Chapter 1 Chapter 1 - Zelena

Zelena. I lifted my head slightly as the cool breeze brushed against my neck. My long raven hair waved gently with the breeze. It was a glorious morning, the air was still fresh and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. The sun felt warm on my face as it struggled to shine through the trees. There is something about being outside alone that I have always loved. Most people around here are afraid of the forest and they don’t go near it, me on the other hand, I love the forest. The sound of the wind in the trees, the feel of fresh air on my skin and the faint smell of salt water. It makes me feel, I don’t know, free, I guess. I relish the time I get to spend outdoors, however short it is. I live in a little fishing town in the far north of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, population of around two thousand people. The towns inhabitants are spread roughly twenty kilometres along the coast, there's the sea on one side, and thick forest on the other. We’re a little isolated but that’s how the locals like it. People in this town have lived here for generations, they never leave, and the ones that are lucky enough to get out, they don’t come back. The little town has all the basic necessities and people can usually find what they need in one of the few small stores. For what they can’t get, then they make the trip to one of the bigger cities, if you can call them that. Not that I have ever been, I have never left the island. This short walk through the trees each day on my way to school, was my only solace in my otherwise hell of an existence. I would take short steps, slow steps, as if to make each passing second in the open air last longer. There are only a few weeks left of my last year of school and although every second of the last twelve years has been hell on earth, I shudder to think what will happen when it’s all over. As I got to the black cast iron gates of the school, my small sense of freedom withered away. I looked at the dark brick walls and small windows and sighed, it was a prison. I pulled my hood up over my face, put my head down and made my way to the entrance. I pushed the heavy door open and puffed out a breath of relief, at least the hall was still empty. Majority of the other students were still in the car park, standing around and chatting with their friends until the bell rings. But not me, I prefer to go straight to my locker, shove my bag inside and wait at the door of my first class. If I get there before the halls fill up, I can usually avoid most of the morning abuse. Watching the kids marching through the hallways, I often let my mind wonder a little, what it could be like to have friends to stand around and chat with. It would probably be nice to have at least one friend in this shithole. I lingered at my locker this morning, recounting the events of last night's beating. I closed my eyes and listened to my body. The parts of my shirt that stuck to the raw lashes on my back stung with each slight movement. The broken skin felt hot and tight under my clothes. The gash on my forehead was still throbbing, causing a headache to spread from my hairline and down to behind my ear. I did my best to cover it with makeup, but the foundation burned when I tried to rub it in to the open wound. So, I stuck a band-aid over it instead. The band-aid was plain skin colour anyway so it should blend in with my face OK. My dark, messy hair could sit across most of my face and my hoodie would cover the rest. I suddenly became aware of the increased noise in the hallway behind me. The other kids had started coming in. Damn-it. I quickly closed my locker, bowed my head and started down the hallway to my first class. I quickly turned the corner and smashed face first into something hard. I fell backwards into the middle of the hallway, dropping my books as I tried to catch myself. The hall fell silent as I laid on my aching back, sprawled out on the floor. I clenched my eyes together, the pain spewing from my wounds was almost enough to make me gag. “What a loser” I heard Demi snicker as she burst out laughing, the rest of the people in the hallway quickly joined in. I scurried onto my hands and knees, trying to gather my belongings in order to make my escape. I reached for my notebook, but it wasn’t on the ground anymore. As I looked around for it, I froze. He was crouched down in front of me, his knees showing through his dark ripped jeans. I felt like I could feel the warmth radiating off him. He was not two feet away from me. I could smell him, his sweet sweat smelt like the air on a hot summer day. I breathed him in. Who is this? “Sorry, is this yours?” he asked as he held out his arm with my book in his hand. His voice was soothing and velvety, smooth with a low rumble to it. I snatched my book from his grip and began to stand up. I felt his big hands grab my shoulders and pull me upwards. The shock of his touch sent me falling back to the ground. I closed my eyes tight, turned my head into my arm and waited for him to hit me. The laughter in the hallway erupted again. “Whoa” the mystery boy gasped as I cowered from him. “She’s such a fucking freak” Demi cackled. The pain I expected never came, he didn’t hit me, no one did. I peered out from under my hoodie as a tear rolled down my cheek. He had taken a step back, holding out his arms to pull with him the other kids that had gathered around to laugh at me. I sat there for a moment on the cold floor taking in this boy. I had never seen him at school before. His dark brown boots were unlaced and very worn in, his ripped jeans hugged his hips. He had on a faded grey t-shirt with a red W printed on it. It hung loosely over his belt but clung to his muscular chest. He was tall. Very tall. He stood high above all of the other students behind him. I examined his arms that were still outstretched beside him. His sleeves hugging his bulging biceps. I looked at his face, his jaw was smooth and strong, his pink lips pursed together. His dark sandy blonde hair sat perfectly atop his head, short on the sides and long on the top. His bright blue eyes were staring at me with a frightening intensity. He was mesmerising, something of an ancient Greek God. Butterflies burst into my stomach and danced around. I began to feel hot and nervous as I looked at this beautiful being. Wow. He tilted his head slightly to the side and examined me. Shit! He could tell I was looking at him. I jumped up from the ground and ran, ducking my way through the crowd of laughing teens. I got to my English class and hurried to my seat at the back corner of the room. I put my books on the desk and then curled myself into my seat. Wiping the tears from my cheek I whispered to myself ‘I hate this place’. I rested my head on my folded arms and replayed the event in the hallway. I’ve never been interested in boyfriends or dating, but something about this new boy had my stomach doing backflips. “Class” the teacher called out as she stepped into the room, “These are two of our new students, Cole and Peter”. I lifted my head, just enough to see the new kids, and I reared back slightly. Holy heck, they were gods too. The first one, the taller one, had dark brown hair, smooth cream skin and slim toned muscles. His dark eyes were staring in my direction from across the class. The second one was a little shorter with dark red hair, tanned skin and glowing green eyes, eyes that were also staring in my direction. I lowered my head again and huffed. Why on earth would these gorgeous specimens be looking at me? I’m just a dirty and broken rag doll. “Boys take a seat please” the teacher cooed. The two boys made their way to the back of the class. I could feel the shift in the atmosphere of the room, and I had no doubt that each set of female eyes followed them as they walked. The tall one sat at the desk next to me, the other sat in front of me. The boy in front turned to face me, his head angled down trying to see my face from under my hoodie. Probably just wanting to get a look at the hideous beast that caused all that drama in the hall this morning. “Hey, I’m Cole” whispered the boy beside me. His voice had a somewhat calming but sceptical tone. He pointed to the desk in front of me, “That’s Peter, but everyone calls him Smith” the boy, Cole, said. The boy sitting there gave a crooked grin and wiggled his fingers at me. At first glance, he at least looks nice, but they usually all start out that way. I awkwardly nodded at them and lowered my head again, keeping my eyes on them the best I could. I don’t like this, I don’t trust this show of friendliness. They both looked at each other and shrugged, turning their bodies to the front of the class. I could feel my panic building, what did they want? Why were they talking to me? It’s just a joke, it has to be. They are going to be like every other asshole in this place and bully me, just like everyone else does. There is no reason for them to be nice to me, so it must be a trick. As class continued the presence of the two new boys made me uncomfortable. I squirmed in my seat as their closeness to me began to feel like it was shrinking by the second. Finally, the first morning bell rang, and the students started getting up and walking out the door. Cole and Smith both stood in front of my desk blocking my exit, everyone else had left the room already. Right away I knew this had to mean trouble, and I sunk myself lower into my seat, preparing myself for their incoming attack. “Do you think me and my friends can sit with you at lunch?” Cole asked peering down at me with his head tilted to the side. I lifted my head slightly to gauge his facial expression. He doesn’t seem malicious, it didn’t look like he was joking. But I shook my head anyway, I don’t trust them. I don’t trust anyone. “Well okay, I guess we’ll see you later then” said Cole cheerfully as he turned and headed for the door with Smith on his heels. “Hey, what's your name anyway?” Smith called back to me from the front of the class, I lifted my head to look at him, surprised. Both he and Cole were standing by the door looking at me, waiting. Why would he care what my name is? It’s not like we’re going to be friends or anything, why would boys like that be interested in being friends with a beast like me. I was confused and unsure, was this just another trick, some sort of mind game to gather information? I paused, considering all the thoughts swirling