Caged Between The Beta & Alpha
Chapter 81

RAVEN

It was the following day, Damon and I had just arrived at the Westwood’s home and were seated in the lounge. I wasn’t sure how to feel knowing Liam was going to be there, I had gotten all emotional when he was in pain, but now I felt a little embarrassed about my outburst. The fact that I had literally shouted at Uncle El.. I needed to apologise -for that too…

I looked at Damon, who was raising his eyebrows questioningly at me.

“I shouted at the Alpha.” I whispered.

He raised an eyebrow.

“You’ ve teased and played pranks on him all your life. Are you scared now?” He joked quietly as he stroked his mother’s hair.

She was fast asleep on the sofa when we entered, and neither of us wanted to disturb her.

“I know. but I shouted at him when I knew it wasn’t easy for him.” I whispered back.

Well gorgeous, it’s too late to regret it.” He said.

Our eyes met, both of us realising what he had called me, before he gave a small smile.

“I can still call you that, right?”

I nodded. We hadn’t told anyone about our rejection, and I knew Damon probably felt the emptiness more than I did.

Uncle El and Aunty Red entered alone, making me wonder where Liam was. How were his wounds?

Yesterday, when we were leaving the side room, I had seen the pain on his face as he stood up, even if he was trying not to let it show.

To what do we owe the pleasure?” Uncle El said, I saw him exchange looks with Damon and frown.

Why did it feel like I was missing something?

“Well, we had a request.” Damon said.

“And I wanted to apologise for being rude yesterday.

“I mumbled.

Uncle El raised an eyebrow.

“I was not proud of what you did, but I understood it. We all do shit for our mates.”

“I remember Elijah doing the same for me, he stood up to his father for me.” Aunty Red said softly. She smiled but I could tell she was upset.

What’s your request?” Uncle El asked Damon.

Damon and I exchanged looks before he began relaying the party idea and plan forward.

“I can’t deny that we do need to do something.” He said, running his fingers through his hair. “But this goes against my rules.'”

“If we’re caught, I’ll take it on me.” Damon said, quietiy.

I think we need to agree Elijah, although even I’m not happy with this.” Aunty Red said, her face was pale. I felt awful knowing she was going through a lot because of what happened between Liam and I.

Uncle El gave a nod, exhaling sharply.

“Fine, I’ll keep everyone at the party, making sure -no one leaves, that will give you all a bit of time.”

“Perfect. Thank you!” I said. “How’s Liam been?”

I frowned hearing Damon’s heart skip a beat and the way Uncle El’s jaw ticked.

What was it?

“He’s resting.” Aunty Red said quietly.

Uncle El pulled her into his arms, k!ssing her neck softly.

“Can I see him?” I asked, feeling like something wasn’t right.

“He’s asleep, Raven.” Aunty Red replied, giving me a small smile that didn’t mask the pain in her eyes.

Yeah, very suspicious. They were hiding something from me. I sat for a while longer. Aunty Monica woke up, so I knew Damon would be stopping for longer, so I excused myself.

I left the Alpha’s home through the front door, but rather than return home, I walked around the house looking for a way in. I was glad the guards were posted a little away, protecting the house from anyone approaching, yet not close enough that I would be spotted climbing through a window.

Noticing an open bathroom window on the second floor, I climbed up, swinging myself silently inside.

If I said I wanted to see him, I was going to see him…

Slowly taking my boots off so I made no sound, I -silently made my way through to the hall and down towards Liam’s room.

Liam?

No answer… Then again, he was on Wolfsbane, so maybe he won’t hear me.

I frowned. I turned the door handle, stepping inside before I froze in my tracks. The smell of b***d and Liam’s scent mixed, hitting me hard. My eyes fell on the bed where Liam lay on his stomach, his eyes closed, his breathing heavy, but it was his bareback that filled me with horror. From his neck down to the band of his sweatpants, his back was a mess of deep, ruthless gashes. Wounds that hadn’t been there last night, far more than what was on his back when I had bandaged him up.

What….

My heart thundered, my eyes flashing as I stepped into his room, my boots slipping from my grasp ont the carpeted floor as I rushed to the bed shaking. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind. Did his dad make him take the rest of the punishment? Did Liam himself ask for it? How dare they go behind my back! I said it was enough!

Brushing away my tears of frustration, I covered my mouth. The condition of his back was sickening.

They were far too deep… His skin was torn up so horrifically… A thin layer of some sort of balm was covering his back, but… he wasn’t healing!

I dropped to my knees by his bed, looking at his face.

I shook my head; I knew the answer… He asked for his punishment to be completed because he felt guilty… I placed a hand on his cheek, the sparks rushing through me as his thick lashes fluttered, but his eyes didn’t open.

I knew that he’d always remember what he did.. even in years to come.. I leaned over and placed a gentle k!ss on his forehead. When will we stop hurting?

Why was he going to torture himself like this.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, I stood up quickly, slipping my boots on. I went to his window, opening it and climbing onto the ledge. Before I jumped down, I cast a final look back at the man I loved.

I couldn’t do anything for him right now. Maybe time will heal all..

I’m sorry.

The following day, I had mind linked Liam but had reached a blank again. Remembering his injuries, I wish they had at least let him heal first. I had then texted him instead, but he had kept the conversation short, saying he’s fine. I promised myself next time I saw him, I would ask him about those injuries.

