Page 14 of Binding Breanna

The beta’s nails clack against the keyboard, her polite smile never falling. “Here you are, Ms. Clark.” She presses a few buttons. “I see that you have a wound on your neck.” Her voice remains very pleasant as she pulls a blue brochure with white lettering out of a hidden drawer. “Did your date mate you?”

I nod, the movement jerky.

The beta pulls a second brochure out of the drawer. This one is red. “If you decide to file your union with the?—”

“They’re dead,” I blurt out. “Both of them.”

The beta freezes for a moment, staring at me as if too shocked to speak. “Well, then.” Her voice pitches a little high. “That doesn't happen often.” She smiles, but it’s very forced. “In that case.” She places the blue brochure on the counter. “Please check in with this office sometime today to have your injury assessed.” She circles an address on the back. “We will transfer the credits per your contract once a physician sees you.”

I curl my fingers around the brochure. The numb sensation in my chest falls away, replaced by wild excitement.

I’m getting more money.

After everything that happened, the fear and violence, the blood and pain. I’ll not only have enough money to start a brand new life wherever I want, but I have a mating bite.Two of them.

I can do what I want, and be whatever I want. I’m no longer tied to my parents or their awful expectations. Plus, no self-respecting Alpha will want me now that I’m ruined.

I’m free.

But was it worth it?

I think about everything I just endured: The fear and pain. The bruises that will surely form on my hips and neck. The nipple clamps and large metal butt plug forced inside me. My body will never be the same.

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” The beta clasps her hands in front of her, patiently waiting for me to answer.

“Yes.” I clear my throat. “Can I sign up again for next year?

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