The Cursed Alpha's Abused Mate

Esme's POV

The force of the slap caused me to fall over completely, my vision blurry with pain and tears.

After lacerating my back with heated, broken glass, I thought he would be satisfied but of course not, he wouldn't stop until I passed out completely. Which won't take too long from the look of things.

He stepped on my copiously bleeding back and I screamed loudly, unable to hold back the pain.

"Pl..... Please..... please stop Alpha, I can't take it anymore." I begged helplessly, my voice barely above a whisper.

He suddenly stopped and pulled me up by my hair, pushing me against the stone cold wall of the dungeon.

I groaned, realizing my body was starting to give out and I feared that I might not wake up this time.

He grabbed my chin and forced me to look into his eyes, which had a wicked red glint, a sign that his wolf was at the surface.

"Do you know why I haven't killed you yet?" He suddenly asked and the only thing I could do was shake my head with what little opportunity his grip provided.

"Because killing you would be my defeat, I won't let you die so easily bitch. Your parents murdered the love of my life in cold blood and I'll make you pay for every single second of your life. I'll make you suffer so much that you'll beg for death but I won't let it come close to you." He growled and I shivered, my vision blurry.

Pain is all I've known my entire life but the Alpha manages to come up with new ways to torture me. The hell never seems to end.

He turned to leave but the words escaped my mouth before I could stop myself.

"Why me?"

He paused without turning around to look at me.

"Why do I have to suffer for my parents' mistakes? I've been imprisoned and tortured my entire life but I've never committed any crimes." I croaked, sick of quietly bearing the abuse.

If this was going to be the end, then I would at least like to die on my own terms.

I could see his knuckles tighten almost painfully before he turned around to face me.

"Do you really want to know?" He asked, a sinister smile forming at the edge of his lips.

It almost made my skin crawl and at that moment, I regretted asking.

He moved closer to me in one swift motion and my heart nearly stopped.

He closed whatever gap that was left between us, bringing his lips closer to my ear.

"You're being punished because you share the same blood with them, bitch." He whispered into my ear before biting hard on my earlobe and I bit painfully on my lower lip, trying to hold back my scream as more tears poured down my cheeks.

He moved backwards a bit, taking a look at me while I kept my eyes glued to the floor.

"Till now, you've only known physical pain and that's why you still have the gall to talk back to me but this will change soon.

On your 18th birthday, you'll become the Pack's whore." He spoke.

"No." I mumbled, all my strength fleeing me.

He ran a callused hand from my neck down my exposed chest.

He suddenly grabbed both my nipples, pinching them hard. I couldn't hold back my scream.

"This dirty little body of yours will be used by every man in the Pack, anytime they desire and if you refuse, you'll be raped brutally so it would be better to give in and serve them if you wish to live." He said and twisted my nipples again painfully.

"Please stop, it hurts." I cried out dejectedly.

"It should. You'll learn to love pain by the time I'm done with you and you'll live the rest of your life to serve me and this Pack. You have no idea the horrors I have in store for you." He spoke menacingly and finally let go of my nipples.

They were hard, red and swollen from his abuse.

"You slut, you're not supposed to be enjoying this. You claim to hate the pain but look how hard your nipples are, I wonder how wet you must be underneath despite all this pretense." He mocked cruelly and all I could do was cry.

I can bear the pain but not this humiliation. I don't want to be used and passed around like a whore, I want to be free, I want to be.......loved and, and be happy...

The physical and emotional pain combined finally becomes too much for my fragile body to bear and before I can help it, I find myself falling.

I hit the ground hard, but it didn't hurt, everything had suddenly gone numb and the whole world was becoming white.

Maybe this is it, I can, I can finally find peace, away from this world and all its cruelty......

*****

The rattling of the dungeon door forced my eyes open.

My heartbeat accelerated with each second as the door rattled and opened agonizingly slow. Is he back to finally finish me off?