It was now two nights later, and I had been unable to see Liam. I was put to work helping with the party, so I didn’t get the time. I knew he was avoiding me, so I didn’t push it. Tonight, he’d have to face me.

Uncle El had made it clear we were having a party and that everyone is to join, from the Omegas to the warriors. He had made it clear no one was to leave the area whilst the party was ongoing for everyone’s safety. The only ones who wouldn’t be attending were the essential patrol which would change halfway through the party.

As expected, many pack members were looking forward to an evening of relaxing and not having to be confined to their homes thanks to the curfew.

I had gotten ready too, making sure I looked good.

For me, sometimes putting a little effort in made me feel better about myself.

I had put on a lace bodysuit and cropped leather p*nts, a black belt with a gold buckle strapped around my wa!st. I added several delicate gold necklaces, bracelets and rings. My ears, as usual, had studs in all my piercings. I left it, not wanting to look overly done. My hair was up in a s3xy messy bun. I was wearing six-inch black heels and my make-up was flawless, I had added black glitter to my usual smoky eye and done a full face. Finishing off with matt deep wine-coloured l!pstick and nails of the same colour.

The party was in full swing. The place was lit up with lanterns hanging from the branches and fairy lights strung around. The long tables were to the left, holding lanterns, dishes and some clusters of -flowers that were placed across them. To the right were some chairs, drinks were being served and were set up behind there. There was a huge dessert table full of mouth-watering goodies, and the pups were all running around.

At the back were the huge pots and boxes with the food, which were now being put on platters ready to be served.

Music was blaring loudly and the mood was surprisingly light. I noticed how there were guards posted every two metres, no one would be able to leave without being noticed.

I glanced around, trying to replace the boys. I was not able to see any of them. Well, we were all to make an appearance first.

My eyes went to the two large chocolate fountains that seemed to be calling to me.

“Oo chocolate!” I whispered, weaving my way through the crowds towards it. “Cake pops…”

I reached the table, fitting in nicely with the young boys who were helping themselves to dessert.

Shouldn’t you wait until after your main meal first?

“I asked.

Same to you, midget.” One of them frowned at me as I pushed to the front.

Damn, I’m sure they were like nine or ten but some were already taller than me… Thank you, goddess, for six-inch heels.

“Hey, I’m double your age! Now behave.” I said, stealing a plate and quickly piling it with three cake pops, a stick that I slid on some brownies, marshmallows and strawberries, before dunking it into the melted chocolate. The boys complained, but I ignored them. You can’t come between me and chocolate. I was about to turn away, paused, and picked up a small cheesecake shot before hurrying away. Leaving a disapproving group of boys behind.

Now, where to eat this before we had to leave?

I spotted a tree not too far off and walked over, biting into my chocolate covered brownie and sliding off the stick, l!cking my l!ps as I enjoyed it.

So yummy… I picked up one of the cake pops and shoved it fully into my mouth.

“Here you are, I told Damon you’d be near the dessert table.” Liam’s husky voice carne, making me freeze, my mouth full of chocolate and the sense of Deja-Vu of the night we found out we were mates returning to me.

I slowly turned and looked at him, remembering his mutilated back. My heart thundered as I looked him over.

Black r!pped jeans, boots and a white collar-less button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a few buttons open. My stomach fluttered and I stared into his cerulean eyes. Noticing his hair was perfectly styled. I was glad he felt better, or at least looked better.

Not missing how his eyes raked over my body, his eyes flashing their beautiful magnetic deep blue as he swallowed hard. His thudding heart made my core throb and if the bond was strong before… It was far stronger now.

My body was craving him, yet when his gaze fell on my neck and the familiar flash of guilt filled his eyes, reality came crashing down.

Well, I saw no one…” I said through the link, only to reach a blank wall.

Oh yeah, Wolfsbane. I quickly tried to swallow the cake in my mouth.

Take your time, little miss glutton.”

I frowned, as he reached over, taking a cake pop from my plate before I moved my plate out of his reach.

I finally managed to swallow my mouthful down and l!cked my l!ps.

That’s my cake pop, I fought a pack of boys to get there first!” I complained, picking up the last cake pop before he stole it.

Yeah… a bunch of pups, I saw.” He said, his gaze flickering to my l!ps.

He stepped closer, raising his finger slowly and placing two fingers under my chin, sending off a rush of sparks that took my breath away. He brushed his thumb along the corner of my bottom l!p. My ch3st heaved, my heart pounding as he slowly moved back, slipping his thumb into his mouth and l!cking off the fleck of chocolate.

Our gaze met, my core throbbed and I felt blank.

“Shall we go?” He asked softly.

Go!

It took me a moment to realise what he meant, I knew that were paired due to Liam being on wolfsbane, meaning he didn’t have the pack link.

I nodded, not missing the few glances we received.

Drama queen.. If you wanted him, why make him go through the punishment?’ One of the younger females said through the link, jealousy clear in her eyes as I glanced at her.

I frowned, feeling a sting of pain. I didn’t even know her by name… but obviously, there would be people hating me for what happened. Ignoring them, I followed Liam, my plate still in my hand. I could make out the outline of bandages faintly through his shirt. I looked down, sighing deeply.