Chapter 3~Look! There’s Ernie!
Anna’s POV~
Morning came early…What a stupid thing to say…it comes the same time every day! I toss the covers off and stretch my whole 5’4 length! This is a comfy bed! As I turn to get a shower, a knock at my door, has me turning that direction.
Opening the door…my aunt..my last family..leans against the wall..beaten and bloody! I grab her and lie her down on my bed. I looked at my open door and see a maid..I ordered her to bring Falcon immediately! I ran and got a wet warm cloth..began washing her skin, so I could see the extent of her injuries.
Falcon rushed in the room.. looking at her, he immediately started to lift her and I asked him “what are you doing?” He snapped “taking her to the infirmary” and Belinda said “No! It will be worse!” I kept washing her skin..healing at each new injury. Only enough that she wasn’t in agony…because I want people to see her..and realize what they let happen under their noses.. I healed her ribs..her broken wrist and leg…then her ankle..describing what I was doing, as I put her into a comfortable sleep.. She looked like hell but I wanted the bruises to be seen! Someone knew! Somewhere in this pack…someone knew she was being hurt! And said nothing…did nothing! Falcon laid his gigantic hand on my shoulder, and tells me “I know..and I will get to the bottom of it”
I asked “I said that out loud” and he smiled “No! But your angry thoughts are deafening!” Hnh! That’s never happened before! I looked at him… “He’s mine! I know he’s your pack member…but he nearly killed the last of my family! I won’t stand for it” He nods and agrees “Your call! That’s why you left evidence of the beating? You want the pack to see what’s been kept hidden in their midst.. and why her neighbors never tried to stop him…or, at least..come and reported it!”
I nodded…”That’s bullshit, Falcon! The blatant disregard and lack of respect for you..the lack of loyalty to pack! I’m guessing you have a divisive pack….those that still follow your father’s doctrine?” He sighed and looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulder. I reached my arms around his waist and hugged him…pulling the pain in his heart away.
He took a deep breath and said “Fuck! I haven’t felt this good since I took Alpha!” I smiled.. “I’m gonna help you..every time I feel your heart get heavy…these people are testing you..pushing you. You need to speak with Belinda… I’m sure she can give you a lot of information…as long as she feels safe from that prick. And she will be perfectly safe..once I kill him!” And he shook his head and laughed! I told him Shoo now! I need a shower before breakfast!
I toweled off…slipped into black fleece leggings and a heavy teal sweater over a black cami.. I walked over and helped my aunt into the tub…and while she soaked, I asked her questions… “ How long Aunt Belinda?” She whispered since almost the beginning… I whispered “that’s why you couldn’t see mama much! I’m going to kill him..you know that, right?” She nods and says “he’s not my mate. He forced the mark. Falcon’s dad ordered me to accept “
This is worse than I thought! I ran out of my room…knocking on Falcon’s door. He opened it in just jeans…button undone..his hair still damp from the shower and Bethany yelled HotDamn! in my head so loud my eyes rolled! Hussy! Falcon clears his throat and I said “Oh right! Got distracted…I need you and Brady to come to my room…Belinda has shit to talk about!” And turned on my heel, running back to my room.
I got Belinda dressed in a maxi dress..just to keep her comfortable. She still looked like hell…but I want this pack to see that! Falcon walked in with Brady and I wasn’t even upset they didn’t knock! What the hell is going on with me!? I led Belinda over to the sitting area.. I spoke softly “I need you to tell Falcon everything. Absolutely everything! He is your Alpha! And he can’t fix what he doesn’t know is broken! He has a responsibility to his pack…but the pack has a responsibility to Him! So tell him!”
Falcon sat across from her and spoke “Belinda…I am so very sorry you have suffered so greatly…for so long. Please share your story with me so that I can begin to make everything better “ She sighed “ Bertram isn’t my mate. He force marked me..and your father ordered me to accept. I was 16. It was a common practice with the former Alpha .. and all of us forced mates are made to act a certain way. Clean cook spit out babies and be still while we are raped. Michelle would beg me to get out.. called us Stepford wives. I escaped three times. But I was always caught..and it was always worse. There are about 30 of us..we live on the west end…by the mountain… I was told it was so he could hear my screams echo. All of the 30 men are planning to take the pack.. I’m not sure how many are involved…the only reason I know anything is because Bert gets drunk and talks in his sleep.”
Falcon sat still..staring at his hands. I could feel Othello at the surface..pissed and ready. Brady stepped over and said “Bro! Let’s go to breakfast and make everyone know we are aware of this… Let’s make them sweat a bit before we take them out!” I smirked “That’s a good idea! But good ol’ Bert dies…preferably before I eat…don’t wanna ruin my breakfast!” And they chuckled..which was what I was hoping for!
Falcon asked “Belinda, will you write down any of the names of the men you know are involved..?” And she nodded. I helped her stand and we headed to the dining hall… knowing confrontation was coming.!
We all walked in together and heard several gasps as they saw Belinda. They glanced at Falcon and could see the anger in his face. I laid my hand on his arm and took enough of his anger that he could focus again. We sat down and I kept my aunt tucked close..waiting on the eruption I knew was coming. Bethany was excited in anticipation.. Sure as hell didn’t think this was how this day was gonna go!
We all heard it..Bertram bellowed!! “Get your ass in the correct seat Belinda..don’t make me come get you!” I responded quietly..”This is her correct seat…from now on! However..I am hoping you’ll come Try and get here!” He rushed me…grabbing my arm and knocking Belinda over. I ducked under the arm he held me with and grabbed his head..slammed his face into the table. Another man yelled “you can’t do that! You aren’t pack!” And I grinned. I looked at Falcon and said “Look! There’s Ernie! I wondered when he’d appear..to help good ol’ Bert!” They laughed.. And I yanked Bertram’s arm behind his back..holding his bent wrist high..between his shoulder blades.
I shoved him out the back door and told him “you have ten seconds to get your sorry ass in the fighting ring… Move!” He looked at Falcon…who chinned toward the ring. Bertram stomped off..and I said “He will die..are you going to punish me for killing a pack member?” He smiled and said “For protecting and defending your family member? Never!” And I nodded and jumped into the ring!