I released a breath when I realized it was only Kyra, my friend. She came in and closed the door behind her before crouching down to hug me. I winced when her hand came in contact with my bloodied and mutilated back, she quickly backed away, throwing me an apologetic look.

"Are you OK?" She asked and I nodded even though we both knew it was a lie.

"What did he do this time?" She asked and I bit my bottom lip, unsure if to speak or not.

If I told her, she would get mad at the Alpha and pick a fight with him and that would only mean more trouble for me. I couldn't take the risk.

"It's fine." I tried to dismiss it.

She didn't argue this time, she just stood up and walked behind me, finally catching a glimpse of my severely wounded back.

"Oh my goodness, this is pure evil. How could he do this to you?" She raged and stood up, turning to leave but I tried to stop her.

"No, please. Please don't say anything to the Alpha. I know you care for me but picking a fight with him will only make him go harder on me. I might not be able to survive the next punishment, please." I begged, tears pouring down my cheeks.

She sighed and stopped, turning to face me, she finally sat down on the floor beside me.

"How do you even cope? You're so strong, you know that? I would have died if I had to endure half the things you have. And what hurts more is the fact that you don't deserve any of this." Kyra said and I remained silent, swallowing my tears.

I was just about six years old when my parents abandoned me. I can't remember much except a burning house, my parents mumbling something to me and everything turning black.

When I woke up, I was locked up in a cage and from then on began my never ending torture. I have a deep fear of fire because our house was on fire the last time I saw my parents. The Alpha knows this and uses fire to torture me on days when he's angry or just feels like making me suffer.

I'm being made to pay for my parents' crime and I've been told that I'll be a slave for the rest of my life.

There's no use fighting it, I've never really been free and I have no fight left in me. Solar, my wolf is my only companion and Princess Kyra is my only friend.

Kyra is the Alpha's niece, she's an orphan and the Alpha is like a father figure to her. Considering her position, I thought she would hate and ridicule me like everyone else but she turned out to be different.

She would sneak food to me on days when the Alpha decided to starve me. She's probably the only reason why I still have the will to live, I have the tiniest bit of hope that maybe someday, I'll be free.

"You know you can cry in front of me, we've been friends for a long time and I feel like I've failed you. I may be a princess but I'm completely powerless, I couldn't even get my uncle to stop torturing you.

I know that my uncle has a very rash temper and tends to do things without thinking but in reality, he's really not that bad. He's taken care of me since I lost my parents and not once has he ever raised his voice to me.

It's really shocking that he can be such a beast to you. It's like he's a completely different person when he's with you. He loves his mate very much and that love has blinded him to the truth." Kyra ranted.

In my eyes, the Alpha is nothing but a monster. A wicked and cruel monster who I would do anything to get away from.

On days when he felt good, he would just beat me up but on some days, he would flog me with a whip soaked in wolfsbane.

I nearly bled to death one time. I've escaped death more times than I can count but if this goes on, I don't know how long I can keep cheating death.

"Your back looks terribly injured, doesn't it hurt?" She asked and I looked up at her with a nod. It hurts like hell but I've gotten so used to pain that it's endurable.

"I should get you some first aid."

"No, no one knows that you come here to see me. Sneaking food in here is one thing but bringing first aid will arouse suspicion. I don't want any more trouble." I pleaded and she groaned.

"I feel so useless right now. I call you my friend but I can't even help you with something as trivial as first aid." She said, her voice laced with hurt.

"I understand your concerns but I'll heal on my own, I always do." I tried to pacify her.

"But the scars don't." She insisted.

"It's fine, you don't have to worry about me. How are you doing?" I asked, trying to change the conversation but she couldn't be fooled.

"How can I be fine when you're in this condition and you're always trying to change the subject. I'm really worried about you because the Alpha is planning something, something I'm sure won't bode well for you." She said and I quickly turned to look at her.

"What do you mean?"

"The Alpha's hosting a banquet in three days, he's going to invite a few other Alphas from the other packs, including Alpha Ethan." She said and suddenly paused.

