Saving His Feral Mate
Chapter 23: Painful memories

*TRIGGER WARNING* (There is a Flashback in this chapter that contains a very dark theme, including s****l assault. It’s clearly mark as Flashback, so you know where to stop reading if this is a sensitive subject for you.)

Alpha Knox POV

I was annoyed that my father pulled me away from Tatiana. I knew she didn’t like crowds and leaving her alone in the dinner hall, made me nervous. What if someone gave her a hard time? I chuckled to myself at the thought, knowing damn well if someone messed with her, she’d probably rip their head off.

The advise she gave Jo, resonated in my mind. ‘She doesn’t need protection, she needs to be taught how to love and trust again.’ Now, if I can only turn off my Alpha instincts to protect and possess her, that would be easy. Those traits are practically embedded in my brain and tough to break. But I know if I act all Alpha around her, she’ll end up pushing me away. She doesn’t want to be owned, she wants to be loved. I keep trying to remind myself.

Meanwhile, my wolf is snickering in my head, telling me how I’m definitely going to fail at some point. Who’s side is he on anyway? That damn mutt isn’t helping me one bit.

My father and I reached my office and I shut the door behind us.

“What is it you want, father?” I asked, as I made my way around my desk and took a seat.

“So that’s the rogue your toying around with, eh?” My father asked with a smirk.

“I’m not toying around with Tatiana, she’s a guest here and I’m making sure she feels at home, that’s all.” I replied sternly.

“I’m still not sure why you’re allowing rogues to stay here. They are dangerous, don’t be fooled by a pretty face, son. I taught you better than that.” He lecture me and I rolled my eyes.

“I don’t need to explain myself to you, father. What is it you want?” I asked shortly. I could tell he wasn’t done talking about Tatiana, but he was smart to drop the subject. We stared at each other for several minutes in silence, before my father let out a defeated sigh.

“Very well. I spoke with one of the elders. There has been rumours floating around about a few packs getting together to try and overtake us. We both know that we have our fair share of enemies and I wouldn’t overlook this as a possible threat. Unfortunately, the elder didn’t have any names for me, it was merely a warning. I think it’s time we host an Alpha meeting and get a feel for who’s trying to take us out, also maybe gain some allies.” My father suggested and I let out a frustrated sigh.

I knew the only reason we had so many enemies was because of my father. He was never a loyal ally and it bit us in the a*s on more then one occasion. When he was the Alpha, he would always side with whoever could offer him the most, instead of sticking with his already established alliances. This for obvious reasons rubbed some Alphas the wrong way. Now I need to try and fix the mess that he created and rebuild the broken relationships.

“Well, I already have an idea who would want to take out our pack, but I’m not oppose to an Alpha meeting. It’s probably time we try and rebuild some of those broken alliances.” I replied, with a slightly condescending tone.

“Don’t talk to me like that, son. I did what was best for the pack. Now, I think it’s your turn to start doing the same, stop messing with that rogue and take a chose mate. Melanie is the daughter of Alpha Logan, of the Bright Star Pack. Making her your Luna would create a strong alliance.” My father continued his lecture.

“Enough! I told you before, I’m not taking a chosen mate. We will create alliances another way. If that’s all father, I need to go.” I replied, while slamming my fist against my desk and standing up. My father’s face was red with anger, but I was just as furious with him. We’ve had this conversation more times then I can count and I’m sick of it.

“You’re impossible. I hope your selfish behaviour doesn’t bring down this pack.” My father barked, as I stormed out of the room and away from him.

I took several deep breaths, while walking down the hall. I needed to calm myself down before replaceing Tatiana. I knew she was already a bit uneasy, now that Max was gone and I didn’t want to scare her away.

I was about to make my way into the dinner hall, when Tatiana came storming out. Her rage almost matched mine and it instantly made mine dissipate. Now I wanted to know who made her angry.

I tried to ask her, but it was clear she didn’t want to talk about it. I wanted to push, so did my wolf, but I resisted the urge and dropped it for the time being.

“How about we go see Betty and Tom?” I suggested and I saw her eyes light up.

“Yes, that would be great.” She replied and I smiled at how excited she looked. I was glad I could change her mood so quickly. I just wish I knew who made her angry so I could deal with them.

————

Max POV

After leaving Knox’s territory, I headed back to the general area I call home. I felt a slight pang in my heart leaving Jo, but we were never meant to be. He keeps calling me his mate, but I don’t feel the bond. I guess it makes sense, I haven’t felt my wolf since I killed my first mate. She’s the one that would be affected by the bond, not me.

I’ve tried beating the damn word out of Jo’s vocabulary, but failing. The man is stubborn and no matter how much of an a*s whooping I give him, he keeps calling me his mate. Don’t get me wrong, Jo is one fine piece of a*s and I could ride that d**k all day, everyday, but that’s about it. I have no other feelings for him. At least I’m trying to convince myself of that.

I was feeling a bit on edge after hearing Alpha Alec’s name. f**k him, if he thinks he’s going to get his hands on me, he has another thing coming. Since killing my mate, I’ve fantasized about how I should of done it. I regret making it so quick, he didn’t suffer enough in my opinion. If I get my hands on Alpha Alec, he definitely won’t be so lucky. The thought alone, was enough to make an evil smile spread across my face, as I skipped along in the forest.

I reached a familiar cluster of trees where I previously setup camp. The trees provide some shelter from the elements and over time, I’ve made a makeshift bed out of branches. It’s nothing fancy, but it keeps the critters that live on the ground out of my cooter.

I laid down and tried to get some sleep, but my mind was racing. I started thinking of the dark times that made me who I am today. I wish I could forever erase those memories.

