Shifting into my wolf was easier than usual as June was eager to get out after months of submission. Within seconds my pale body was replaced with a scarlet colored wolf. My reddish, orange fur covered my wolfs small body in a beautiful soft coat.

I was pretty small in both human and wolf form simply from lack of food, but I've read in multiple books that "good things come in small packages," so I'm ok with it. It's not like it matters, I'm ugly anyways.

I take a deep breath of fresh air into my lungs, reveling in the morning dew, before taking off into the forest at full speed. I may not be allowed to train with the pack or let my wolf out often, but I was pretty fast considering the circumstances.

We ran around avoiding trees and roots for about 45 minutes, I hadn't been this happy in months. June jumped around while gleefully exploring the forest.

There was limited time left until I had to go back to the wretched place I call home, so I turned around. June stopped dead in her tracks.

June says in our head. We couldn't, we'd get caught. I am fast, but not fast enough to outrun the warriors who have been training for years. The warriors who are not constantly being beat to a pulp.

"No June, we need to go back." I reply coldly, we don't have much time before they realize we're gone.

She reluctantly starts up again towards the pack house, and I apologize to her.

"I'm sorry I'm weak. We'll leave as soon as possible."

June doesn't reply, I guess that answer wasn't good enough for her.

We return to the outskirts of the forest and shift back, quickly throwing back on my stylish outfit. I slowly approach the back door, attempting to look in through the glass to see if anyone was downstairs yet. And much to my dismay, I see the Alpha's son, soon to be Alpha, Taylor.

He looks up, I guess he was able to smell me approaching, and smiles maliciously at me. I can't hold back the whimper that escapes my lips when I see him get out of his chair and walk out the door towards me.

"Phoenix" he greets me, still sporting that evil smile.

I hold my ground, mentally cursing him out over and over again. I used to do it out loud, but eventually I couldn't take the consequences that came with it, and settled for sharing the insults with my wolf only.

I looked up at him, and couldn't help but notice the windows behind him were full of teenagers our age, staring at us. Oh great, an audience.

"Taylor" I reply slightly cocking my head, looking up at him as he towered above me.

He backhanded my face and I winced, but stayed upright.

"That's Alpha to you. As of this Saturday I will officially be taking over as Alpha of the pack." He said proudly.

It wouldn't make a difference, he was just in it for the ego trip and the girls. I rolled my eyes at him, not being able to restrain myself.

A punch straight into my face. I staggered back a few steps, but stood tall, ignoring the stream of blood now falling from my now, most likely, broken nose.

"I will punish you as I see fit for one, going out for a run without permission, and two, disrespecting your Alpha."

I glanced up at him, and without thinking said "you're not the Alpha."

Which is a true statement, he won't be my alpha until Saturday. He would have hurt me regardless of him being alpha or not, but we have a few more days before his ego can have a fucking vacation. I smirked at him, figuring I've already come this far, might as well push a few more of his buttons while I'm at it.

He grabs me by my throat and holds me up to his height so my legs are dangling, I scratch at his hands my lungs immediately protesting.

"Listen here you ugly little bitch, I don't know why we've kept you around this long, but you should be grateful that you're still alive. I could snap your neck right now" he growls at me.

I really don't know how to stop, I hate being told off by this wimp of an Alpha.

"Do it" I choked out, daring him, my vision looked like it was fading, black creeping around the corners, but I knew he couldn't kill me. The royal family would find out somehow or another that they killed the orphan girl, and they'd have to face the consequences. I smiled at him sweetly as he threw me down to the ground.

My back cracked unceremoniously and I gasped for breath, because I knew there was more to come shortly.

I feel his foot come into contact with my already sore ribs and I grimace, taking in a sharp breath. I attempt to kick him off, but the fact remains, I am just a little weakling with a big mouth.

He sits down on my chest pinning my arms above me with one hand. The fact that he could restrain me with only one hand really speaks wonders for how weak I am.

Hits start raining down on my face in a quick pace, there is no break for me to catch my breath or talk back to him.

Punch, punch, I begin coughing up blood, but he is relentless and continues.

Minutes pass and he begins to slow down, I start gasping for oxygen, until he eventually stops, but remains on top of me, reaching into his pocket he pulls out his signature silver pocket knife. Nothing I couldn't handle.

He grabs my right arm, I don't bother stopping him, I just wanted this to be over with, and I know this is generally how he ends off his torture sessions. He signs his name into my skin with the knife, and I know the scar will stay, forever reading "Alpha Taylor."

They own me.