An eerie cold encompassed my body at the sound of that name.

Everyone knew Alpha Ethan, he was better known as the bloody conqueror. He was once a rogue leader but he attacked the most powerful Pack, overthrew and killed the Alpha and his entire family. He also killed all the people that refused to surrender to him.

Since then, he rules with an iron fist, everyone fears him and no one dares cross his path, not even other Alphas. It's no surprise that he's still alone. I mean who would want to mate with such a monster?

Despite being imprisoned, I've heard about his ruthless and tyrannical behavior. He doesn't kill his victims, he impales them or tortures them slowly until they die. Very few people have the courage to even say his name.

If the Alpha is inviting Alpha Ethan over for a banquet then something must definitely be up.

And coincidentally, my 18th birthday is in three days, the same day as the banquet, could there be a connection?

What could possibly be going on in the Alpha's mind and more importantly, what does it have to do with me?

"Why are you telling me this?" I found myself asking.

"Well because, you're going to be in that banquet, in fact, the Alpha wants you to serve Alpha Ethan."

Esme's POV

As I walked towards the Great Hall with a tray of appetizers, all I could think about was what the Alpha had told me three days ago.

He had said that on my 18th birthday, which happens to be today, I would become the Pack's whore.

Could that possibly be the reason for his inviting the other Alphas? Could this banquet just be an excuse for one big gangbang with me at the receiving end?

No! It can't, the Alpha wouldn't be so cruel.

Tears gather at my eyes at the thought, the Alpha hates me so much that anything is possible.

"Don't think so negatively Esme, everything will be fine." Solar tried to comfort me but I wasn't buying it.

This is starting to seem like too much of a coincidence.

I was made to wear a flimsy and see through dress, short and barely able to hide anything, specially for this occasion. All my scars are on full display, including my still freshly wounded back.

It's been three days but it hasn't started healing yet, it must be infected.

That's definitely the least of my problems as I'm about to walk into one big trap, in which I'll have to face the devil himself. I just hope I survive this.

Walking as slowly as possible doesn't help as I eventually arrive at the Great Hall and all eyes fall on me. I can see the Alpha grinning wickedly at me while Kyra shifts uncomfortably in her seat, a worried look on her face.

I keep my eyes glued to the floor but from the corner of my eyes, I search for Alpha Ethan in the room. Someone as infamous as him would definitely not be hard to spot.

As soon as my eyes fall on him, the Alpha's voice startles me.

"What are you waiting for slave? Come here and serve our esteemed guest immediately." He barked at me and I gulped, moving towards Alpha Ethan without daring to take a glance at him.

I walked towards him, my heart racing rapidly, my stomach twisting in knots and every nerve ending buzzing.

What is this feeling? How can I be so afraid of someone I've never even met?

I finally got to the table he was seated at and tried to serve him some appetizers but he stopped me with a raise of the hand.

"Pour me some wine." His magnetic voice sounded and I felt myself at a loss for words.

I quickly snapped out of it and grabbed a glass, filling it up with some wine. I was about to hand it to him when he suddenly grabbed my wrist, stopping my action midway.

As soon as his skin touched mine, I felt mini electric shocks wash through me, my lower belly tingling with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The area where his skin met mine was growing hotter and I could feel my breath getting heavier.

These unexplainable reactions forced me to look up at him for the first time and as soon as our eyes met, I heard the words that sealed my fate.

"Mate." Solar cooed.

"What?!" I mumbled back to her, unable to believe what I was hearing.

"Mate!" She repeated firmly, confirming my fears.

No! No! This must be some kind of sick joke. I've been tortured my whole life for crimes I never committed and as if that wasn't enough, goddess Selene decided to mate me to the devil. Haven't I suffered enough? I'm pretty sure I've atoned enough for whatever sin I committed in my past life. This can't be true, please let this be a bad dream.

