Stella's POV

Groaning, I roll on the hard stone-like floor, pain confirming I've been thrown in here. Bruises will no doubt litter my body.

"What the?" I sit up dazed despite the groggy throbbing pain in my head. I cough and then proceed to vomit up a stomach full of water. Shivering at the cold temperature of the room, I take a frantic look around my surroundings.

"Get dressed!" a recently new voice that I can't quite place to a face, in my current confused state barks. Fabrics launched from somewhere hit my head almost knocking me over.

"Hey, who the?" A growl rips out of me at the rudeness of the impact! Scanning the room, I freeze at the sight of my ankle bound brother; he's shackled to the other side of what I now know is a prison cell.

Fury threatens to consume me as memories of water flooding my lungs to the near point of death leech their way back into my subconscious state.

I'm about to launch myself at him violently filled with rage when I realize I'm still naked and he's thrown me some warm looking clothes. His eyes are plastered to the ceiling as I dress myself feeling slightly less exposed and vulnerable.

Our prison is darkly lit and made from a cold and rough-textured charcoal stone. The compact cell has no windows and only one possible escape route, is the one door in and out of the entire room. Dread fills me.

Dammit! Turning my focus to getting dressed, I learn I am also securely chained around both of my ankles; thankfully, the thick fabric dress covers past my knees, and I curl myself into it seeking some sort of temporary comfort.

I long for my wolf-man. Images of Brodie bursting the door down and dramatically rescuing me dissolve with disparity from my mind as minutes tick by.

Amber, are you in there? Say something?

A long whine of pain lets me know she too, is still recovering. Amber must have used a lot of energy to keep me alive after nearly drowning. The thought causes me to send another vicious scowl my supposed brother's way. My restraints are extended, which allows me to get to my feet and sluggishly shuffle to inspect the door.

"It's no use", My brother speaks monotone, leaning his head and matching black hair to mine against the hard wall.

"You can just shut the hell up!" I spit at him, pissed.

Why is he in here with me anyway? To drown me again just in case I figure a way out?

I inspect the door anyway, now filled with determination. Well, shit, it has to be at least two inches thick and made from some sort of impenetrable metal. I turn, leaning back against it, slowly sinking to the floor, hopelessness filling my bones. I turn the horrible emotions choking me and aim them straight at the man slumped in his corner of this hellhole!

"You almost drowned me to death", I say, unable to help the break-in my voice from the betrayal of my brother's attack. He helped Regan kidnap me and take me from the only home I have truly felt I belonged to.

"Stella, I, I'm sorry! I had no choice" his own voice breaks as regret-filled eyes meet mine. Brown meets brown, and I can't help but notice the swirls of dark blue swimming in my brother's gaze. My own furious flecks of Amber no doubt the cause of his frown as he observes them with similar intent.

"There's always a choice," I yell, lunging for him. But, instead, the metal restraints snap against my ankles, causing a painful sounding crunch as I sprawl on the ground with a thud, the noise of my sobs and the chains scraping the stones echoes around the cell.

"Stella, please! I am not your enemy. Believe me when I say I had no choice!"

The large door clunks loudly as a lock mechanism is released, and it is swung open, revealing Alpha Regan.

"Ahh, my beautiful Stella, you're awake at last and already trying to murder another of my men, I see", Regan drawls, raking his gaze over me.

I almost vomit again and turn away from the only man I want to kill more than my own brother.

"Sorry to break up the family reunion, but it's time for my future bride to join me for dinner."

"Bride! Like fuck!" I hiss

"That's the spirit", he chuckles, amused. Then, another man enters, distracting me from further verbally assaulting Regan and roughly unlocks my restraints, then proceeds to yank me to my feet.

I watch as my useless brother sinks back against the wall, eyes zoning out. The way he does, it gives me the sense he has been in that cell a lot. The cell door slams, and clunks shut on my brother with a deafening finality. Questions start to race through my mind.

Why is he locked up with me after doing as he was told?

Why did he do that to me when clearly Regan is an asshole?

What was his name again? Brad?

I'm rudely interrupted from my inner turmoil when Regan starts barking orders.

"Take her to Urshala; she will get her cleaned up and presentable for dinner" with that, I am gladly yanked away from Regan and down the hallway with my mystery bodyguard.

Once we round a few analyzed corners, I strike. Elbowing the guard in the gut, causing him to buckle, with no hesitation in between, I attack his groan with a powerfully accurate kick. My fist lands a brutal blow to his head, and I knock him out cold. I grab the wall for support, doubling over, vomiting more water which leaves my knees shaking. Adrenaline fuels me as I continue to scan, searching for large enough cover of any kind.