through my head. But I figured they have been nice to me so far. Nicer than anyone else has ever been. What’s the harm in letting them know my name? I got up out of my chair and stood next to my desk, with my head still lowered and my arms crossed in front of my body clutching my books. “It’s Zelena” I whispered with a croak. The two boys looked at each other wide eyed. They looked back to me and smiled. “Nice to meet you, Zelena” said Cole as he nodded his head and walked out the door. Smith continued to smile as he lifted his hand and wiggled his fingers at me again, then turned and walked out the door after Cole. Once I was alone, I puffed out a breath that I didn’t realise I was holding. I stood there for a moment, placing my hand on my desk to steady myself. What the heck was that about. My head was pounding and my breath was shaky. I put my other hand to my chest, my heart was thumping hard and fast. I felt dizzy and nauseous. I’m just hungry I thought, I didn’t eat this morning. I rushed off to my next class, zipping through the other kids in the hall. I got to the door and went straight in and to my seat, everyone else was already seated. I put my arms up on the desk and rested my head in my hands and started to daydream about the beautiful man in the hallway. The lunch bell rang snapping me out of my daze. Once all the other kids had left and the hallway seemed quieter, I headed out of the classroom towards the cafeteria. I walked through the doors and went to grab my tray, thank God for meal vouchers. The rest of the school was already seated at their tables, talking and catching up on the happenings of the weekend. I took my food and slowly made my way to my usual seat by the rubbish bins. I bit into my apple, keeping my head down. The room was full of noise and laughter amongst the few groups of friends. Demi and her minions sat at the table next to the footballers. Demi was your typical mean girl. She was beautiful and stylish, with long wavy blonde hair that bounced down her back and flawless bright skin. She was the kind of girl that all the guys wanted, and all the girls wanted to be. She would prance down the hall with her short skirts and high heels, as everyone else stepped out of her way. You would never catch me in clothes so short and tight, no one would want to see that anyway. My little daydream was broken when my orange juice suddenly tipped all over me, spilling down my stomach and over my lap. I looked at my tray and saw that someone had thrown a half-eaten slice of pizza at me. Lifting my head, I saw Demi flick her hair over her shoulder laughing and high fiving her followers. One of the jocks, Brian, was standing on the table pointing at me and laughing. “What happened Snow White, did someone have an accident?” he laughed as he jumped off the table and onto the back of one of his bros, his face turning red from his laughter. I felt the eyes of the entire school on me as I sat alone at my table with orange juice dripping onto my legs. I looked down at my clothes and my plate of mushy food. I turned my head to look at the exit and saw at the table by the door was the new boys, Cole and Smith, sitting with the mystery Greek God from the hallway. None of them were laughing. Cole was glaring at Demi with hatred in his eyes. Smith was looking between Demi’s table and his tray of food, furiously stabbing at his plate with his fork. The mystery man was looking at me. A look of deep hurt and sadness covered his face. His gaze followed me as I got up from my table and walked to the exit. “Bye Bitch” I heard Demi call as I pushed the doors open and walked through. I went to my locker to get my spare clothes. I know now from experience to keep a change of clothes at school, for those times that Demi is feeling extra cruel. I was pulling my jumper out of my bag when I heard a voice.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2 - Zelena part 2

Zelena. “Are you okay?” It was that same smooth and velvety voice that I have been daydreaming about all day. It was deep and demanding and left me with a warmness spreading through my chest. I peered out from behind my locker door. Oh my God, it was him. I took a deep breath and that smell hit me. Hot air on a summer day, delicious. A lump grew in my throat and I thought I might faint. I quickly dropped my head, I didn't want him to see my horrendous face. I nodded softly. He lifted his hand and placed it over the top of my own, that was gripping the locker door. Feeling terrified, I quickly dropped my hand, sliding it out from under his, slicing my palm open on the corner of the door as I did. I hissed and scrunched my nose at the small pinching pain. “Sorry, sorry I didn't mean to scare you” he quickly spluttered as he took a small step back. I grabbed my hand and lifted it to my face to investigate the damage. “Oh shit, your hand” he said as he stepped forward grabbing both my hands in his, forcing me to drop my jumper. I looked at him with terror at the thought of what he might to do. He must think I'm such an idiot for cutting myself, surely it made him mad too. My eyes wide with anticipation, waiting for my punishment. I froze, my body stiffened, waiting expectedly. He looked at my face and must have seen the terror in my expression. He gently and slowly let go of my hands, a move that surprised me. “Sorry” he said as he slowly raised his hands in surrender. “I didn’t mean to hurt you”. Hurt me? He didn’t mean to hurt me. I did that to myself, it was all my fault, why would he be sorry. I looked at him curiously as I held my hurt hand to my chest. “Will you let me help you?” he asked me softly, still holding his hands out. I didn’t understand. I am a monster compared to this beautiful being. Why would he care, why would he want to help me? I nodded again slowly. He held out his hand toward me gesturing for me to take it. I pulled away turning my body away from him. He dropped his hand and looked at me with sadness and confusion. My own confusion was ebbing its way into my brain, why the heck would this boy care anyway? “That’s okay” he said softly, bending over to pick up my spare jumper. “Follow me” he turned around and started walking slowly down the hall. He paused and looked back at me to see if I was following. He smiled. A big toothy grin that covered the bottom half of his face. Oh my goodness, that smile. Everything inside me melted. My fear and panic just slipped away. I felt warm and fuzzy inside. I felt safe. I nodded again and closed my locker. I trailed off behind him as he led me to his locker in the next hall. He looked at me again and smiled. I dropped my head letting my hair fall over my face. He opened his locker and pulled out a greyish blue bandanna, holding it up for me to see. “May I?” he asked, gesturing to my hand that I was still holding up to my chest. I looked down at my hand and looked at the bandanna. I glanced up at his face, he was still smiling. So, I nodded and held out my hand. He slowly placed my jumper over my shoulder and I resisted the urge to flinch at his movements, then he carefully began to wrap his bandanna around the cut on my hand. If only he knew how insignificant this tiny cut is. If only he knew the thrashings and lashings that I get at home. This small little cut is nothing. I have scars and slashes all over my back and stomach from beatings way worse than this tiny little scratch. If only he knew. But I have never had someone offer to help me before, I've never had someone even be remotely nice to me before. Why do I feel so comfortable with his hands on mine? I've never liked being touched, though I've never had someone touch me so soft and gently, not like this. He tied the ends of the bandanna together to keep it from coming off. I let my hand rest in the palm of his hand. It looked so tiny sitting there like that. I looked so tiny standing next to him. I've always been small framed but that could just come down to being malnourished. I like to think that I'm a little like my mother, but I don’t remember what she looks like, so I wouldn’t know for sure. I could feel his eyes on me as I stared at our hands together. He gently rubbed this thumb on the back of my hand. It all felt so intimate. My body relaxed and that same warmth I felt before, spread through my arms and legs, I still didn’t completely understand it. Why would anyone that looks like him, care about someone like me. The surprise of the bell ringing made me jump. I pulled my hand from his and crossed my arms in front of my body. The hallway got louder as people started making their way to their next class. “Gunner, we gotta go” I heard Cole say behind the big, beautiful man. I glanced around his massive frame and saw both Cole and Smith were standing there. I hadn’t even noticed them there before. Were they there the whole time, did they see my stupid clumsy accident? Oh how embarrassing. The beautiful boy crouched down slightly to be closer to my face and whispered loud enough for me to hear over the noise of the hallway, “My name’s Gunner” he said. I leant back a little, scared of his sudden closeness to me. He stood up straight again and tilted his head to the side slightly. “Can I see you after school?” No. This is just a dream, surely it is. Maybe that beating last night was worse than I thought. Maybe I'm unconscious on the basement floor and this is all just happening in my head. There is no way on earth that this person wants to spend time with me. Not me. No way. I shook my head a little, not looking at his face. “Hmph” he groaned unmoving, “I’ll see you later” he said confidently and then he turned and walked away. I leant back on the locker behind me and tried to catch a breath. As he disappeared from view, I could feel the same lonely darkness creep back into my chest. I quickly changed out my jumpers, put my head down, and shuffled off to my next class. The rest of the day dragged on and on. After what felt like days, the final bell rang at last. As usual, I very slowly gathered my things, waiting for majority of the kids to clear out before I make my way to my locker. The longer I wait the less people I have to see. And I like it that way. I walked out the doors and there he was. Gunner. Leaning against the fence, arms crossed in front of him, and one knee bent up with his foot resting on the fence. Ugh, he is perfection. He was laughing and talking with Cole and Smith. Jeez they were inseparable. What were they still doing here anyway? Everyone else had gone already, what were they waiting for. Gunner turned his head and saw me at the door. He quickly stood up off the fence and turned to face me with a half-smile across his face. Cole and Smith were looking at me as well. Smith again doing his wiggle finger wave. I bowed my head and headed for the gate. “Hey Zelena” Smith called out in a sing-song voice. I glanced up and saw Cole elbow him in the ribs, Smith looked at him and mouthed ‘what’. I put my head back down and continued for the gate. “Hey there” smirked Gunner, “I thought we might walk you home” he said nodding to his friends behind him. Why would they want to walk me home? Are they just trying to get me alone so they can attack me? I started to feel a little scared and confused. Why were they showing me so much attention? The three boys stood by the gate looking at me intently, waiting for me to respond. “W-why?” I questioned quietly. “Well, because it would be a good chance for us to talk” Gunner responded without hesitation. What would we have to talk about, we are nothing alike and I doubt we have anything in common. “Why would you want to talk to me?” I asked assertively. Gunner tilted his head to the side, a confused look spread across his face. “You’re beautiful Zelena, why wouldn’t I want to talk to a beautiful girl?”