Chapter 5

Alessandra's perspective

"Eat." A husky, deep voice gave the order.

I paused, looking at the plate. Was this a punishment of some kind? Had I made a mistake? Perhaps they were still upset with me for nearly falling and displaying weakness yesterday.

My fingers were shaking as I picked up a piece of cake. I took a tiny bite, and my stomach rumbled. It was tasty, but I wasn't hungry. I clenched my teeth and silently prayed for the end of this nightmare.

I shifted in my chair a little and glanced at the door. Giovanni would catch me in an instant if I ran. But it wouldn't hurt to try, would it?

"We'll make you regret moving even an inch." Antonio's and Rocco's voices sent a chill down my spine as they warned together.

My breath caught, and my throat constricted as I gasped. Panic struck, and my hands sprang up to my neck. I was choking. My body shook violently, my vision became blurry, and my chest hurt.

Giovanni's chair scraped the floor as he abruptly stood up. I was out of breath when he vanished from my line of sight.

I froze when a warm hand touched my back. I was gasping for air, but oddly, the touch made me feel better.

Antonio put a glass of water next to me and said, "Here."

Bewildered, I blinked up at him. My mind was filled with questions. Why would a senior Beta rush to fetch water for me? Did he feel sorry for me? That was nonsensical.

"Drink." He spoke softly, almost whispering.

The hand on my back stopped before I could thank him. They seemed to be fully aware of my thoughts. Was it really that simple to read me?

I noticed that my hands were no longer shaking as I slowly raised the glass. I was scared and frantically trying to get away just a moment ago, but now I felt at ease. It was nearly strange.

Then it dawned on me. The Alphas!

I almost spilled the water when I jumped out of my chair.

Simple. Antonio said, his face unreadable, "You'll spill it."

I gave a slight nod and bit my lower lip. He truly stood out from the others. Even nice.

However, his face darkened the moment he turned to face the twins.

"Oh, I just realized. I have tasks to complete. Remain here. After saying something formal, he turned to depart.

My heart was racing. No! He was unable to leave me by myself with them. He must have been kidding.

I grabbed his hand and hurried forward before I could change my mind. His eyes went wide with surprise.

I went cold. What had I done? This was foolish. Inconsiderate. I was breaking all the rules of the pack. However, I was powerless to stop it. Instead of staying with those monsters, I would rather take a chance with him.

I muttered, "Please... take me with you."

As if I had burned him, Antonio jerked his hand away. Something like fear twisted his face.

"Avoid me!" He spoke sharply, almost in a panic. Then he turned and left without saying another word.

Stunned, I stood there. Just now, Antonio patient, kind Antonio had yelled at me. He had never addressed any of the women in the pack in such a manner. Never.

Was it my filth? Or was it that I was an omega? As realization set in, my chest constricted. He had shied away from me. The issue was me.

The scrape of a chair behind me made me jump.

"Take a seat." Rocco spoke in a chilly, irritated tone.

I looked down and swallowed. He sounded irate. They would make me regret not saying yes. I sat down again slowly, my hands balled into fists in my lap.

Before me, slid a plate of food. The sight made my stomach turn.

My eyes were burning with tears. What did they hope to accomplish with me? Was this a perverse game of some sort? Food poisoning? Is this a sick joke?

Why me? The pack was full of people. Why did they always target me?

My entire body tensed as a low growl sliced through my thoughts.

"It's pointless," Rocco muttered as he got to his feet.

My breath stopped. They intended for me. It was I who was useless.

Antonio said, "Enough," but his voice was unconcerned.

"Pathetic," growled Rocco. I flinched when his foot struck the chair a second later.

"She's not strong enough to—"

I covered my ears with my hands. I was not interested in hearing it.

I was already aware of their opinion of me. I didn't have to listen to it aloud.

It took me a few seconds to sense their departure. I ventured to look up, only to find them gone.

I stood with my legs swaying under me, tears streaming down my face. I had to leave this place. My chest constricted with each stride as I staggered toward the exit, my feet dragging.

My father was sorely missed. The only person who had ever kept me safe was him. My life had been nothing but suffering and shame ever since he passed away. None of this would be taking place if he were present.

The pack treated me like trash, making fun of me for not working as hard as the other omegas. Carla was the only person I had.

Carla.

"Alessandra, my goddess!"

She was in front of me, embracing me before I could even register her voice.

Her presence, her warmth it was too much. I clung to her, my fingers desperately clutching her clothing as a sob tore through me.

"Were you harmed by the warriors?" She spoke in a gentle, soft voice.

I gave a headshake. If only she were aware of the reality. The warriors hadn't tortured me. The true monsters held the reins of power.

Wiping a tear from my cheek, she withdrew. "Tell me what took place."

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. What was there for me to say? Could it be that the Alpha twins took pleasure in dismantling my identity? Could it be that Antonio, the one person I held in high regard for his uniqueness, had just proven his similarities with everyone else?

Carla let out a sigh. "You don't need to speak. I am already aware.

She did, of course. She did it every time. She was my only friend in the entire pack because of this. She was the only one who truly cared.

She put her arm through mine. "Let's leave now, please."

Though I knew the truth deep down, I let her lead me away.

I would never get away from them, no matter where I went.

Not while I was weak.

Not while I was helpless.