To my utter relief, the halls are deserted; Regan's arrogance that I won't escape is evident and makes my heart clench with panic. Finding the nearest window, I discover I'm on the second story of what appears to be a castle.

Great, this guy takes himself very seriously, living in a medieval castle and kidnapping unwilling women to be his bride.

Amber!!, oh my god, it's good to hear your voice! Tears spring to my eyes with how lonely I'd been feeling without her.

Enough with the sentimentalities, let's get out of here and back to our Mate already!

Her normally purring voice is strained slightly, letting me know she's not fully recovered yet. Not surprising, I'm not sure how long I was out after nearly being drowned to death.

I round several corners with renewed confidence and take some spiralling stairs to get to the ground floor.

Good girl, now let's find a damn door and get the hell outta this nightmarish version of Dungeons & Dragons or whatever Regan thinks he's playing at here.

Stifling a laugh at Ambers comments and peeking around, I discover another empty hallway and sprint to the closest door. It's unlocked; I can't help the smile of triumph as I crack it open, peering out to an empty unguarded side of the castle.

Seriously what is with this luck, Stella? It's starting to make me feel uneasy. Amber comments.

I agree! Internally, groaning with the same foreboding feeling as Amber. It's just too good to be true! I step out, hating how exposed I will be if I make a break straight for the edge of the forest. Searching, I find a few spots I could hide in until nightfall, the cover of darkness so tempting to wait for.

You have the element of them thinking you're secure at the moment, though. So I guess we move now. It will be easier with Regan's enforcers not actively searching for us. But, we still have to get past the patrols, which are currently focused on keeping our Mate out. Not us in. Clearly, they have underestimated us.

I make my move sprinting for the tree line; the first crunch of leaves and forest floor under my bare feet has me smiling. Until a large arm snaps out from behind a tree knocking me to the ground.

All the air is punched out of my lungs, leaving me winded and desperately trying to get air into my burning chest.

A horrible laugh is followed by Regan stepping out and grabbing me by the hair. He proceeds to drag me back towards the castle while I scramble to get on my feet and avoid my hair being ripped out of its roots... I scream profanity while Amber roars in my head. I try to shift, but Regan punches me so hard in the stomach I pass out before letting Amber free...

Ursula is a scary woman, she's barely spoken a word, but her rough hands and cold stares will already haunt me for the rest of my days. I've been forced into a skimpy black dress and now have my hands handcuffed with a long chain that everybody seems to love flicking and pulling on, causing my wrists to shout in pain.

I've had what can only be described as a forced makeover performed on me. Although I feel violated by this woman is an understatement, the image of her attempting to stuff my breasts into this damn push-up bra making sure they bulge out of this ridiculous dress, makes bile rise in my throat.

She cleaned me, dressed me even applied make-up to my face, all while my hand were bound, only unclasping them briefly as needed. My hair blows down my back in soft waves. Ursula all but drags me in my bare feet, which I now realize has been done purposefully to slow me down if I get into the forest.

I fill my mind with all things Brodie to get through this torture. Worry at what he must be going through doesn't sit well with me, but I try to push past that and focus on the feel of his arms around me—the butterflies in my tummy when he calls me his little Mate. I will get back to him; I won't let Regan take him from me.

I'm shoved forcefully through two doors that are floor to ceiling in height; they're handcrafted with gothic-like creatures decorating them and making me shudder. Trying not to end up sprawled on the ground, I fall to my knees as Ursula proceeds to unmercifully drag me to what I can see is a long agarwood banquet table.

It's impressively decorated with red, white and black roses. Delicious looking food laid out in plentiful amounts. My stomach growls as I'm shoved into a seat at the opposite end to where Regan is already sat waiting; a small, frail-looking woman is sat quietly with her head down, not looking at Regan or me.

Recognizing the resemblance between their features, I can see she is a sibling, possibly even his sister.

Poor girl is broken

Indeed I agree with Amber's observations of the young lady.

"Amelia! Don't be so rude. Greet your new Luna immediately," Regan roars in an over the top reaction. His voice commands deadly attention, or who knows what he's going to do to her. I wince as the frightened woman raises her head, panic clear in her eyes.

"It's all right. I'm not offended, and I'm not Regan's.."

"Silence!! You will speak when spoken to after the stunt you pulled today!" I flinch, cowering at his booming voice; Regan is unrecognizable from the man who swooned me around the dance floor only two nights ago.

I close my lips, not wanting to antagonize him more, not only for my sake but for this poor women as well. Then, turning my gaze from the now lethal Regan, I jump in my seat, surprised to see the young woman bowing at my side like I'm some sort of royalty.