. I scoffed quietly at his remark. What on earth is he talking about. I'm not beautiful, I'm broken. He is either playing some kind of game or he is blind. “I'm not beautiful, I’m an ugly swamp monster” I whispered with a hint of disdain in my tone. I dropped my head, letting my hair cover my face and I crossed my arms with a slouch to my shoulders. Smith let out a giggle and Gunner snapped his head around and growled a deep ferocious growl, the kind an animal would make. I’ve never heard a human growl like that before, it was strange to say the least. “What?” Smith squeaked throwing his hands in the air, “She’s funny” he chuckled. Cole hit him over the back of the head and Gunner huffed at him, turning his gaze back to me. “Don’t ever say that about yourself again” Gunner said as he leaned forward, crouching down so that his face was in line with mine. “You, Zelena, are breathtaking”. My insides melted, my knees felt weak under my tiny frame. I stumbled back a bit as I was caught off guard by his intensity and warmth. He quickly stood up straight and stepped back away from me. I looked up at him, his brilliant blue eyes still set on mine. I must be out of my damn mind. “Okay” I said as I zigzagged through the giant boys and out the gate. The three boys followed closely behind me. We were walking through the forest taking my usual route home. Gunner was walking next to me, Cole and Smith were just behind us. “So, tell me about yourself” Gunner said with a smile. I shook my head a little, not looking up at him. “Not a big talker are you?” he asked, I shook my head again. “This is going great so far” I heard Smith whisper to Cole, “Shut up” Cole whispered back. I don’t think they knew I could hear them. Gunner growled out of the corner of his mouth at them. I looked up at him and he quickly smiled back at me. I glanced behind me, and Cole and Smith were behind us, close but definitely not close enough to hear them whisper. Weird. “You lived here long?” Gunner asked, “As long as I can remember”“Wow ay, you’ve never lived anywhere else then?”“No” I shrugged “So why are you so quiet at school?” he looked down at me waiting for me to answer. “I, I um, I-I just don’t fit in there” I mumbled. He was quiet for a minute as we kept walking slowly. “That Demi sure is a piece of work”. I huffed at him, of course he thinks she’s gorgeous, why wouldn't he. So that’s why he is talking to me, he thinks that messing with me is going to somehow impress Demi. “Yeah, a right piece of shit” Cole yelled out from behind us. He and Smith laughed and nudged each other. I looked up at Gunner, he was laughing too. Wait, so he doesn’t like Demi then? He looked down at me and our eyes met for a second. I felt butterflies in my stomach and a burning in my chest. I’ve never had a crush before, is this what a crush feels like. He smiled at me and his blue eyes sparkled. I felt a tingle run through my body. From my toes to my fingers, up and down my arms and legs. It was like hot needles were poking into my spine and a pang of fiery pain hit me in the chest, knocking the wind out of me. I stopped walking and grabbed at my chest leaning forward. What was happening to me? “Whoa, Zee, are you okay?” Gunner had knelt down in front of me, his hands were on my shoulders. Did he call me Zee, did he just give me a nick name? Holy shit the pain! “Zelena, what’s wrong?” he asked again, his voice was shaking, like he was scared or something. He couldn’t possibly be worried about me, he doesn’t even know me. “What’s going on” I heard Cole next to me, I felt his hands grab around my waist and I winced from the contact. Gunner lifted his head and growled at him, what’s with this guy and growling? It worked though as Cole let me go. “Is she alright?” he asked Gunner, “I don’t know, she just kind of stopped” Gunner responded, “What do you mean she just stopped?” demanded Smith, “I don’t know” growled Gunner, “I felt her pain and then she shuddered and just stopped”. Did Gunner just say that he felt my pain? How could he feel my pain, what does that even mean? He put his hand under my chin and lifted my head to look at him. With his other hand he gently pulled the hood off my head. I open my eyes and his face was right there in front of me. I could feel his warm breath over my cheeks. His hand on my chin was sending electric sparks down my neck. His eyes staring into my soul. He placed his other hand on my cheek and took a deep breath. Oh God, what was he going to do? Was he trying to kiss me? Of course he wasn’t going to kiss me, don’t be ridiculous. I was scared, I didn’t know what was happening to me. I closed my eyes tight and listened to my body. The lashes on my back were still stinging but it was my bones that were aching. My ribs felt like they were being pulled and pushed every which way. My spine felt like it was twisting and turning. “Zelena, open your eyes” Gunner’s voice was soft and calming. “Zelena, I want you to open your eyes and look at me”. I obeyed, I opened my eyes and looked at him. His face still directly in front of mine. I could feel his breath on my face, I could smell his skin. His hand on my cheek felt warm and safe. I looked deep into his eyes. His beautiful blue eyes. But that wasn’t all I could see. There was something else in his eyes, it was like a feeling, like a wave of calm washing over me. “Take a breath Zee. Take a long breath and try to relax” he whispered calmly, so I did. Keeping my eyes on his, I breathed in deep and very slowly breathed out. As I released the air from my lungs, with it went the aching in my arms and legs, the twisting pain in my back and chest. The heat I could feel running through my body, all of it went out of me with that one deep breath. “Duuuude” Smith exclaimed. I heard Cole smack him over the head again. “That’s better” Gunner sighed. I slowly stood up straight as Gunner got up from the dirt. His hand was still firmly placed on my left cheek, his gaze still locked with mine. “I’m s-sorry” I mumbled, “I don’t know what just happened”. I lowered my head and pulled away from his hand. “It’s all good Zee, but we gotta go” he said, stepping back from me and standing in line with Cole and Smith. I’ve ruined everything now, they think I’m an absolute nutcase. My stupid little freak out moment has them running for the hills. “Will you be okay to get home from here?” Gunner asked with a tilt of his head. I pulled my hood back over my head and nodded. He grabbed my hand and gave it a little squeeze. “See you tomorrow” he sung. And with that, they were gone. What did I just do, what was that back there? I was hating myself the rest of the walk home. I'm such a freak. What kind of eighteen-year-old has a semi heart attack in the middle of a forest. I got to my front door and paused, I just needed one more minute before I went inside. I know that I’m late and he isn’t going to be happy. I just hope that he hasn’t had too much to drink already. I opened the door and walked through. Straight away a bottle came flying at my head. I fell to the ground to avoid it, slamming the door closed as I fell. The bottle smashed on the door frame and I was showered in glass. A shard cut my cheek and a bit of blood trickled down my face. “Where the fuck have you been, you worthless cunt?” he screamed as he stomped over to me. I curled myself up against the closed door. “I’M SORRY” I shouted. “Don’t you fucking shout at me you gutter slut” he yelled as he grabbed hold of my hair, pulling me to my feet. He was drunk, I could smell it on him. He was sweaty and dirty, the stench of him made me feel nauseous. “You were supposed to be here half an hour ago to cook dinner and clean the fucking kitchen” he screamed in my face, his saliva spitting on my cheeks as he screamed. I had my eyes closed tight but there were tears running down my face. “I know, I’m sorry” I sobbed as I held onto the base of my hair. The pain coursing through my head was profound. He threw me against the wall, my back slamming into the plaster. I felt some of my half-healed wounds open up again and start to bleed. I fell to the floor on my hands and knees with my head down. I wanted to get up and run, I wanted to fight back, but I couldn’t. I was frozen in fear. I am always frozen in fear in the face of this man. “Go and fucking cook something before I lose my temper” he spat. I hurried up off the floor and half ran, half stumbled, into the kitchen. Once away from the stench of my father, I grabbed a tea towel and wiped at the blood dripping down my cheek. I can feel the blood pooling under my shirt on my back. I reached behind me and very gently ran my fingers over my ripped skin. As I lifted my hand to my face, I could see the fresh blood over my fingertips. There’s not much I can do about that right now. It will have to wait until later. The kitchen is a mess, he’s been in here again today, pulling everything out of the cupboards in his terrible attempt to feed himself. I tossed the tea towel on the bench and stood in front of the fridge. I rested my forehead against the fridge door and wiped away the tears that threatened to fall. Why? Why is this my life?