Despite my tumultuous thoughts, I couldn't seem to take my eyes off him. I studied his features in a daze. He was tall, very tall. I would level up to his chest at best.

He was larger than life, with well defined features. I had heard he was ugly and difficult to look at and that's why he was still unmated but looking at him right now, that's probably the biggest lie I've ever heard.

He's the definition of beauty, except for a long scar which ran across his left cheek but even with that, he was still better looking than all the men in my pack.

He exuded dominance and regality, the type that made people feel small in his presence.

His cold and stoic blue eyes stared into my brown ones, unwavering. I couldn't tell what he was thinking but I could tell that he was trying to read me like a book, his gaze penetrating into my soul.

He suddenly let go of my hand and due to my enchanted state, I couldn't keep a hold of the glass.

My hand shook and the glass fell and shattered, some of the contents spilling on his clothes.

I recoiled in horror, knowing that this mistake would probably be the end of me.

I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my head as my Alpha grabbed a handful of my hair, pulling on it with all his might.

I screamed in agony, begging for him to let go.

"You clumsy little bitch, what the hell are you good for?! I should have killed you earlier, at least then you wouldn't have made such a foolish mistake." He barked at me and pushed me to the floor, delivering a swift kick to my side.

I screamed out, the pain nearly blinding me. Tears poured down my cheeks as I tried to nurse my bruised side.

The Alpha quickly grabbed my hair again, pulling me up by it. My head buzzed with a headache and I was starting to see stars.

I prepared myself for another brutal blow when his voice suddenly rang through the hall.

"Stop!"

Everyone quickly turned their attention to Alpha Ethan who had been silent the entire time. I had almost forgotten he was in the room. What had I expected from those cold eyes anyway? Did I really expect him to save me because he's my mate? He's someone who kills just for the fun of it and he's no different from my Alpha, probably even worse.

He's definitely going to reject me right about now.

"I apologise, where are my manners? You're the one she offended so you probably want to punish her on your own." My Alpha said and my body went limp with fear.

No, please no.

Alpha Ethan said nothing. Everyone in the room watched quietly as he walked towards where the Alpha of my pack stood, still holding me by the hair.

He raised his hand and I flinched, closing my eyes in anticipation for a hit but I felt no pain.

Rather, the grip on my hair was released and I heard a sickening crack which was quickly followed by a heavy thud.

My eyes flew open to see my Alpha on the floor, clasping his right hand which seemed to be broken.

What the hell is going on here?

Alpha Ethan turned to me and I cowered, slowly moving backwards in panic, realizing I might be next.

I don't know how it happened but I tripped on something, causing me to fall backwards, my butt hitting the ground hard.

Alpha Ethan stood in front of me, intimidating. He slowly grabbed my hand and raised me up. I stared at him pleadingly but he never changed from his cold expression neither did he say a word to me.

He simply just dragged me to the center of the room, all eyes focusing on us.

Here it comes, the much anticipated rejection and only Selene knows what he'll do to me after that.

"Listen up, each and every one of you. This girl here is my mate and if anyone hurts as much as a hair on her head, I'll cut that person to pieces. Your Alpha is a coward for being so brutal to a helpless girl, fully aware that she's unable to fight back.

He's lucky I'm in a good mood so I only broke his hand." He said and suddenly turned to my Alpha who was still cradling his broken hand, seemingly in pain.

"For what you just did, you don't deserve any of your limbs but I didn't come here to fight. You're not worth my time." He said and the whole room remained silent, everyone probably in shock, I included.

This is starting to seem more like a dream than reality.

He suddenly turned to me and I gulped, quickly moving my eyes to the floor.

He grabbed my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his.

"You're my mate and that means you're my responsibility, I'm sorry you had to go through so much because I couldn't find you sooner. I won't let anyone hurt you again." He said and I blinked repeatedly, unable to believe my ears.

This whole situation is so surreal that I can't even figure out how I'm supposed to be feeling.

