he's right. When an Alpha connects with his true mate, our strength only increases. I cannot do it. She'll be put in danger, and end up like my mother. I arrive back at the mansion, and head straight to my room, slamming the door behind me. In the distance, I can make out the cottages. I see the lights on in Arianna's. I stare at it for a while, until I hear my door open.

"Rough day lover?"

It's Layna. I knew it by her smell. I once found it pleasing, but now it does not compare to my mate's scent. Vanilla and honey. I close my eyes, remembering her scent. I want to smell it everyday.

"Rough day. What do you want Layna?"

"What I always want. You."

"Not tonight. I'm not in the mood."

"You're always in the mood."

I feel her hands on my back. I shiver at her touch. It feels like snakes crawling over my body.

I turn around, and she smiles at me. I push her hands away.

"I said, not tonight."

"It's her, isn't it?"

"Don't start with me."

"I'll do what I want. You're mine. Maybe I should pay your little mate a visit."

"You will not go near her."

"Why not?"

I grab Layna by the throat. She laughs at first, but this is not foreplay. I squeeze and pick her up until she dangles off the floor.

"I'm warning you Layna. Stay away from her. I am still Alpha here. You do not give me orders."

I release her, and she drops to the floor, coughing and wheezing.

"Now, get out."

She scrambles to her feet, and runs out the door. I turn back to the window, and stare at her cottage. I remember the feel of her lips, her intoxicating scent. Her body. So soft, but perfect. I wanted to hold her and kiss her. The bond is strong between us. She is my mate and I love her. The lights are out now. I place my palm on the glass.

"Arianna…"

Arianna:

The next morning, someone came by to install my computer, and gave me a cell phone. I have wifi now, and can skype. First, I call my parents, and explain everything. Except, I leave out the part where he hit me. They are glad I am okay, but upset that he drug me away. Next, I call Marissa.

"Marissa…"

"Arianna! Thank god! Tell me what happened."

I told her the whole story. This time, the whole truth. I hear her cry on the other end.

"What are you gonna do?"

"I don't know. Try and survive here. At least I have one friend. My bodyguard. His name is Mark. "

"Please be careful. I love you girl."

"Love you too."

Later that day, I was visited by some lady from the college. My tuition was paid by the Alpha, and I could start next week in school. Later, some secretary came by with a debit card for me. She told me the account had $500 in it, and $500 would be placed in it weekly. So of course, I had to go shopping. I begged Mark to take me shopping. After getting the Alpha's okay, Mark, and 2 other guards drove me to the mall. They followed me around while I picked out a new wardrobe. The clothes they left me were too big. I spent 4 hours there, and got everything I needed. I even treated my guards to lunch, and had spent nearly all of the money he gave me. Mark helped me put everything away. The other 2 guards left, then Mark and I spent the day talking and drinking wine. Well, I did. He was on duty. Through the rest of the week, Mark took me around the grounds, showing me everything. It's actually a beautiful place. By the end of the week, the outer door was installed into the library, and I was given a key. I immediately used it, and was impressed with how big it was. I had everything at my fingertips, including a computer that I could work at when I needed it. At least he was making my stay comfortable.

Monday came around quickly, and I was eager to start school. I have not seen Hunter all week. I assumed that I wouldn't, until he needed me for something. Mark came to pick me up, and drove me to school.

"Are you ready for school?"

"I'm happy to get back to my normal routine. Well, somewhat normal."

"I'm glad for you. I'll be watching over you all day."

"Thank you for being my friend, Mark."

"Hey, the honor is all mine."

I giggle, and he smiles. We arrive at school, and walk to the main office. They give me my class schedule. The rumors have already started. I hear whispers of people talking about me throughout the day. I chose to ignore them. Other than that, my first day was pretty good.

Another week went by and I still have not seen Hunter. I finally have settled into my new surroundings. Just when I was feeling comfortable, he decided to pay me a visit. I was working on some homework when Mark and I heard a car pull up. Mark immediately went to the door to see who it was.

"It's Alpha Hunter…"

"So?"

He entered the cottage and Mark bowed.

"Alpha Hunter.."

"Leave us."

Mark looked at me, then went outside.

"It's customary to address your Alpha when I enter."

"You are not my Alpha, and I am busy."

He yanked me from my seat and held me by my shoulders.

"You will learn to be obedient."

"I'd rather rot in a jail cell."

"That can be arranged little mate."

"Go ahead...I'm not afraid of you."

"You should be."

He pushed me onto the ground. I landed on all fours. When I turned around, he was removing his belt. He smirked at me as I stared at him wide eyed.

"Don't get your hopes up sweetheart. I am going to teach you a lesson though. He snapped his belt in front of me and I understood what he was going to do.

He grabbed me by the throat and threw me against the wall with my back to him.

"You will stay there. 10 lashes for your disobedience. If you move or struggle, it'll be more."

Before I could answer, I felt the first lash against my back. I screamed out. I have never been hit before. My own mate was now whipping me.

Whip!...

Tears poured from my face as I screamed.

Whip!...

I clenched my teeth and balled my hands into fists.

Whip!...

Mark burst back in and got between us.

"No! I will take her beatings! Alpha! Please! I beg of you not to do this!"

"You will also be punished for your interruption! Nobody tells me what to do! Now move!"

"No!"

Two other guards came in and drug Mark away. By now, I was balled up on the floor. Cowering and crying. Hunter looked down at me.

"Get up...GET UP!"

He roared at me and I quietly got up, but stared at the floor.

"I think you learned your lesson. You will behave around me."

I squeaked out my next words.

"Yes...Alpha."

"Come here…"

I walked over to him and kept my head bowed. He forced my face up to look at him. I felt tears streaming down my face. I thought he was going to hit me, and I flinched. He paused, then gently stroked my cheek.

"Why must you make me angry?"

"Mates do not beat each other. They are supposed to love, but you love nothing. You are a monster."

He moved his face down to mine. Hovering an inch away from mine.

"You are correct about that little mate. I am a monster."

He released me, and pushed me away.

"Next time I visit, I expect you'll remember this day."

"Why did you even come here?"

"To check up on you, now that I have, you won't see me again."

He left and Mark ran back inside.

"Ari…."

I threw my arms around his neck and winced as he touched my back.

"Lay down and I will tend to your back."

I removed my shirt and laid on the bed. Mark examined my back.

"It is not too bad. It will bruise, but he did not break the skin. I will rub a salve on it."

"Why is he so mean?"

" He is a ruthless Alpha."

"Thank you Mark for taking my beatings. You didn't have to do that."

"I vowed to protect you. You are still my Luna...and someone I care about dearly."