The Runt novel Chapter 19

"Welcome back, you stupid little bitch," his voice sneers at me from the darkness. It doesn't matter that I haven't opened my eyes, of course he noticed the difference in my heartrate and breathing – he knows I'm awake. He chuckles darkly as I struggle to first open my eyes, then get them focused on him. It takes a lot more effort than I ever would have believed possible.

"Your plea for attention worked but I don't think you're going to like the results," he taunts, pinching closed and open one of the IV tubes running into my body. I have no idea what it is for but the alarms begin to scream every time the pressure begins to build when he blocks it so I imagine it is important – he doesn't care.

"I OWN you, little girl – body," his voice a leer, "and soul. My son can't help you nor does he even want to – nobody cares about you. The sooner you accept your new reality princess – the easier it is going to go." He releases the tube and steps back from the bed when a nurse rushes into my room, alerted by the alarms. His face immediately changes into a mask of concern.

"She just woke up! It's a miracle!" He sounds like he is rejoicing but behind the nurse's back I can see his true face and he's disappointed I didn't die. I know his life – hell, everyone's life – would be easier if I had been successful but it isn't for lack of trying.

Don't do this – don't go there again, please! Nova's pleas fall on my already deaf ears as I realize that I was unsuccessful the first time, doesn't mean I can't try again. I will not live a life where I am this monster's whore – the thought of it makes me feel physically ill. Being under him once was horrific enough – I can't do that ever again and I know if I return to their house, it will.

And I don't doubt Alpha Kace's inability to do anything about it.

No – I need to take care of this now... one way or another.