Page 146 of Caged Between the Beta & Alpha
“Fine, I’ll keep everyone at the party and make sure no one leaves. That will give you all a bit of time.”
“Perfect. Thank you!” I said. “How’s Liam been?” I frowned, hearing Damon’s heart skip a beat and the way Uncle El’s jaw ticked. What was it?
“He’s resting,” Aunty Red said quietly. Uncle El pulled her into his arms, kissing her neck softly.
“Can I see him?” I asked, feeling like something wasn’t right.
“He’s asleep, Raven,” Aunty Red replied, giving me a small smile that didn’t mask the pain in her eyes.
Yeah, very suspicious. They were hiding something from me. I sat for a while longer. Aunty Monica woke up, so I knew Damon would be stopping for longer, and I excused myself.
I left the Alphas’ home through the front door, but rather than return home, I walked around the house looking for a way in. I was glad that the guards were posted a little away, protecting the house from anyone approaching, yet not close enough that I would be spotted climbing through a window. Noticing an open bathroom window on the second floor, I climbed up, swinging myself silently inside. If I said I wanted to see him, I was going to see him...
Slowly taking my boots off so I made no sound, I silently made my way through to the hall and down towards Liam’s room.
Liam?
No answer... then again, he was on wolfsbane, so maybe he wouldn’t hear me. I frowned.
I turned the door handle, stepping inside before I froze in my tracks. The smell of blood and Liam’s scent mixed, hitting me hard. My eyes fell on the bed where Liam lay on his stomach, his eyes closed and his breathing heavy, but it was his bare back that filled me with horror. From his neck down to the band of his sweatpants, hisback was a mess of deep, ruthless gashes. Wounds that hadn’t been there last night, far more than what was on his back when I had bandaged him up. What….
My heart thundered, my eyes flashing as I stepped into his room. My boots slipped from my grasp onto the carpeted floor as I rushed to the bed, shaking. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind. Did his dad make him take the rest of the punishment? Did Liam ask for it himself? How dare they go behind my back! I said it was enough!
Brushing away my tears of frustration, I covered my mouth. The condition of his back was sickening. They were far too deep... his skin was torn up so horrifically. A thin layer of some sort of balm was covering his back, but… he wasn’t healing! I dropped to my knees by his bed, looking at his face.
I shook my head; I knew the answer... he asked for his punishment to be completed because he felt guilty. I placed a hand on his cheek, the sparks rushing through me as his thick lashes fluttered, but his eyes didn’t open. I knew that he’d always remember what he did… even in years to come. I leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.When will we stop hurting?Why was he going to torture himself like this?
Hearing the sound of footsteps, I stood up quickly and slipped my boots on. I went to his window, opened, it and climbed onto the ledge. Before I jumped down, I cast a final look back at the man I loved. I couldn’t do anything for him right then. Maybe time would heal all…
I’m sorry.
The following day, I had mind-linked Liam but had reached a blank again. Remembering his injuries, I wished they had at least let him heal first. I had then texted him instead, but he had kept the conversation short, saying he was fine. I promised myself the next time I saw him, I would ask him about those injuries.
Two nights later, I had still been unable to see Liam. I was put to work helping with the party, so I didn’t get the time. I knew he was avoiding me, so I didn’t push it. Tonight, he’d have to face me.
Uncle El had made it clear we were having a party and that everyone was to join, from the omegas to the warriors. He had made it clear that no one was to leave the area whilst the party was ongoing for everyone’s safety. The only ones who wouldn’t be attending were the essential patrol which would change halfway through the party. As expected, many pack members were looking forward to an evening of relaxing and not having to be confined to their homes thanks to the curfew.
I had gotten ready, too, making sure I looked good. For me, sometimes putting a little effort in made me feel better about myself. I had put on a lace bodysuit and cropped leather pants with a black belt with a gold buckle strapped around my waist. I added several delicate gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings. My ears, as usual, had studs in all my piercings. I left it, not wanting to look overly done. My hair was up in a sexy, messy bun. I was wearing six-inch black heels, and my make-up was flawless. I had added black glitter to my usual smoky eye and done a full face, finishing off with deep, matte, wine-coloured lipstick and nails of the same colour.
The party was in full swing. The place was lit up with lanterns hanging from the branches and fairy lights strung around. The long tables were to the left, holding lanterns, dishes, and some clusters of flowers that were placed across them. To the right were some chairs, and drinks were being served and set up behind there. There was a huge dessert table full of mouth-watering goodies, and the pups were all running around. At the back were the huge pots and boxes with the food, which were being put on platters, ready to be served.
Music was blaring loudly, and the mood was surprisingly light. I noticed there were guards posted every two metres; no one would be able to leave without being noticed. I glanced around, trying to find the boys. I was not able to see any of them. Well, we were all to make an appearance first. My eyes went to the two large chocolate fountains that seemed to be calling to me.
“Oo, chocolate!” I whispered, weaving my way through the crowds towards it. “Cake pops…” I reached the table, fitting in nicely with the young boys who were helping themselves to dessert.
“Shouldn’t you wait until after your main meal first?” I asked.
“Same to you, midget.” One of them frowned at me as I pushed to the front.
Damn, I was sure they were, like, nine or ten, but some were already taller than me…Thank you, Goddess, for six-inch heels.
“Hey, I’m double your age! Now, behave,” I said, stealing a plate and quickly piling it with three cake pops, a stick that I slid some brownies onto, marshmallows, and strawberries, before dunking it into the melted chocolate. The boys complained, but I ignored them. You couldn’t come between me and chocolate. I was about to turn away, paused, and picked up a small cheesecake shot before hurrying away, leaving a disapproving group of boys behind. Now, where to eat this before we had to leave?
I spotted a tree not too far off and walked over, biting into my chocolate-covered brownie and sliding it off the stick, licking my lips as I enjoyed it. So yummy… I picked up one of the cake pops and shoved it fully into my mouth.
“Here you are. I told Damon you’d be near the dessert table,” Liam’s husky voice came, making me freeze, my mouth full of chocolate and the sense of déjà vuof the night we found out we were mates returned to me.
I slowly turned and looked at him, remembering his mutilated back. My heart thundered as I looked him over. Black ripped jeans, boots, and a white collar-less button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a few buttons open. My stomach fluttered, and I stared into his cerulean eyes, noticing his hair was perfectly styled. I was glad he felt better, or at least looked better.