FLASHBACK:

On my 19th birthday, I discovered my mate was, Seth, the beta of my pack. At first he was sweet and caring and everything I wanted in a partner. He had a bad reputation, but I thought it would all change once he discovered I was his mate. Boy was I wrong. Looking back, I was naive and missed some clear danger signs. As soon as I let him mate and mark me, he turned evil. He enjoyed beating and forcing himself on me. I was weak and scared back then. I didn’t even try to fight back. Until that one night…

“I’m your mate, Seth. Please don’t do this. You’re hurting me.” I begged, while tears streamed down my swollen eyes. I heard his sinister laugh, that caused a shiver to run down my spine.

I was chained to the bed and completely helpless. He used and abused my body until he became bored of it. I was barely holding on, the pain was unbearable, there was b***d everywhere. My eyes were swollen shut from the beating I had received. This had become my new life since replaceing my mate.

“I’m just getting started, Maxine. You think that was bad, waiting till later.” He taunted, in a cold and evil tone. I heard the door slam shut and knew he had left me alone.

I must of fallen unconscious at some point, because the next thing I knew, I was awoken by the sound of multiple men laughing, while hands grabbed and pinched at my naked body. I was still chained to bed and when I tried to open my eyes, I could only make out silhouettes standing around me.

I screamed and bucked, trying to break free from the chains, but they only laughed harder at my misery. I could smell the stench of liquor on their breath and knew they were intoxicated.

“Enjoy boys.” My mate announce, before I heard his footsteps retreat to the corner, where a wooden chair sat. When I heard the legs of the chair drag against the floor, I knew he had taken a seat to watch the sick show he was allowing to take place.

My mate was a sadist. He watched and got off on the pain that was inflicted on me by his friends. But also from the pain he felt when they f****d me in front of him. The bond would of made him feel pain, but I could hear the sick f**k enjoying it.

I was thankful when darkness took over my mind and I could no longer feel the pain and humiliation.

I woke up in the middle of the night. I could barely move my body, I was in so much pain. I quickly realized that I was no longer chained to the bed and when I looked over, my mate was passed out next to me.

My wolf was weaken from the betrayal of our mate and continued to whimper in my head. I on the other hand, had never felt so much rage run through my body. In that moment, a surge of adrenaline coursed through me. I no longer felt the pain. I wasn’t going to live like that any longer.

I spotted Seth’s hunting knife on the dresser and quietly climbed off the bed to retrieve it.

I walked around to my mates side of the bed. He laid naked on top of the blankets. I stood beside him staring down at his disgusting body for a few minutes, wondering how I ended up paired with such an animal.

‘Do it.’ My wolf encouraged and that was all I needed to hear.

I climbed on top of him, straddling his thighs. He was so drunk he didn’t even stir. I roughly grabbed his d**k and balls with one hand, while I used the other hand that held the knife, to cut them off. The knife was so sharp, it sliced through his skin like butter.

His eyes shot open and the shock was evident on his face. I waited till his eyes locked with mine.

“You’ll never hurt me again.” I stated in a dangerously calm voice, before stabbing the knife through his heart. His eyes grew wider, as he took his last breath. A satisfied smirk spread across my face, as I felt his body go limp under me.

I felt something snap inside my head, before my wolf whimpered one last time and an empty feeling took over. I knew what it meant, my wolf couldn’t take the heart break of losing her mate. She knew I did what needed to be done, but it didn’t change the fact that she lost half her soul.

I didn’t bother taking anything with me, I just ran, I ran for my life. I heard wolves howling at the death of their Beta and I knew I would be hunted.

I was ready for death, I had nothing left in me. My body was battered and my soul was broken. I laid on ground in the middle of the forest, unable to continue.

I waiting for the wolves of my pack to replace me and put me out of my misery. But life had other plans. The twins, Preston and Parker found me first and brought me somewhere safe. They nursed my broken body and soul back to life.

End Flashback

“Max, you ok?” I heard a familiar voice ask, with a hint of concern.

I snapped out of my thought and found Parker and Preston kneeling next to me, looking at me with concerned frowns.

“Hey donkeys! I missed your identical asses.” I replied with a mischievous smirk. Their serious expressions faded and were replaced with grins.

“Somethings will never change and you Max, are one of those things.” Parker said, before wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug and letting out an amused chuckle.

“I missed your witty personality and naked a*s.” Preston added, before also giving me a hug.

“We heard what happened, you and Red ok?” Parker asked, in more serious tone.

“Ya, we’re fine.” I replied and paused for a second before asking. “ What happened to that chickenshit Alpha that you guys chased off?”

“Our half brother, Alpha Cameron? Sadly he made it onto his territory before we could get our hands on him.” Preston replied, with a frustrated sigh. My eyes went wide, at his words. Half brother? s**t, this is turning out to be more dramatic than a reality TV show.

“Don’t worry, we left him a present that will haunt his dreams until we see him again.” Parker added with a wink. I liked the sound of that and I didn’t miss the mischievous smirk on his face.

These guys weren’t nearly as crazy as I was, but they were savage and enjoyed the kill. Whatever they did, I’m sure it was good and I would definitely approve.

“So why is Red staying with that a*****e, Alpha Knox?” Preston asked, with a disgusted look on his face.

“He’s actually not that bad. I didn’t like him at first, but he’s grown on me and it’s clear he cares for her.” I replied honestly, while shrugging my shoulders.

“I don’t trust him, his dad was a terrible Alpha. I can’t imagine that he’s any better.” Parker added and I could hear the distaste in his tone.

“Settle down there, cowboy. You know me, if I had gotten the slightest incline that he was bad for her, he would be missing his reproductive organ.” I said firmly, while crossing my arms over my chest.

“That’s very true.” Preston replied, while shaking his head at the thought.

We spent the rest of the night catching up. It felt good being surround by familiar faces, I missed these two.