"How could you do this? I treated you with respect and hosted a banquet in your honor and you repay me in this manner? By wounding both me and my pride, you've certainly made a terrible decision." My Alpha threatened.

"You seem to be the one obsessed with making bad decisions, like how you're talking to me right now. Don't infuriate me or I might finish the job." Alpha Ethan fired back and turned to me once more.

"I'm taking you out of this hellhole. You won't have to worry about anything from now on." He assured me and I just nodded, gobsmacked.

Before I could process anything, he suddenly lifted me into his arms, carrying me bridal style.

He walked towards the exit of the Great Hall and the angry face of my Alpha was the last thing I saw.

Esme's POV

It's been three days since I came here but the Alpha has never even spoken to me once.

Forget about speaking, I've not even seen him. I certainly didn't enjoy my life as a slave in my own Pack but I still feel like it's unfair that Alpha Ethan claimed me as his mate and brought me to his Pack but doesn't give me the time of day.

I feel like a wife who's husband is absent and despite all the luxuries I've been provided, many of which I've never experienced before and so I'm grateful for, I can't seem to take my mind off my mate.

For the past three days, I've been fed so well, pampered beyond measure and dressed in the best clothes, a healer even comes daily to heal my wounds. It's almost like a dream, one I fear will end soon.

I was told by Ms. Rachel, the lady in charge of the palace duties, not to leave my room until I was sent for. She seems nice and has only been kind to me but I can't help the feeling that she's hiding something, everyone is.

Each maid I try to ask about the Alpha just outright ignores me or tries to change the subject, almost as if they're afraid to talk about him, to let something slip.

If this goes on any longer, I'm afraid I'll have to take matters into my own hands. No matter how fearsome he is, I'll have to develop the courage to go up to him for a chat.

I want to know why he didn't reject me and if he was telling the truth back in my Pack and has truly accepted me as his mate, why haven't I been allowed to see him?

A knock suddenly comes to my door, startling me.

Despite the fact that I'm not a slave anymore and I don't have to worry about being abused daily, old habits die hard.

"Come in." I permitted and the door opened, revealing that it was Ms. Rachel.

I quickly stood up to acknowledge her.

"You really don't have to do that my lady, you're the Alpha's mate, the Luna of this pack so you're the one who needs to be respected." She said and gave a small bow, making me feel embarrassed.

"You really don't have to bow to me, please don't." I pleaded and she gave a small smile.

"You've been restless the past few days and I understand why. Thankfully, everything will be cleared today." She said and I threw her a puzzled look.

"What do you mean by that?"

"The Alpha has demanded an audience with you and wants to speak with you about an urgent matter." She revealed, causing me to have mixed feelings.

I know that I've been eager to see the Alpha, primarily because I want answers but now that the opportunity has finally come, I feel reluctant.

I suddenly can't stop thinking about how scary he is.

"Um....Now?" I managed to voice out.

"Yes, your presence is needed now." She replied and I gulped, straightening out my dress before following her out of the room.

As I walked with her through the hall towards the throne room, my heart accelerated with every step.

"Will you calm down Esme or are you waiting to get a heart attack?" Solar teased.

"Don't mock me, you and I know you're afraid of him too." I fired back.

"That may be true but not as much as you. He's our mate after all, I love and respect him but I'm also expected to fear him." She replied and just then, we arrived at the throne room.

This is the first time I'm seeing him in three days, I have to admit that he looks really handsome.

He's deep in conversation with a man who I suspect to be his Beta and he doesn't seem to notice our presence until someone announces it.

He ends his conversation quickly and orders everyone else to leave the room, leaving the both of us alone. My anxiety once again rises at this.

He looks at me slowly while I keep my eyes glued to the floor, his scrutinizing gaze almost makes me feel naked.

"Come closer." He ordered and I hesitated a bit before complying.

"You're afraid of me." He stated, the side of his lips twitching in a smile.

I didn't want to anger him by answering sincerely but I didn't want to lie so I kept quiet.

