Page 142 of Caged Between the Beta & Alpha
“Hey, why did you come?” He asked quietly.
“Moral support? I actually have no idea… I just… I need to be here,” I whispered. He frowned and nodded. “And how are you feeling?” I looked around. It was so dark and dreary in there. I noticed Robyn, Zack, Taylor, and even Owen were there. That bastard…
“Okay, I guess,” he replied quietly. No, he wasn’t.
“You got this.” I said, “Just don’t think.”
He nodded just as Liam’s familiar scent hit my nose. I turned to see him being taken to the centre, my stomach twisting as they hooked his wrists to the chains that dangled from the ceiling – chains that would keep him upright even when his body could no longer take it.
The sound of heels echoing on the stone floor made me turn, and I saw Aunty Red enter. She looked around, her heart thudding as she broke into a quick run, rushing over to Liam, who was already chained up.
“Mom?” He sounded surprised. I could only see his chiselled back towards me as his shirt had been removed.
“Liam,” she said, cupping his face as she pressed her forehead to his.
“I’m fine. This is nothing,” he said quietly.
Everyone fell silent, and I knew this was hard for Aunty Red. She had been through so much, and what happened had brought back her own traumatic experience. They switched to mind-linking. Aunty Red nodded and placed a kiss on his forehead, although he had to bend his head for her to reach. She stepped back, taking a deep breath, and walked over to me. I smiled gently as she came over and hugged me tightly.
“I’d stay... but I can’t see this. I’m sorry,” she whispered.
I nodded. I understood. She turned and walked away, casting a final glance at Liam and Uncle El before she did.
Damon walked forward, and any murmurs that occurred died down. My heart was thumping with every step Damon took. His hand twisted around the whip. Uncle El sat down next to me.
“Why are you here?”
“I… I wanted to be…”
“People only come when they want the victim to be punished. You won’t be able to do anything,” he said quietly, making my heart thud. I dared not look at him.
“I… I wanted to… just…” I mumbled.
I knew deep down I was scared of what was happening, and I wanted to make sure things didn’t go too far… but… I looked at the man next to me, not Uncle El but the Alpha of this pack, an alpha who needed to uphold the laws…
He didn’t say anything, holding out his hand. I looked down at it and placed my own in his. He gave it a gentle squeeze as we looked ahead.
Damon raised the whip. I flinched when it struck Liam’s back. He didn’t even move. Another followed. Each lash made my heart squeeze.
For his mistake… it’s for his mistake…
I had to tell myself that, my heart thundering as each lash struck him, slicing through his skin and letting the blood drip to the ground. Not once did he even flinch, despite his breathing becoming harder. Each lash was biting into me, the pain of watching him face this…
Thirty…
“Raven…” Uncle El said, and I realised I was shaking. My heart was beating far too fast. “Step outside.”
“No,” I said as I saw Taylor coming over. No doubt Uncle El had mind-linked him. “I’m staying.” I stared at Liam as Damon continued.
The emotionless mask on Damon’s face was gone, pain and conflict on his face, too, as he frowned deeply, continuing the punishment.
“That’s enough now,” I said suddenly, flinching as the silver cut into Liam’s back that was a mess oflashes, torn skin, and blood.
“Raven. I told you that you can’t change this,” Uncle El said softly.
“No, I can because he marked me. I have the right to,” I said, standing up. I saw Damon glance towards us, but he continued his dealing.
Each lash felt like I was the one being cut open. My heart was screaming in pain. The fear and anguish inside of me were messing me up. He made a terrifying mistake, and one that would take time to heal, but let him have the chance to redeem himself! Not do something as painful as this!
