Bound By Blood And Prophecy

Jessica's POV

"Huff... huff... haah... huff... haah..." Were the only sounds I could hear-my own ragged breaths. The darkness was silent, sending a chill down my spine. I sprinted through the forest as fast as I could, my bare feet coming in contact with the cold grass covered in little drops of night dues.

"Oh, Jessica... Sweet child, come back home-home to where you belong," Her voice echoed under the night sky. She was getting close, so close I could feel her breath against the back of my neck.

Then, I saw it-my safe haven-a cottage with flickering firelight glowing inside. For some reason, she was scared of the light. I wasn't sure how I knew this, but I did. If I could get there before she catches up with me then I'll be safe.

All of a sudden the ground before me began to rumble, losing hold of each other, forming a rift between me and the cottage.

It was her. She was doing this.

"You can't run away from me, Jessica..." Her shrill frightening voice resonated in the air.

I wasn't going to let her get to me-not today. I took in a deep breath, getting ready for the crossing. Just as I was about to cross over, I felt a hand grab me by the hair, long sharp claws piercing my scalp.

Then her voice came, different this time, laced with a hint of excited mockery. "You are her, and she is you. You'll never leave me..." Then she whispered into my ears, hot flame burning my skin. "And I'll never leave you, Jessica!"

I screamed, jerking up from bed. Panting, I turned around, surveying my surroundings. Relief washed over me when I realized that I was in my room. It was just a nightmare-one that kept repeating itself.

Standing up, I headed for the small window by the corner. I moved the drapes aside, letting sunlight in.

My room was a small basement beneath the Redwood mansion. It was dark and cold. I was used to the darkness, and the cold never really bothered me.

I was eight when I was brought to the Mansion. Though I was a child, I still remembered the glares that were shot at me when Alpha Raymond introduced me to his family. They hated my guts.

I remembered hearing him and his mate, Luna Annie arguing for days. I remember her hitting me and always supporting her kids when they were mean to me.

Two years after I was brought to the Mansion I was moved to the basement. The first month was torture. The dark scared me, and the noises from the rats running around the room made me shed tears. I would always climb up the bed, draw my legs toward my chest, and wrap my hands around them just to feel safe.

It's been years now, and the basement, which was torture in the past, became my hiding place away from the world outside.

All of a sudden I heard banging coming from my door. "Jessica! What the hell are you doing in there?!" someone yelled.

"Skies!" I had forgotten about my chores.

A smack landed on my face as I threw the door open. I looked to see that it was Beatrice.

"I won't have you slacking on my watch, do you understand, girl?!" She growled as she glared at me.

"Yes Ma'am," I replied, walking past her.

She grabbed me by the shoulder and spun me, slamming my back against the wall. She pointed at me. "Let this be the last time you try to walk out on me. Understood?"

I stared at her in the eyes.

Beatrice had no right to do that to me. She was just a wolf who was in charge of the helps in the mansion. But, I knew there was nothing I could do. My status here had been reduced to that of a help. The helps were made up of mostly rogues from other Packs seeking redemption, and Omegas who couldn't pass their training. Rather than train with the others every morning, we were expected to do the work around the Pack mansion.

"What?! Cat got your tongue?! I said, do you understand?!" She yelled at me as her claws dug into my flesh.

"Yes Ma'am," I muttered, looking down. I couldn't challenge her-not now-not ever.

Beatrice was a woman in her mid-forties and a close friend to Luna Annie. She never missed any opportunity to make my life a living hell.

She let go of my shoulders and I headed straight for the stairs. In a few minutes, I was in the kitchen.

The other helps were already busy with their duties. When I came in, they glared at me.

I didn't care.

Today I was on cooking duty. I walked straight to Rose, a woman in her sixties. She sent me a weak smile the moment she saw me, knowing what had transpired downstairs. I couldn't help but send her a reassuring one.

Rose was one of the few people who were nice to me in the pack. Growing up, most times, I was left to starve as a punishment by the Luna. Rose would secretly give me something to eat and defend me whenever she could. "No child should be treated this way" She would always say.

But it never really mattered.

"You're late," She said, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

"Sorry about that, was a bit distracted," I replied.

She smiled and pointed towards the vegetables on the counter. "Well get down to work. Those veggies won't chop themselves, or will they?"

We both chuckled.

I started chopping the carrots first. It was over three hours before those who went for the morning training started coming in.

The food was already served in the main dining area, which also served as the Pack's meeting area. Seven huge long tables were arranged horizontally, which was where the normal Pack members sat. At the top was a longer and broader table, which was placed vertically. This was where the family of the Alpha, and other Elite members of the Pack sat.

Everyone was already in the dining room except for the Alpha's family. When they came in, everyone stood and bowed. They remained standing until the Alpha signaled for them to sit. But as usual, he glanced around, looking for someone, and then his eyes met mine.

At that moment I felt a shiver run down my spine, and I knew why-Luna Annie was also looking at me. She wasn't just looking, she was glaring. I took a deep breath as I walked out of the dining room. I wasn't allowed to eat there anyway.