"I can smell your fear and it feels oh so delightful, the rising of your heartbeat with every breath sounds like a melody." He said, completely catching me off guard.

I looked at him strangely for a split second before returning my gaze to the ground.

"How do you feel?" He asked.

"Uh.....Me? I....I feel great." I replied, trying hard not to stutter but failing miserably.

"Your injuries seem to be healing quickly and you seem fit enough to travel." He observed.

"What is your name?" He asked.

"My name is Esme, Esme Lamanie." I replied quickly.

"Esme." He repeated, my name sounding so sensual on his tongue. Heat rushed towards my cheeks at my unholy thought.

"I've prepared a great amount of wealth for you, if you use it wisely, you can survive comfortably on it for a few years." He said and I couldn't hold back my surprise.

"What?! What do you mean by that?"

"What I mean is, you're leaving this Pack right now. I'll send a few warriors to escort you safely towards the border. You can go anywhere of your choice from there, you'll be provided enough to live comfortably, far away from me and this Pack." He spoke, his voice sounding harsh at the end.

I don't know why but the last part stung, causing my heart to constrict in pain. He didn't reject me but now he wants me to leave his Pack and stay far away from him? It doesn't make any sense.

"I don't understand, did I do something wrong? I deeply apologize if I did, just tell me what I did so I'll never repeat my mistake again. You can even punish me if you like." I found myself saying.

I'm still afraid of him no doubt but I'm afraid to leave this pack. What if I come across the Alpha of my former Pack again, what then?

"You didn't do anything wrong. This isn't about you, it's about what I want and I don't want you around me or this Pack. You might be my mate but I don't want you living with me." He replied, puzzling me further. He still refers to me as his mate but he wants to send me away.

"Why didn't you reject me then?" I lashed out, annoyed.

"I didn't reject you because I didn't want to. You're my mate and it would be a big blow to my pride if my mate is a slave so I had to take you out of there. I did you a favour, you should be grateful." He spoke conceitedly.

"Really? Thank you, then. Thank you for saving me. But have you ever stopped to think how I would feel after hearing this?

For a moment, I.... I had actually thought I could find happiness. That I could have a mate who would love and care for me but I was wrong.

I feel like a toy being passed around. You can accept me as your mate when you feel like it and then send me away the next minute." I said, tears falling down my cheeks.

I could have never expected any of this. Why is life so cruel to me?

"Think whatever you want, I don't see any reason for the tears and the unnecessary drama. You asked a question and you got your answer. If there's nothing else, it's best you get ready to leave." He said and stood up, ready to leave but I couldn't let it happen.

I rushed towards him, holding his hand. He stilled.

"Why are you sending me away?" I asked the question in my mind.

"I already answered that, I don't want you around." He reiterated.

"Why is that? Do you have a problem with me?" I pushed.

"I'm not answerable to you. Let go of my hand now or there will be consequences." He threatened and I finally let go of his hand.

"You accepted me in front of everyone, I deserve your love and protection as your mate." I snapped.

"No, you only deserve what I give you. If you're afraid of getting into trouble with the Alpha of your former Pack, that has already been sorted out. I'll make sure that no one is able to lay a finger on you and you'll live comfortably in any pack you wish. Once you settle down, you can marry anyone you wish, I don't give a fuck.

I made a promise to you in your pack, which I'll fulfill by giving you provision and protection but aside from that, I have nothing left to give." He concluded.

"Have I no right to your love?" I enquired, a fresh tear trailing down my cheek.

"No. One can only give love if they have a heart. Don't trouble me anymore with these useless arguments, I've done the best I possibly can for you. If you don't leave on your own, I'll have you thrown out forcefully and that certainly won't be pleasant." He warned.

Seeing no other choice, I had to give in.

"Fine, I'll leave." I answered defeatedly and he left the throne room, not bothering to spare me as much as a second glance.

He truly is a beast, the bloody conqueror. I was a fool to hope for anything.