Chapter 3 Chapter 3 - An Altercation

Zelena. The piercing sound of my high pitched beeping alarm clock woke me up early, well before Hank wakes up anyway. Quickly hitting the button on the top to silence the sound, I looked to my closed bedroom door for any signs of movement on the other side. Nothing. I laid there for a minute, contemplating, did I really need to go to school today? I scrunched up my nose at the thought of having to spend 8 hours at home with my dad. I sat upright and perched on the edge of my bed. Yesterday seemed like a distant memory. The three Greek Gods and their odd kindness, were they real or was that a concussion induced hallucination? I don’t know which theory I’m more hopeful for. Doesn’t matter, I’m sure today will be the same old boring, lonely life. I rubbed my temple remembering my little freak out in the forest. Oh God, now I really hope it was all a hallucination. How embarrassing, as if I’m not enough of a freak already. Oh well, it’s not like I’ll see him again anyway. Surely not. I grabbed my towel and went for a shower. I turned the tap and let the water heat up. I like my shower water scolding hot, always have, even with the seeping wounds constantly littering my body. Once the steam filled most of the room I climbed in and let the hot water run over my bruised and battered body. I poured the soap in my hands and scrubbed my hair, the water running off my body had that familiar tinge of red to it. I didn’t dare touch my back, instead I let the hot water rinse the wounds clean. I tipped my head back and let the steaming water run over my face. Hot showers are so relaxing. Holding my towel loosely at my hips, I stood in front of my mirror and examined my broken body. My wet hair, long and knotted, hung down just past my shoulders, so black it looked to have a purple hue to it. My pale clammy skin was spotted with new pinkish purple bruises and old yellowing bruises. Some the size of a small coin, others inches across. My gold lifeless eyes sat above dark purple circles, with bushy dark brows that spread all the way out to my temples. My small and perky breasts hung slightly to the sides. My thin waist and stomach accentuated my ribcage, with my hip and collar bones protruding out. The pale skin was splattered with dark pink scars. My body, used as the canvas to exhibit my father’s abusive art project. I pulled my towel up and turned away as a tear fell. I don’t want to see anymore. I’m disgusting, everything about me is grotesque. I threw on some baggy jeans and a loose green t-shirt. I ran a brush through my wet hair and threw it over my shoulders. I inspected the gash on my forehead. It had scabbed over a bit now but still looked horrible and red. I got my trusty foundation bottle, that I stole on one of my grocery runs, and tipped it onto my fingers. I spread it over my face, covering my dark eyes and the new cut on my cheek. It disguised the small cut well enough, but it wasn’t going to do any good for the scabby mess on my forehead though. So, I pulled out another band-aid and strategically placed it over the red gash. Picking up my grey hoodie, backpack and ratty old shoes, I quietly walked out of my bedroom. I tiptoed to the front door, passing the lounge room. Hank was in there passed out in his armchair with beer cans scattered around his feet. I went through the door and closed it as quietly as possible behind me, running down the driveway and onto the street, I let out a sigh of relief. I walked a fair distance away from the house before sitting down and pulling my shoes on. Looking up to the light blue morning sky I took a deep breath. Another clear and beautiful day. After a few more deep breaths I picked myself up and took off into the forest, still gazing up at the sky as I went. Walking slowly, enjoying the fresh air and cool spring breeze, I could easily lose myself. “Good morning”. I jumped, startled at the sound of a voice from behind me. “Whoa, sorry” he giggled, as I spun around to face him. “I didn't mean to scare you” Gunner said putting his arms up with a smile. “You didn’t” I whispered. I dropped my head and went to pull my hood up over my face. “Stop” he pleaded, grabbing my wrist and forcing me to let go of the hood. My heart rate sped up and a cold shiver went through me. The hood fell and slid down the back of my head. “Please don’t cover your face”. He moved to stand right in front of me, still holding my hand by my face. My entire body tensed up. I was frozen with panic, staring at is hold on my wrist. He stared at me with confusion and followed my gaze to our hands. He let me go and took a step back dropping his head. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have grabbed you like that” he mumbled, sliding his hands into his jean pockets. “Just don’t cover your face, please, you don't have to hide from me”. His eyes were sad and longing as they stared me down. I didn’t mean to upset him, I just panicked for a second there. All my life being grabbed usually means pain is coming. But something about Gunner was different. I don’t know what. But it’s like I could feel that he didn’t mean me any harm. Why do I have to be like this? Why do I have to be scared of everything? I had this strong urge to want to make him feel better, but I didn’t know how to, or why I needed to. “I’m, I’m sorry, it’s just um” I mumbled as I dropped my head letting my hair fall over my face. He stepped forward and put his hand under my chin to lift my head. I complied and allowed him to slowly lift my face to his. I closed my eyes as he tucked the hair from my face behind my ear. He gasped and let go of my chin. “Zee, what happened to your face?” he asked with a stern tone. I turned my head away, ashamed, and pulled my hair back out. “Zelena, who did that to you?” he growled at me. I stepped back from him, scared of the growl in his tone and the idea of having to answer his question. I couldn’t tell him about my dad. If I, did Hank would kill me, and he’d kill Gunner. I felt my face pale, I wouldn’t let that happen. Gunner stepped forward with a snarl on his beautiful face, “Whoa, easy mate”. Cole was suddenly there with his arm around Gunner's chest. Where he came from, I have no idea? I looked around and Smith was behind him too. He held up his arm and wiggled his fingers at me. I smiled awkwardly back at him. Gunner threw Cole’s arm off him and stepped towards me grabbing my hands in his, he leaned down and looked into my eyes. There it was again, that warm and soothing feeling. How does he do that to me. “Zee. I didn’t mean to scare you, I’m sorry” he said softly. He smiled at me with a half-smile, but he didn’t mean it, his eyes were full of worry and hurt. I smiled at him and nodded. He stood up straight and went to let go of my hands, but I held on to one of them. Gripping his huge hand with mine, I admired our interlocking fingers. Small pins and needles slithered their way through my fingers and up my arm. I looked up at him and smiled. His eyes sparkled and his whole face smiled back at me. “Wow” he breathed, “You are beautiful”. My cheeks burned as I blushed under his adoring gaze. “Okay you two” coughed Smith, “Let's go or we’ll be late for school”. Smith and Cole walked off ahead of us. Gunner entwined his fingers with mine, making sure that I didn’t let go. He nodded with his head gesturing down the path and raised his eyebrows. Still blushing, I smiled and nodded. We began walking together with my hand still in his. A small and simple gesture, and yet it meant everything to me. When we reached the school, the lot was empty, meaning everyone was already inside. We followed Cole and Smith through the doors of the school, still hand in hand. As we entered the hallway an eerie silence befell the halls, they all turned and stared at Gunner and me. My eyes darted around the hallway, seeing everyone whispering to each other and looking at me with disgust. It’s the most visible that I have ever felt, and I hated it. I dropped my head and pulled my hoodie up. Letting go of Gunners hand I made a beeline for my classroom, leaving the three boys behind me. “Zee wait!” he called after me, but I didn’t stop. I passed whispering faces and dirty looks as I made my way down the hall. “There’s no way”“She’s dreaming”“Is this a prank?” I kept my head down and avoided eye contact. The looks and the snide comments were nothing new, I got them every day. But I was so stupid to think that Gunner and I could actually be together. He was high class royalty, I was dumpster smut, and everyone knew it. I reached my class and hurried to my usual seat, in the back corner of the room. I sat down and leaned over to put my bag on the floor, when I sat up again, Smith was sitting next to me. He smiled and pulled his calculus book out. “I hope you’re good at this crap, because I suck” he said with a crooked smile. I half smiled back at him with a shrug of my