I went into the kitchen, grabbed my breakfast, and left. I was on my way to my room when I stopped in front of a broken mirror along the wall of the staircase. I stared at my reflection and hated who I saw. A girl with green eyes and untrimmed hair that got down to her waist. Every bone in my body could be seen and traced from her skin.

Letting out a sigh, I was about to continue my journey when a familiar voice made me freeze.

"What are you doing?" He asked.

My heartbeat raced.

Jessica's POV

I tried to run down the stairs, but I was grabbed by the waist and pulled backward. My back slammed against a muscular frame.

"God, you smell so good, Jessica," Richard muttered, tightening his grip on me.

He planted kisses on the trail leading from my neck to my shoulder and back again. Each kiss left a feeling in me that I hated. It was like getting stabbed in the guts. He turned me around and the plate in my hand fell to the ground.

"Oops, there goes your breakfast," A menacing smile tugged at his lips. "But don't worry, you can always come to my room for more, okay?"

With that, he continued his previous act. I balled my hands in a fist, trying to control the anger that was welling up in me. His hands slid down my waist and below. I felt disgusted.

Just then a sensation overtook me. It was something I had felt so many times, but I wasn't sure what it was. My eyes went to the opening in his neck. It was like it was calling out to me. But before I could do anything, a pair of hands pulled both of us apart.

"That's enough, Richard!" Ethan said trying to be as calm as he could as he stood in between us. "For crying out loud she's your blood."

Richard chuckled, pointing towards me. "That thing over there is not related to me!"

Hearing those words, I turned and ran away. When I got to the basement, I slammed the door shut and headed for the bathroom. Hem after hem I tore my clothes off. I gasped as the cold water from the shower hit my skin. Rubbing and scratching, I tried my best to cleanse every single place Richard had touched and kissed me.

He made me feel filthy.

It's been months since Richard laid his hands on me. The first time it happened was when I was fifteen, and he was eighteen. Back then I had punched him and broke the bridge of his nose. That made him furious. He chased everyone out of the kitchen. I tried to run away, but he grabbed my hair, yanked it back, raised and slammed me on the kitchen counter.

"Richard, please don't," I begged as I coughed out blood.

But he didn't listen.

"I'm going to teach you a lesson, Brat!" he yelled as he threw me to the ground.

I heard footsteps approach the kitchen. When I looked towards the door, I saw Ruby, Richard's twin. She was standing there with her hands folded in front of her.

"Help me," I pleaded, stretching my hand towards her. But she didn't move a finger or even utter a word. She just stood there and watched as her brother forced kisses on me.

He was about to take off my clothes when Ethan came running into the kitchen through the back door. "Are you guys insane?!" He had yelled the moment he saw what was going on.

Richard didn't stop at all. He was about to tear my shirt off when Ethan reacted, violating a rule of the Pack by pulling Richard away from me and hitting him in the face. He helped me up and handed me his jacket.

"I get the fact that you guys don't like her, but you can't do that to her," He said, his eyes on Ruby.

She took a few steps towards him. With a smirk on her face, she said to everyone's hearing. "You have to choose then, Ethan. Me-" She looked towards me, and then back at him. "-or her."

"Ouch," I gasped as I touched my hair. I was pulled out of my thoughts. I opened my eyes only to see blood marks on the places I had touched when I came into the bathroom. I spread my hands and I couldn't believe what I saw.

My fingers had dug into my palm. I think it happened when I balled my hands into a fist. But that wasn't supposed to be possible. I was turning eighteen in two weeks, so until then, I'm not supposed to have claws.

Just then, a knock came to the basement door. I ran out of the bathroom and started putting on my clothes. The knock came again, and I yelled, "I'm coming! Just give me a few seconds!"

I chose a huge hoodie to wear over my black pants. I couldn't let anyone see the marks on my palms or the new scars I had given myself.

When I was done, I was about to open the door when some thoughts came to my mind: What if it was Richard? What if he came to finish what he started?

I headed for my drawer and pulled out a shard of glass I had hidden there for safety purposes. When I got to the door, I opened it slowly. The moment I saw who it was, I let out a sigh and went back into the room.

Ethan walked into the room. "You know, that could hurt you."

I didn't think he had seen the glass I was holding. "Thanks for caring." I held out the drawer and dropped it back in.

I pulled the sleeves of the hoodie, holding the hem tightly under my fingers. Just then, he grabbed my right arm gently, held it up, and pulled the hem out of my grasp.

"What the-" I froze when my eyes landed on my palm. The wounds were gone. I opened the other and there was nothing there too.

"What's going on?" He asked.

I pulled my arm away from his grip. "There's nothing wrong," I replied, walking away from him.

He was silent for a while. When he was about to speak, I didn't let him. "Don't you have Beta work to do?"

He was shocked at first, but then he smiled. "I'm on one now."

I was confused. I raised a brow as I folded my arms in front of me. "What are you talking about?"

He took a step toward me, but I took one away from him. I couldn't let what happened last time repeat itself. He seemed to get the message and remained at a spot.

"The Alpha asked that everyone should be present in the dining room for a meeting."

I couldn't help but chuckle.

