Apphia POV
My whole life has been harsh. I have no purpose but to serve my pack, who constantly abuse me because they blame me for the death of my mother, the pack's beloved Luna Harper.
My father, Alpha Thomas Aeson, and brother, Duncan, don't care about me anymore. They don't defend me from the bullies.
I cook and clean; on top of that, I'm their punching bag. I've been abused verbally and physically by everyone who could. I don't always let them mistreat me; I fight back, but when I do, the punishments I receive are harsher.
My name is Apphia Aeson. I'm seventeen years old. I belong to the werewolf pack called Ivory Moon Pack. I haven't shifted yet, so everyone is stronger than I am.
"Apphia!"
I shudder when I hear the voice that calls me. He walks in with angry-filled eyes on me. He approaches me and slaps me across the face. I fall to the ground.
"Where the fuck were you?" he roars. I shut my eyes, waiting for the burn on my cheek to dissipate.
"I was- doing my assignment," I say, pointing towards my book.
He grabs my notebook from the table and tears it mercilessly. My eyes widen in horror. All my hard work is gone.
"Why are you not in the kitchen making food?!"
Food? The cook, Jeff, didn't give me the menu, nor did he call me. My father doesn't care as he slaps me again- blood splatters from my mouth.
"Go to the kitchen!" he commands. I scurry away from his presence.
My fingers touch the cameo purple necklace on my throat, the only thing my mother left me, as I recall the night that changed my life.
It was the night after my seventh birthday when mom woke me up in the middle of the night. She quickly changed me into a pair of jeans and a shirt. I was excited to leave the house with my mother because I thought we'd go on vacation like I'd been asking. However, my father and brother were nowhere to be seen once I reached the living room.
"Is brother and Dad coming?" I asked, frowning.
"It's just us for now, baby. You are in danger, and I need to take you away from the pack," she told me quietly.
"Why am I in danger, Mommy?" Tears filled my eyes.
"You wouldn't understand, but I will explain once we arrive in the Sapphire Royal pack. We need to speak to the King and Queen. They will keep you safe, baby," she told me gently. I couldn't comprehend anything she was saying. All I knew was that she was apprehensive, even more than usual. My mother was very protective of me; it made her paranoid.
We left the house in haste and went to the car. As she drove fast, no guard was in sight, and my heart was pounding against my chest. I wish Dad were there, but Mom said it was safer.
"They might come. I think he betrayed me, and that's why he was eager to have me take you from the pack on his own time," she murmured.
I didn't understand what she was talking about.
We'd not gotten far when our car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, refusing to start again. My mother looked back at me, her face filled with fear and tears.
She exited the driver's seat and opened the backdoor to my side. She grabbed a pink bag I hadn't noticed and strapped it on my shoulders.
"We have to run now, Apphia," Mom grabbed my small hand and started running. We ran so fast into the thick forest, away from the main tarmac. The wind blew harder, and the darkness grew. She carried me in her arms at one point because I was tired. And then I felt it: a dark shadow was coming for us, whispered taunting sounds. I cried louder as my mother ran faster. Her hands held me tighter.
"I can't let them have you," she whispered, suddenly stopping and looking around momentarily.
"There! You can hide in that opening of that tree," she pointed at the large tree with an opening. Mom took me there, and I sat, bringing my knees to my chest. I was terrified. She was, too. "Listen to Mommy, baby," She crouched and cradled my face warmly. Her big, bright silver eyes filled with tears.
"I need you to stay quiet, Apphia, please. No matter what you see or hear, stay hidden and quiet," she whispered, placing a finger on her lips. I was sobbing for good.
I vividly remember the fear I felt. It ran through my bones.
"Don't leave me, Mommy. I'm scared," I cried. She took a deep breath and wiped away my tears from my cheeks.
"I love you so much. Never forget it. Everything I did was to protect you, and I will do it again a hundred times if I have to. You are my everything," she kissed and embraced me.
"I love you, Mommy,"