shoulders. The tiresome Mr Phillips was our math teacher. He is a middle-aged balding man that always dressed in beige khaki shorts with colourful tartan socks pulled up to his knees. He was boring at most, but with the wit and sarcasm that could floor most of his students. In the middle of class Smith plopped a folded-up piece of paper on my desk, he looked at me with anticipation. His cheeks were red and bursting with his barely held in giggles. I unfolded the note and studied it. A smile crept across my face as I started to understand what I was seeing. It was a terribly drawn picture of who I assume to be Mr Phillips, wearing a bikini, with pigtails in his hair and riding on, what I think is a dolphin. I glanced at Smith, and he was nearly crying from his silent laughter. He had his hand over his mouth to muffle the sounds. He then pretends to push up his boobs, flick his hair over his shoulder and gallop away on his dolphin. It was funny, and I couldn’t help but giggle with him. I gave him back the drawing and looked back down at my book, still smiling to myself. Is this what having a friend feels like? Joking and giggling, having a reason to smile. I like this feeling, this blissful comfort. I like having a friend. The lunch bell rang, and the students all got up and left, except for Smith, he waited for me to put my books in my bag. He stood by the door with a smile “Ready for some grub?” he asked with his hand rubbing his stomach. I smiled and nodded, “Just got to drop my bag off” I squeaked. “Want me to come, or shall I meet you there?” he asked with his thumb pointing down the hallway towards the cafeteria. “I’ll be okay” I said pulling my bag onto my shoulder and sliding through the door around him. He smiled and wiggled his fingers at me and took off down the hall. I walked to my locker with a smile on my face. This is turning out to be a good day, for a change. I got to my locker and started to put in my combination, when I was violently yanked around by my shoulder. I put my hands up to cover my face, ready for whoever it was that was about to hit me. “You don’t actually think that he likes you, do you?” Demi’s high-pitched voice snickered at me. I dropped my hands to my side, bowed my head and said nothing. It’s always best to just let her get it out, when I speak or try to fight back, it’s worse. She slammed her palm into the door beside my head, which made me flinch and turn away. “Oh my god” she huffed, “You’re seriously so pathetic, why do you think everyone is out to fight you?” she snarled at me leaning closer to my face. My face was turned away from her and my eyes closed tight, just waiting for her to hit me, kick me, pull my hair, do something. I could smell her perfume, the overbearing floral scent burned my nose. But I could smell something else as well, it was a cold bland smell. Something I would relate to fear or anger. That couldn’t be right, how could I smell fear, emotions don’t have a scent. She grabbed my shoulders and shoved me hard against the locker, my tender back burned from the sudden burst of pain. “Gunner doesn’t want you, why would he want a pig like you?” she spat at me, only inches from my face. I whimpered at the feel of her hot breath on my cheek. “Stay away from Gunner, okay bitch, he’s mine now”. I nodded my head quickly. The sharpness of her words sliced through me. Of course her and Gunner would get together, they’re both ridiculously beautiful, and beautiful people tend to stick together. She let go of my shoulders and took a small step back. I didn’t dare lift my head to look at her, but I can picture her evil smirk in my mind, I could basically feel her heated glare burning my flesh. “What a useless waste of space” she laughed turning to her minions and the crowd that had gathered beside her. Even after she turned away, I could still feel the burning from her glare. It was like a wave of heat burned through me, engulfing my arms. I clenched my fists, digging my nails into the palm of my hands. Those hot pins, the same from yesterday in the forest, I could feel them running up my legs and into my chest. Without a second thought, I stepped forward and slapped Demi clean across her face. I hit her so hard that her head snapped to the side and the sound echoed through the hallway. Everyone fell silent, surprised to see such an outburst from me. For years I have sat quietly and taken their abuse without a word or any show of retaliation. Demi grasped at her face and turned to look at me. Her upper lips curled up into a snarl and fiery hatred filled her eyes. She lunged at me grabbing my wrist with one hand and the other hand around my throat. She shoved me against the locker, slamming my head into the door. I let out a small squeal of pain. “Who the fuck do you think you are? You filthy slut!” she screamed at me whilst slamming me against the locker again. I tried to take a breath but her grip around my neck was too tight. I could feel her fingers tightening around my throat and I closed my eyes to prepare myself for more pain. Desperate for air, I pulled at her hand around my neck, to no avail. I could feel my head starting to spin and a fogginess clouded my vision. Demi’s grip suddenly released, and I fell to the floor coughing and struggling to breathe. I stayed crouched on the floor on my hands and knees, frantically trying to catch a breath. My throat burned and the air felt like knives as it began to fill my lungs. When I was finally able to breathe again, I managed to register the sounds of yelling and screaming in front of me. Hesitantly, I looked up. Cole and Smith were both struggling to hold back a violent looking Gunner, who was desperately trying to lunge at Demi. Demi was clutching onto Brian’s arm trying to shield herself from Gunner. Brian, Demi, her minions and everyone else in the hall were staring at Gunner with shock and terror on their faces. “LET ME GO!” Gunner screamed, thrashing his body trying to get free of Cole and Smiths grip. “I’ll fucking kill you if you ever touch her again” he screamed at her, still fighting to get free of Cole and Smith’s hold. Demi was sobbing as she buried her face into Brian’s jacket, Brian was standing back with his hands up in surrender just shaking his head. “Come on mate. Enough” Cole pleaded with Gunner. I slowly started to stand up, gripping the locker for support when I felt fresh blood running down my back. Oh no! I have to get out of here before anyone sees it. Getting into a fight at school is one thing, but if anyone found out about my back and the beatings I get at home, my dad would kill me. I coughed and I stumbled on my feet as I tried to take a step. Gunner turned around, locking eyes with me. He pushed past Cole and Smith and grabbed me around my waist. I flinched at his hands holding me. “She’s a fucking psycho, Gunner” Demi screamed. Gunner looked over at her and growled a deep bellowing growl that echoed through the halls. The crowd went silent, the aura of fear was thick in the air. Gunner lifted me up with ease and began to carry me away. My toes were touching the ground, but I was barely able to walk with Gunner holding me. We burst through the front doors and out into the parking lot. He was so quick, I don’t know how we got out here so fast. I must be more out of it than I realised. He put me down and stood in front of me, his eyes looking me up and down, running his hands over my face and arms. “Are you okay?” he demanded urgently, “Are you hurt?” Looking into his frantic eyes it dawned on me, what Demi said in the hall. Why would he care, why did he bring me out here and why is he asking if I’m okay? I hit Demi, and they’re together now, so shouldn’t he be with her? She told me that they are together now. But he still threatened her. Didn’t he, that did actually happen, right? I could feel that burning sensation running through my body again. Only this time, it was ten times more intense. I covered my face with my hands to muffle my cry of pain. I felt my ribs were pulling apart and my spine was twisting under my skin. The hot needles were stabbing me all over my body.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4 - Is this Death