Okay, seriously, this guy has lost his marbles and deserves everything we will give him. When the timing is better, we will end him, Amber growls, promising revenge.

"I'm so sorry, Luna, you have my deepest apologies. I am Amelia, Regan's sister. It is an honour to be in both of your presences."

I was right; they are indeed brother and sister.

This guy is sick! I can't wait for us or mate to annihilate him!

Amber, I need to focus!

"Quite alright, thank you", I murmur whilst eyeing Regan for approval of my words. Regan smiles appeased.

"Sit down, my pathetic sister. Now both of you eat while you have the chance" I watch, fascinated as Amelia frantically, but still with polite precision, loads up her plate and starts eating.

Taking her cue and boding Regan's words, I follow suit going for as much protein, carbs and fat options as Amelia. It's obvious Regan likes to starve her, so no doubt he will want me starved and weak too. Better take what I can get, so I can get it to maintain my muscles.

Despair that I could to be here long-term almost stops my quiet onslaught on the food in front of me, but not for long. Minutes pass with silence as we feast.

We are not staying; I'd rather die than stay with this prick!

Agreed!

"Brodie wasn't kidding about your appetite, my love; you will need to learn to eat less in front of guests."

"Guests? My love?" Who the hell does he think he is!

"Yes, when we host guests, you will need to behave like my destined Luna."

"Right" Is all I can reply with to that, restraining all the profanity I want to scream at him.

What the actual! This guy needs the gothic style candlestick ripped from his arse and fast.

I stifle my laugh with a cough trying not to choke on my second bread roll.

"Now Stella, your Luna ceremony will be held within the week, so we need to work on your marks removal and rejection of Brodie within the next 48hours", he states, so matter of factly that this time I do choke on my food.

Noway! Am I rejecting Brodie. Ambers, right. I would rather die than be with this disgusting excuse for a man. I can't control my vocal cords any longer.

"Yeah, that's not happening dickhead!" Damn me and my big mouth. Regan's chair scraps as he slides it back and stands; his face is stone-cold deadly. Amelia shrinks in her seat, whimpering. My stomach drops, and I regret my choice of words.

He reaches my chain that strewn across the floor and lifts it, painfully calm and lethally controlled, then he snaps and rips me from the chair with brutal intent. I sprawl, squealing at the savageness of his actions, taking a large fistful of my hair. He drags me by it while I scream in agony.

I land a blow that staggers him back, and with a vicious growl, he lunges for me with incredible speed and accuracy. Launching myself away from the monster the chain is my biggest weakness. I would quickly get away from him, but he manages to reach the end of it, dragging me to him as I struggle with all my might.

Next, I'm slammed into a wall; I see stars as my head collides with solid stone. Regaining my senses, I'm pinned by his body; he crashes his lips to mine, bruisingly forcing them apart. When he's done invading my mouth, he parts my legs with his knee, and a sob escapes my lips.

He's going to rape me into submission. His strength is far more significant than my own; getting away is my expertise once caught in a vice-like grip I'm done for! I have already tried several counter-attacks to which his close proximity to my body made it easy to deflect.

He reaches for his belt undoing it with lust in his eyes. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to go to some sort of happy place if that exists at this moment.

The next audible sob is not my own, and I snap my eyes open to see Amelia standing, visibly shaking with fear? Or Anger? I can't tell maybe both.

"Stop it, brother, this is too much! I won't watch you rape her like an animal!" I'm dropped from the wall as Regan turns to his small sisters juddering frame. I collapse to the floor, crawling as far away as my chain will allow.

"You bitch" he slaps her so hard she falls to the floor with a sickening thump. Regan circles her with nothing but hatred in his eyes, plotting what he will do with her next. I have to stop this; she was just defending me, and now both of us will suffer.

Her eyes met mine in a plea for me to stay quiet, a slight shake of her head confirming her wishes.

I sag against the wall trying to hold my stomachs contents down. Regan stops abruptly, cackling, and we both flinch away from him instinctively.

"David!" he booms, and Amelia whimpers. The doors open almost instantly to reveal a man who I'm guessing is Regan's beta.

"I think it's time my sister and her mate had some time together. Lash them in front of each other as punishment for her disobedience". Regan turns, bending to his sisters huddled and sobbing state.

"I'm letting you off easy tonight, little sis. Do not question me ever again" He kicks her harshly towards David, who drags her from the room with a scream. This evil son of a bitch is holding her mate hostage just so he can torture her and him at will! This is disgusting. Now with no more distractions, Regan's vile attention is back on me. I hold my chin high despite feeling anything but brave at this moment.

