The Runt novel Chapter 9

Over the next several days, anytime our paths cross Alpha Kace's father makes sure to politely let me know how unwelcome I am. He hates that his son is mated to a runt and lets me know every single time I see him, which unfortunately is almost daily at dinner since this is one of my 'expectations'. During the day I'm left alone and I hide in my room, not coming out for anything – not even meals. I feel threatened in Alpha Michael's presence and when Alpha Kace isn't home, I don't want to be caught wandering the house or grounds alone and unprotected. I can't defend myself and while I hate to rely on Alpha Kace for anything, I do hope he'd save my life if it came to it.

It might – if Alpha Michael keeps his shit up, we're going to have a problem, Nova warns me. I've been able to ignore his digs and innuendos but Nova is finding it far more difficult to do so. Last night at dinner when he persisted in having me explain the story of my birth and how I 'killed my mother' – his words, not mine, was the final straw for my she-wolf counterpart. I've learned that not only did Alpha Daddy not tell Alpha Kace anything, Alpha Kace didn't bother to ask anything either so brought me here knowing nothing. He now knows some things thanks to his father's invasive nightly interrogations but even that I try to keep as safe and superficial as possible, but last night was over the top. It's like he knew what buttons to press to emotionally break me down and pressed every single one and the entire time, Alpha Kace just sat there silently, absorbing my every word.

I'm not looking forward to dinner tonight.

I don't look forward to every single day at all anymore, truth be told. I used to enjoy waking up in the mornings to hear the birds chirping, warriors shouting in the distance as they trained, the voices of wolves working in the kitchens and people passing in the hallway outside my room. Now I open my eyes every day to tears pouring out of them and already wet pillows because I've been crying in my sleep. The only merciful thing is Alpha Kace has left me alone – other than escorting me to and from dinner, he hasn't touched me and I'm left to my own devices for the most part. No one bothers me or even checks on me which leaves me all kinds of hours to feel sorry for myself and contemplate the life I wish I had versus the life I'm currently existing in.

Existing – not living, there's a noticeably big difference.

"Nor will you ever mate with my son," his tone turns to disgust, as if the very thought of me birthing his grandpups repulses him. For a brief moment my heart soars as I realize I won't be just a breeder after all, but then turns to ash when I realize they have no use for me then. Alpha Michael watches me carefully as if waiting to see at which moment my uselessness will finally occur to me.

I suddenly feel very alone.