Chapter 57 57
Venessa’s POV
Muffled sounds reached me first, distant and warped, as though I were submerged underwater. My vision swam, unfocused, darkness clinging stubbornly to the edges. Something cold splashed against my face, followed by rough hands shaking me.
“…ake up!” a voice demanded.
The words barely registered. Someone tugged at me, trying to pull me upright. A strange thought drifted through my mind Was I dead?
“Wake up!” the voice came again, sharper this time.
A slap followed.
Pain flared, and suddenly the world snapped into place. My vision cleared, memories crashing back all at once. The woolly-haired man Tyreek. Recognition hit like a blow.
Had they killed me? Was this some cruel afterlife?
“She’s awake, Beta,” Tyreek announced, turning to the dark-haired man who had ordered my execution.
“Give her water,” the Beta said.
A bottle was pressed to my lips. I took a careful sip, then another, as they helped me sit upright and lean back against the cold wall. I drew a steadying breath, forcing myself to gather the scattered pieces of my mind. When I looked at the Beta again, relief washed through me I was still alive.
Don’t embarrass us like that again, Venessa, Nyla scolded inside my head, and it dawned on me that I must have fainted from sheer panic.
“Lycans don’t pass out,” the Beta remarked coolly, lifting my chin to study my face.
“Shift,” he ordered.
I didn’t hesitate.
He stepped back, giving me space. I pushed myself to my feet and began removing my clothes. Some of the men turned away awkwardly, but the Beta didn’t. He watched openly, unapologetically.
I didn’t care.
I stripped bare, aware of the lust flickering in his eyes. I called out to Nyla, surrendering control. My consciousness slipped into hers as she surged forward, taking dominance.
The shift tore through me more painful than usual. I knew why. My body was still weak from collapsing. Bones cracked, muscles burned, and moments later I landed on all fours.
Laughter broke out around me.
“What the fuck is this?” one of the men blurted, unable to hold it in.
I knew how I must look small, unimpressive, fragile. Pathetic, even. But this wolf had already saved my life once. She would do it again.
The Beta stared.
“What are you?” he asked, shock plain on his face.
I couldn’t answer.
“A tiny Omega werewolf?” he said, disbelief thick in his voice.
“Shift back,” he ordered abruptly, unable to stand the sight of me.
Suddenly, they all felt like bullies.
I shifted back quickly and scrambled into my clothes, my hands trembling slightly.
“Do you know who Danisha Gordon’s child is?” the Beta asked, clearly believing everything I had told him earlier.
I shook my head immediately. “I’ve been with her my entire life. She never had a child.”
Shock crossed his face.
“Could she have given the baby away?” he murmured. “I wouldn’t put it past Carlton to force his sister’s hand. It would explain her exile… the family’s disgrace. Maybe that’s why she adopted you. To ease her conscience.”
I didn’t understand what any of this had to do with my mother’s exile but I stayed silent.
The Beta looked at me again, his expression softer now.
“Your wolf isn’t impressive,” he admitted honestly. “But she’s beautiful.”
I thanked him, though the words felt strange in my mouth. He studied me for a long moment before asking, “What are you doing in the Blood Moon Pack?”
I knew I had to lie again.
Healers were rare. Valuable. If he knew the truth, I would never be allowed to leave.
“I clean toilets,” I said quickly. “And I serve breakfast.”
Laughter erupted around us.
“A woman like you shouldn’t be doing menial work,” he said, openly admiring my features.
I closed my eyes.
“I owe the Alpha a debt,” I said quickly, hoping to stop his thoughts from wandering. “I’m repaying it honorably.”
“How much do you owe him?” he asked.
My mind raced.
“A life,” I answered truthfully.
He frowned.
“Lycans keep harems,” he said casually. “I plan to start one before I take a mate. You could be part of it. Better than servitude. All I’d need to do is request your Alpha to give you to me officially.”