"And you think I am part of that 'everyone'?" I asked, walking towards the bed to lie down. He moved closer, pulling me up before I could stretch out on the bed.

"Alpha Raymond specifically asked for you."

Jessica's POV

I followed Ethan as we headed for the meeting room. I watched as the Omegas and Rogues stared at me as we walked passed the kitchen.

It was weird being called for a Pack meeting. I wasn't sure what was going on, but I couldn't wait to find out.

When we got to the dining room, we heard people yelling.

"We can't let them into the pack!"

"What if they try to start another war!"

"We can't have another Bellum Mortis!"

"We would be damned if they end up stepping their feet into our woods!"

I was confused. I didn't understand what they were talking about. From the look on Ethan's face, he had a clue. That didn't surprise me. After all, he was a Redwood Beta. His Dad, the former Beta and the Alpha's best friend died a few months ago. After his death, Ethan inherited his position. But because of his young age, Alpha Raymond had to appoint a temporary Beta. That didn't mean Ethan wasn't respected. After the Alpha's family, Ethan was the next werewolf everyone feared. That was why all eyes followed us when we made our way through the meeting room.

Just then, I felt the usual shiver. The usual feeling that always ran down my spine. I stopped far enough to avoid the Luna's gaze and sat down.

I watched as Ethan made his way through, and sat next to the Alpha.

When Alpha Raymond raised his hand, the appointed Beta, Darl, hit the table three times and the noise in the room seized. He stood up from his seat, his huge frame was enough to frighten those who met him. He towered above every other male I had ever met.

"For years we have lived peacefully on our own. Our doors had been shut to the outside world, but that doesn't mean the outside world doesn't exist," He said.

The silence that followed was one that even a drop of a pin could be heard. No one dared to speak when the Alpha did.

"I know what you are scared of. Letting other wolves into our land isn't easy for me to do either, but the council has made a judgment, and we need to do as they have requested." He left the spot where he stood, and started moving in between the rows of tables. "They are not coming here to fight against us, but they are coming here to train and to fight with us."

Just then, someone tapped my back. I turned to find Lisa, my only friend in the Pack behind me.

She sat down quietly next to me. "What are you wearing?" She whispered, referring to the hoodie.

I smiled. I couldn't tell her what happened. I didn't want to bother her.

"Don't you think it's cute?"

"I think it's horrible."

Just then, someone growled. "Jessica! Lisa!"

I watched as Lisa winced in pain as she stood up immediately. I did the same, pretending, as I turned to the Alpha. He had used his power on us.

"Do you mind sharing what you were talking about?" He asked as he walked towards us.

All eyes turned to us. I could see the disgust in them. I looked down. I hated their gaze.

Just then, a hand lifted my jaw, and I met eyes with the Alpha.

Green eyes piercing into green eyes.

"Don't you dare Jessica, especially not in front of me. You do not look down, and you do not cower in fear. Got it?" He said, but his mouth didn't move.

I was shocked. I knew we could use mind link, but I didn't think someone yet to have a wolf could hear it.

"Do you understand me?" He repeated. That made me furious.

For years I had been mistreated by his family and his Pack. He cannot come all of a sudden and try to tell me what to do. I was about to push his hand away when I

smelled wolfsbane.

"Ethan no!" Lisa yelled.

Ethan was behind the Alpha. He had sliced through the palm of his hand with a knife covered in wolfsbane powder.

"I ask for forgiveness for my sister's stupid behavior, Alpha Raymond, I promise to discipline her when we get home," Ethan said. He glanced at Lisa, and then at me.

I wasn't sure if he did that for Lisa, his sister, or me.

Alpha Raymond let out a sigh and then took away his arm from my jaw. He was about to turn, but then he stopped. He moved close to me, raised my arm, and sniffed the hem of my hoodie. His eyes grew darker.

He turned to Ethan. "See me in my office after now." He instructed before heading for his seat.

I and Lisa sat down quietly, while Ethan followed the Alpha.

"Like I was saying earlier, before I was rudely interrupted, when the other Alphas come with their Pack members, make sure to treat them with the same level of respect as you would treat me."

With those words said, the Alpha walked out of the dining room with his Betas.

Lisa pulled my arm and dragged me out of the room.

"Slow down, Lisa!" I yelled. But she didn't listen. She just kept running and running.

When we got to the garden, she finally let go and sat next to the water fountain as she tried to catch her breath.

"Why did you do that?" I asked, panting.

She turned to me, giving me a questioning look. I was so confused.

"Are you kidding me? After what happened do you think you would've survived for a minute without the Alpha or Ethan being there to protect you?" She asked with a brow raised.

She was right.

Now that I think about it, if she hadn't done what she did, something bad would've happened.

I sighed, sitting next to her.

I touched my palm as I recalled what Ethan did.

"You still like him, don't you?" She asked me.

I looked at her, and then back at my hand. It's not like it matters. He had a mate, and she turned out to be the Alpha's daughter.

Just as I was about to say something to her, we heard the bell ring. We turned to each other in shock, before running towards the training ground.

The moment we got there, we saw Richard being thrown to the ground. When I looked to see who it was that did it, I was shocked.

It was Alpha Raymond!