"You will reject Brodie and claim me as your rightful Mate. I will have you willingly or not willingly, Stella! Or would you prefer I slaughter your precious Mate! Ending your bond that way, believe me when I say I have the resources to end him" Snapping his fingers for emphasis, "Just as easy as that!" He roars inches from my face.

I spit in his face, welcoming him to kill me. But, instead, Regan punches me in the face, and I slam to the floor, doing my best to cradle what will be a black eye.

"You have 24 hours to decide and do things my way. Or I will force you! This is my last and only reprieve to you, Stella!"

"Ursula!" he yells, and the doors burst open, revealing the ugly, large framed female. He throws my chains to her hands, and she proceeds to yank and drag me from the room. Getting to my feet, I comply willingly, not wanting to be in the room with the despicable evil that is Regan; how had I missed the menace hiding within him at the Alpha's meeting.

"Oh, Stella", Regan sings gleefully. I walk into Urshala's back, and she turns to shove me back roughly. I turn, expecting Regan to strike me.

"Kelci was oh so helpful in informing me of your exceptional escaping skills. I even had her fuck Brodie's best tracker just to give me details on exactly how skilled you were. You had no chance of escaping today, my lovely."

Rage fills me, and an uncontrollable growl rips from my throat as Amber pushes for us to shift. Ursula lunges, wrapping the chain around my throat and dragging me from the room while Regan laughs at me.

"Get her out of my sight!" Regan bellows and slams the doors behind us.

I've been in this cell for well over an hour; my brother, Brad, is gone. Maybe Regan realized that wasn't going to work out as he'd planned, so he had him removed.

When the dorr clunks, I don't look up, wishing everybody would just leave me to figure out a plan of escape. But, instead, a thump indicates another person being thrown in with me.

The smell of blood hits me as familiar sounds of shackles being fastened over feet fill the cell; my now swollen eye has blocked what would have been an excellent visual of my brother. David steps back and towards the door, giving my good eye a proper look at him, and I gasp!

His shirt has been torn from his body, and large slashes scar his back, oozing with blood. Then, finally, it hits me, realizing why he did what he did to me had me retching desperately, trying to keep my stomachs contents inside.

"Don't vomit!" he wheezes. "You need to keep whatever food you're given down!" this confirms Regan starves him also.

"You, your Amelia's mate!" I wail. Regan holds them apart, constantly using their pain against them to control them.

"Yes," he croaks out in pain.

"How long!" I below as my heart feels like it will explode with anguish.

"Since you were 6 months old and our parents were slaughtered like animals", he wheezes and passes out. My mind races and my emotions explode; all I can do to expel some torture from my body is scream...

"Hey! Can't a beaten man pass out in peace" he grumbles, and I scramble closer to hit, stretching my restraints as far as will allow.

"I'm sorry, but learning that your brother, who you thought betrayed you in the worst way possible, has been held captive and beaten for years isn't exactly pleasant!" I speak softly, not wanting to wake him again if he's passed out from the pain. His back looks really bad.

"It hasn't always been this bad. Yes, Regan has always had control over Amelia and me, but we were allowed to be happy until recently. Then, if we did what was asked of us and stayed within the pack's territory, he left us be. I never thought he'd find you, Stella, I swear!"

"Shh, another time, you need to rest and hopefully heal", I wince, looking at his blood-soaked torso. So many questions are exploding in my brain, but another look at his exhausted face tells me they will have to wait.

"I'll be ok", he reasons, closing his eyes. I feel a familiar thrum of energy and stare in wonder as droplets of water emerge from cracks and crevices around us, leading a trail straight into my Brother's mouth.

"How do you have so much control," I ask, still in wonder.

"Practise"

"Ok, I'll leave you alone now. Or is there anything I can do? It looks bad," I wince again.

"IT was worth it", He croaks.

"What?" I reply, not sure I heard him right. Then, groaning with the pain, he moves his arm to his jeans pocket, pulling out a lighter.

"It was worth it because I managed to get this from Amelia during the lashes."

Guilt over their brutal lashings won't help anyone, so I shove it down.

"How is a lighter going to help us!"

"You silly! I'm going to teach you to use your powers to get us all out of this godforsaken nightmare" His head slumps, and he passes out. I scoop the light up, stretching to get it back in his pocket.

We have 24 hours for your Brother to teach us how to control our power.

I know, do you think we can do it.

It's either that or try to kill this dick another way.

Well, then let's do it!

Give him an hour before waking him up; we need him to stay conscious for more than five minutes!

Agreed...

**********Authors note!***********************

Ahh so excited for Brad to help Stella unleash her power!!! Anyone else ready for Regan to suffer!!!

I know Amber is!!