Zelena. “Zeleeeeena” Gunner said slowly with concern. But I couldn’t listen to him right now, I didn’t want to. The burning feeling was too much, my bones felt like they were breaking inside me. I threw myself to the ground, my body writhing in the dirt, trying desperately to ease the pain. My aching body shook and squirmed. If Gunner was still there, I couldn’t tell. I screamed out, begging for some kind of release from this torture. My body flung up from the ground until I was perched on my hands and knees. It felt like the ground under my hands were shaking, my whole body was on fire and the pain was excruciating. I tossed my head back, and a truly harrowing scream burst from my lungs. The sound pierced my ears and echoed through the forest in front of me, until it melted away to silence. Everything stopped. The pain was gone, the burning was gone, the aching in my bones were gone. I was okay. I turned around to see if Gunner was still there. He was. He was standing with his hands up in front of him, slowly backing away from me. Cole and Smith were behind him. They all looked at me like I had grown a second head. I get it, they should be scared of me. They see me now for the head case that I am. The way I snapped like that and hit Demi, she’s right, I am a psycho. I turned on my heels and ran off away from school and away from Gunner, and into the forest. Holy shit, I’m fast. I could never run this fast before, could I? I kept running and running, darting through the trees, bounding over boulders and logs. Where did this come from, this energy, this endurance? I love it! The wind brushing through my hair as I ran, the dirt under my feet. This feeling of freedom, it was amazing. I skidded to a stop as I came upon a small stream. With the thought of cooling off in the water, I walked over to it. I sat down at the edge and peered into the water. I jerked back in fright, it wasn’t my reflection I saw, it was a wolf. I snapped my head around to see the wolf behind me but there was nothing there. I looked back at the stream and there it was again. I turned my head to the side and so did the wolf. I leaned in close to the water, and so did the wolf. Then, like a brick to the face, it hit me. I ‘am’ the wolf, the wolf is me. I looked at my reflection in the water, taking in every inch of myself. I am beautiful. My eyes were what caught my attention the most. They glowed a bright yellow that twinkled in the light. My coat is just like my hair, it’s so dark that it looks almost purple. I looked down at my furry paws and my claws that scratched at the dirt. I drew my eyes up and traced them down the side of my smooth and silky fur, to my long fluffy tail. At the tip of my tail is a pure white patch. I huffed happily and looked back to my reflection in the water. At long last I finally believe that I can be truly beautiful, well at least my wolf is. A calming resolve took route in my mind, this is how my life was meant to be. I was born to be a wolf, to be wild and free. I looked around the forest, everything was so clear and in focus. I couldn’t stand still anymore, so I started to run. Not going anywhere, just running, dashing through the trees of the forest. I passed fields of flowers and large boulders and I even jumped over a little waterfall that I didn’t know existed. I suppose no one ever comes this deep into the forest, so there would be lots of undiscovered sights. As I was running, I caught the scent of something strange and somewhat unpleasant. I slowed my run to a trot. Lifting my snout to the air, I took a deep whiff. I immediately recoiled and scrunched my nose. It smells like burnt metal and coal, but there’s another scent that I don’t like. It’s a hot garbage like smell, mixed with a rotting animal and burning chemicals. I stopped walking and stood silently, looking slowly around the forest. I couldn’t see anything, but the scent was starting to burn my nose. I don’t like this, it’s time to go. I turned on my paws, heading back the way I came, and the smell soon disappeared behind me. I came up to one of the flower fields I passed earlier and laid down in the grass for a quick rest. I feel a little tired, that running took a lot out of me. I rested my head on my paws and closed my eyes as I panted softly. - My eyes flew open and I sat upright, I had fallen asleep in the grass. I held my arm out and examined my hand, turning it around in front of my face. Human again. I looked around me at the forest. The sun had already begun to set, and it was getting dark. Oh no, I’m late, Dad will kill me. I stood up and looked down at myself. Crap! I'm naked. Do I really have to go back, couldn’t I just live in the forest now? You know, survive off the land and all that? I shivered as the last bit of sun left me and wrapped my arms around myself. Who am I kidding. I don’t know the first thing about surviving in the wild. I'd barely last the night. No, I have to go back, I will freeze out here. I ran back to the house as fast as I could, staying on the edge of the forest, sticking behind the trees. How was I going to explain my clothing situation, well lack of clothing situation? He will definitely kill me this time. He can’t catch me without clothes on. I snuck around the back of the house to the clothesline, I’m sure I did some washing the other day. That small sliver of hope died when I saw the line. All that was left was one of Hank’s shirts and a couple of socks. I snatched down the shirt and threw it on, it was just long enough to cover my backside. I opened the back door to the kitchen and tiptoed through, closing it gently behind me. I turned back around and there he was. Eyes black and glaring right at me, his face screwed up in anger. He grabbed me by the face and slammed my head into the door behind me. A dull ache ran through the back of my head where it connected with the door. “Where the fuck have you been, girl?” he screamed at me. He pulled my head forward and again slammed it back into the door. The dull ache intensifying. “And what’s this?” he pulls on the shirt, “You’re wearing my fucking clothes now?” He threw me across the room onto the kitchen floor. The shirt riding up my stomach as I rolled. “And no fucking panties ay, you filthy little slut”. I curled myself into a ball in the furthest corner of the kitchen, tucking my head and face into my knees. “I’ll show what I do to little whores” he snarled as he stomped over to my shaking body, grabbing me by the hair and pulling me up onto my knees. The back of my head and now the top of my head were throbbing. “NOOO” I sobbed as I struggled to break free of his hold. He dragged me across the floor by my hair, stopping at the basement door. Terror instantly flooded my body. Please not the basement. He kicked open the door and pushed me through, throwing my small body down the stairs. My elbow smashed into the first step, my back and head hitting the next. I rolled and rolled down the stairs hitting every part of my body. When I finally landed on the cold concrete floor, I felt like a truck had hit me. I lay sprawled across the floor trying to distinguish the sorest part of my body. I heard Hank coming down the stairs, his heavy feet stomping on each step. I feebly attempted to push my weak body away from the stairs, away from him, sliding myself along the floor on my hands and knees. “You think I’m going to let ‘my’ daughter sleep around with whoever the fuck she wants?” he spat. He reached the last step and continued his stomping towards my quivering body. He kicked me in the ribs and sent me flying back across the floor. I landed hard on my side and quickly tried to move away again. “I didn’t” I coughed, gasping for air. I felt as though my chest had caved in, I couldn’t breathe. I thought I was about to vomit when Hank grabbed my hair and lifted my head. CRACK! It felt like my eye had exploded inside my skull when he punched me in the face. I landed on the cold concrete and pressed my face onto the floor. He used his foot to roll me over so that I was on my back. “Look at you, you disgusting cunt” he huffed as he crouched down beside me. He wiped the hair from my face and smiled, a terrifying evil smile. “I have something extra special for you tonight” he whispered. He stood up and walked away but I could still hear him moving around in the basement. I fought hard to keep my eyes open, well one eye, the other eye had fused shut from the force of his punch. I was fighting hard not to pass out, no matter what, I can’t pass out. I don’t know what he might do to me if I did. He came back over to me and grabbed my shoulders, lifting me upright to sit up against the wall. He put his hand around the back of my neck, I thought he was about to choke me, but he didn’t. There was a loud click sound and then he stood up and stepped back. I felt something heavy drop onto my collar bone, I reached up to feel for it. There was a strap like thing around the base of my neck with a small box attached to it. I could feel spikes on the inside of the strap, stabbing into my skin. I tried to look at Hank to see what he was doing but I couldn’t, my eyes were blurry, and my head felt heavy. Something was tapping on the side of my face, and it wasn’t exactly gentle. “Wake up now little slut, it’s time for some fun”. I shuddered awake and tried to lift myself up. I couldn’t. I was too weak. I wasn’t chained up either, I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I peered at him with my one good eye. He was standing up in front of me, holding something, like a little phone. He put his chin down and smiled a crooked smile, his eyes glaring at me from under his brows. He held out his hand as if to show me the little phone he was holding. Only it wasn’t a phone, it looked more like a walkie talkie. Confusion and fear flooded my mind, I have no idea where he is going with this. His usual beatings are bad but when he decides to get creative, it’s always worse. He snickered and pressed his thumb down on the button on the side. Everything went black, my body stiffened from the pain shooting through it. I fell to the floor, my entire body shaking in agony. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t scream, I couldn’t move my arms or legs. The feeling was indescribable, it was like I no longer had any control over my own body. My body stopped convulsing and feeling rushed back in. I could feel every morsel of pain as I lay panting, unable to move. I could hear him cackling at the top of his lungs. “Oh my God” he laughed, “You should see how stupid you look”. It happened again. My eyes rolled back in my head, I tried to scream but nothing came out. I wanted desperately for the pain to stop. I would do anything to make it stop. Perhaps if I was strong enough, or if I had enough will power, then maybe I could die right here and now, then it would all stop. My body relaxed again, and I tried to catch a breath. My father was laughing uncontrollably. His sick and twisted laughter echoed in the stale air of the basement. With all the strength I could muster, I lifted my arm to my neck. What the fuck is this thing. I tugged at the strap around my neck trying to get it off. I began to frantically feel for a buckle or a clip, or something to release it. Hank’s foot slammed down onto my stomach and I immediately vomited. “No you fucking don’t” he yelled. Choaking on my blood and vomit, and gasping for air, I rolled to the side and spat out the bile in my mouth. I couldn’t breathe, my ribs were for sure broken. Sharp pains shot through my chest with each strained breath I took. “Please” I coughed with more blood coming out of my mouth, “Stop” I gagged as my head fell back to the floor. “Now why would I do that?” he taunted me, “We’re having so much fun”. He pressed the button again and my body convulsed. Everything hurt. I could feel everything, but at the same time, I felt nothing. I was in agony, but I couldn’t pinpoint the source. The pain was coursing through my entire body, every cell, every fibre, it was all torturous. I just wanted it to stop. I tried again to beg him but all I could do was make a horrible gagging sound. He released me, and my body melted into the floor. My eyes twitched and went dark. Let this be death I prayed, and then I was out. A blinding white light was surrounding me. A tall, thin figure stood before me with its hands outstretched towards me. I felt nothing, no pain, no cold. Nothing. Nothing but stillness. “It’s time to get up now, sweet girl” the angelic figure sung. “I can’t” I whispered. “You can, my child. Your journey does not end here” the gentle voice cooed. The figure slowly backed away, taking with it the bright light, until I was once again alone in the darkness. I started to come too. My legs and arms felt like they were floating, my muscles are sore and numb, and there’s an awful burning sensation around my neck. I took a deep breath and winced at the stabbing pain that shot through my chest. Was I dying? Or was I dead? Please let this be death, I can’t live through another night of this torture. I tried to open my eyes, but they felt so heavy. I blinked a little trying to detect something I could recognise. There were tiny lights above me. They almost looked like stars in the sky. Oh, I am dead. As I slowly became more conscious it was apparent that I was moving. No, I was being carried. There was an arm under my head and my legs flopped over another arm. My head was rested against a warm bare chest. I don’t understand, Hank would never carry me so gently, he would just drag my lifeless body along the ground by my wrist or ankle. This was not right. I stirred and thrashed in a panic. Where was I, what was going on? I tried again to focus my good eye, but it was no use, my surroundings were too dark. I tried to scream for him to let me go, but nothing came out but a little squeak. “It’s okay Zelena, I’ve got you now”. That voice. I know that voice, that ever so smooth and calming voice. I nuzzled my nose into the chest that my face was resting on and sniffed. Mm... warm sunshine. It’s him. It’s Gunner. I must be dead, this is heaven. “She doesn’t look so good mate”. I heard another voice, I think it was Cole. Why would Cole be in heaven too? “No, she’ll be fine” the deliciously intoxicating voice of Gunner rumbled. “I really think we should go to the hospital” this voice was shaking and ever so quiet. “No” Gunner responded, so stern and demanding. It's okay. I can die now. If being dead means seeing Gunner in heaven, then I will gladly go. Everything began to spin, my eyes went fuzzy, and my head felt dull. “Gunner” I whispered. My head fell back and I thought ‘heaven here I come’. And I lost consciousness again. ----------------------------------------------------------- Authors note. What are your thoughts on your first look into our characters and the brutal upbringing of Zelena? Please leave me a comment and let me know.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5 - Gunner

Gunner. I can’t believe Dad agreed to let me go to an actual human high school. The pack kids have always been home schooled, it’s kind of an unwritten law. With Mum’s help and the use of my puppy dog eyes, he couldn’t say no. There’s only four weeks left in the school year but hey, who’s complaining? At least I can get out of this house for a bit. Of course, I would have to take Cole and Smith with me, which is fine, mostly. Smith can be a bit immature at times but he’s good to have around when you need something to lighten the mood, plus he’s my Delta and I know he’s got my back. Cole on the other hand, he’s like my brother. He is a bit on the serious side and not exactly a social butterfly, but he’s been my best friend since we were crib mates. We grew up together, trained together and we changed together. His father, Spartan, has always been loyal to my dad. He has been Dad’s Beta for as long as I can remember. And Cole, he’ll be my Beta when the time comes. “Fuck yeah man” Smith said jumping onto my back with his arm wrapped around my neck, “We’re going to school” he laughed loudly. I pushed him off and smiled. I usually hate academics, they’re so boring. I'd rather be out in the forest running or training or goofing off with these two idiots. “There’s going to be so many new fine little females for me to taste” Smith said rubbing his hands together and licking his lips. “We’re going for our Alpha-son” said Cole, smacking Smith across the back of his head, “Not to hook up with random high school girls. ‘Human’ high school girls”“I know, I know. But hey, no harm no foul, right? A little play time never hurt anyone” Smith smiled with a shrug of his shoulders. “Smith you’re deplorable. Now go to bed you two, we gotta go early and register before class” I scolded as I pushed them out the front door, and quickly closed it behind them. I walked up the stairs to my room, passing the portraits of the previous alphas. One day my picture will be hung next to my fathers. I’ve been training for the role since my wolf was born. I went for a shower before bed, so I don’t have to bother in the morning. I let the water warm up first, Weres run hot, so the hotter the water, the better. I stood under the water contemplating my future obligations and responsibilities. I really don’t know if I’m ready for this. Granted, I still have a few years, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready. It’s a huge honour to be an Alpha, but lately it’s been seeming more like a burden. If I had a Mate, she could at least help me out, keep me grounded. Ugh forget it. I haven’t felt the right one yet and who knows, maybe I never will. I got out of the shower, patted myself dry and slid on my boxers. I perched on the edge of my bed and picked up the medallion from the bedside table. I studied the symbol on its face, three crescent moons intertwined and connected. The symbol of our pack. The Tri-Moon pack. I twisted the large round coin like piece in my hands, feeling its smooth edges. My bloodline has run this pack for generations, we settled this land over three hundred years ago. I don’t know what would happen if I didn’t take up the mantle after my father. I just can’t help but feel like something has been missing. I sighed heavily and put the medallion back on the table. Jumping into the bed and under the covers, I rolled over and buried my face into my pillow. That’s a problem for another day I figured. I closed my eyes and drifted easily off to sleep. “Cry you filthy bitch. Come on and cry, louder” a faceless man holding a whip was screaming. A little obsidian wolf lay on the ground, bleeding, its back slashed open. The man hit the wolf with the whip again and again, but it didn’t howl or bark or whimper, not once. “Stop" I yelled, but no sound came out of my mouth. “STOP” I was screaming at the top of my lungs, but it wasn’t loud enough. The man couldn’t hear me, and he didn’t stop, he didn’t even hesitate. His onslaught continued to rain down on the broken creature. I wanted to run at him, tackle the man to the ground, but my feet wouldn’t move. They were planted deep into the ground. He just kept hitting it and hitting it. Blood splattered over his face and body, and his sadistic laughter echoed around my ears. The little wolf looked over at me, a single tear fell from its glowing yellow eyes. I reached out for it, but was still barred from moving. Its head slumped to the ground and the glow of its eyes dissipated. It was dead. I flew up in my bed, sitting up right. A cold sweat coated my body, and I was panting harshly. I hit the light beside me and looked around the room. Thank fuck, it was a dream. What even was that? What kind of messed up TV have I been watching. I grabbed my phone and pressed the home key, the dim light lit up the room. 5:58am. Well, there’s no point going back to sleep now. I tossed myself back on the bed and tried to picture the little wolf from my dream. The details have already started to fade away from memory, all I can see are those yellow eyes, and the pain and torment within them. I got up, pulled on some sweats and walked down to the kitchen. Mum was there already, getting breakfast ready for Dad and the pack. “Good morning sweetheart” she cooed as she grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me down so that she could kiss my cheek. At eighteen I’m already about two feet taller than my mum, I get my height from my father. She’s a smaller woman with chocolate brown hair that sits in curls on her shoulders. Mum and Dad got married not long after my dad turned twenty, Mum’s a year younger. She’s almost always wearing an apron over a brightly coloured dress. She’s the sweetest lady anyone could meet, but mess with her pack kids and she’ll tear your throat out with no hesitation. “You want some breakfast darling?” she asked walking over to the fridge. “Just toast ma” I said as I sat down at the counter and rested my head in my arms. “Gunner, baby, you look so tired” she fussed. “Yeah Mum, I had this weird dream last night”“Well, you know what I say about dreams?” her voice got higher in a snooty kind of way. “I know Mum” I groaned, “Every dream has a purpose darling”. Mum has always been superstitious. She’s a Were equivalent of a highly religious human. She gives thanks to the Moon Goddess and believes all the legends and stories, even about True Mates, blessed wolves and all that stuff. She teaches a class for the young pups about our histories and legends. I adore my mum, she’s the greatest one there is. I was just done eating my toast when Cole and Smith came walking into the kitchen, both already dressed and ready to go. “What’s this oh fearless leader?” Smith mocked, “You’re not even ready yet”. I gave him a little growl and shoved up from my seat. “Here you go boys, have some eggs” Mum said, sliding each of them a plate with a mountain of scrambled eggs and a huge side of bacon. Cole and Smith smiled at each other and sat down to eat. Leaving them to stuff their faces, I dashed upstairs to change. I pulled on my jeans and grabbed the shirt on top of the pile. I ran my hands through my hair and quickly checked the mirror. Ah that’ll do for now. I picked up my bag and took off back down the stairs. Cole and Smith were waiting for me on the porch. “Bye Mum” I yelled closing the door before she could make a fuss. I ran at the wooden railing using one hand to lift myself up, I jumped up and over, landing perfectly on the grass. I turned back to Cole and Smith and smirked. “Come on boys” I teased. Cole and Smith shoved and pushed each other as they ran down the steps. We all jogged off together through the forest towards the school, Cole and Smith flanking me on both sides. Our village is not too far from the human town. Deep enough in the forest that we remain concealed, but close enough that we can access their facilities. The humans have no idea we’re out here, nor how many of us are living out here. We aim to keep it that way. Humans are easily scared and unpredictable creatures, especially with things that they don’t understand. It’s best that the supernatural world remains just something from a story book or a TV show in their minds. We reached the edge of the forest where it opens onto the school car park and slowed to a walk. We were making our way through the lot when people started to notice our presence. The girls gasped and whispered and giggled, the boys stuck out their chests and looked us up and down. Look at all these little ladies ripe for the picking I smiled at Smiths comment, I could hear a girl to my left whisper to her friend, “Oh my gosh they’re gorgeous, I want the dark haired one”. See Cole, mate they love yaCut it out Smith I do love our Were telepathy thing, so useful. I smiled and lowered my head as we walked. We got to the door and I pushed it open walking through with Cole and Smith on my heels. Something smells spectacular, like fresh fruit, do all humans schools smell this good? I stopped and surveyed the hallway, it was mostly empty, but the people from the car park were all following us in now. I followed the sign that said ‘Office’ and turned down the left hallway. I opened the door and walked in with Cole and Smith still following behind me. An older lady in a red sweater with lipstick to match sat behind the desk, her short greying hair sat in tight curls on top of her head, and they bounced slightly as she lifted her gaze. “Hello ma’am” I said stepping forward, “We’re here to register for classes” The woman grinned with a slight blush gracing her cheeks. “Of course dear, I’ve been expecting you” she put three booklets up on the desk and slid them forward. I took them down and handed one to Cole and one to Smith. “Just sign here and you’re free to go”. I stepped forward and signed the form on the clipboard and then handed the pen to Cole. The office was small and overcrowded with cabinets and boxes. With the three of us boys in there as well, it was too much. I stepped out of the door and into the hallway and turned around. A little kid in a hoodie ran straight into me, flying back on the floor. A weird smell filled my nose, like fresh citrus and cherry-blossoms. One of his books landed at my feet, I crouched down to pass it to him. “Sorry, is this yours?” I asked him. He snatched the book and tried standing up, but the fall must have hurt him because he was wobbly on his feet. I grabbed his shoulders to give him a lift, but as soon as I touched him, he jumped and fell back down again. There was a tingle in my hands, a spark that travelled from my fingers and all the way into my chest. I never felt something like that before. The kid was scared, I could smell that, but something about him smelt different, something I couldn’t make out. A crowd of nosy kids started to gather to laugh at the poor guy, so I held out my arms and pulled them back from him. I watched as his head slowly lifted from my feet up my torso and to my face. Was this dude checking me out? I tilted my head to try and see his face. Holy shit. It’s not a boy, she’s a girl. I took in her appearance, her small frame cowered on the ground against the wall. Her long and messy raven hair covered most of her face, but I got a quick glimpse at her striking golden eyes. She immediately reminded me of the little wolf from my dream. I was about to help her back up but just like that, she flew off the ground and ran into the crowd of people to my left, she was tiny and able to zip through them with ease. There was something about her, something I couldn’t let go. I needed to know more. “What’s going on?” asked Cole as he stepped up behind me. “There was a girl” I said still looking down the hall after her, “Woooo” sung Smith, “Shut up” I growled, “It wasn’t like that, there was something about her”“Okay, and what? What do you want us to do?” asked Cole with his serious Beta voice coming through his question, “I want to find her” I answered him bluntly. “The bell man, we gotta go to class” said Smith. I flashed them an image of her sitting against the wall with her hair over her face. Find her They both nodded and walked off to their class and I headed down the hall to my locker to drop off my bag. When I got to my first class, I entered the room and dropped my registration form on the teachers’ desk. Everyone was staring as I made my way to the back of the room. I had just sat down when Cole flashed me. Gunner she’s hereShe’s where?She’s in class with Smith and meAsk her to sit with us at lunch, I want to talk to herGot it