Mated To The King’s Gamma
Chapter 9

The next day

The only time I got to see Ivy was in small glimpses or brief, very brief words before being called bacit.

Yet as I set the basket down on top of the empty washer, I wandered into

the kitchens to see Clarice. She was going over staff time rosters, her glasses perched precariously orStopping next to her, I glance around at the cooks preparing for dinner, yet even though I knew I haYet the entire time, all I could think about was Mrs. Daley's

reaction when I asked her and the punish ment I got for my stupidity of thinking now I had shifted, s“Mrs. Daley?” I whispered

behind her, making her jump as she stood at the kitchen counter sipping the fresh brew I had just m"What is it?” she snaps, and I flinch at her bitter tone. Her eyes narrowed at me, and I instantly regret“lum... I wanted... I,” I stuttered terribly, trying to get the words out.

"What is it? Spit it out before I lash you,” she snarls.

“I wanted to know if I might be allowed to shift and go for a run. I will be quick, and I will stay closeto the orphanage,” I whispered, dropping my gaze to the floor. Mrs. Daley laughs and grips my shou"Where is the other rogue?”

“She said she would cover afternoon tea for

me if you allowed it. And I finished all my chores and even changed your bed linen and made you this hope? It will destroy every desire you ever have when you are repeatedly shown how cruel one cot"Oh, in that case, of course. Go on,” Mrs. Daley looks at the clock above the door, and so do I. Excite“Be back at 4 PM for afternoon tea; you earned it,” she told me.

Thank

you, thank you, Mrs. Daley” I almost cried at how happy I felt as I rushed off to tell Ivy. Ivy told me ncto ask, that she would never allow it, but I had to try, and Mrs. Daley felt

generous. It must have been knowing that we made her favorite pie.

"Stay close to the forest line, Abbie. Don’t wander,” Ivy told me with worry in her eyes as I stripped m"She said yes,” I remind her.

“I know, but it isn't like her, Abbie. Maybe you should stay.”

“Probably because she knows next month, we won't be her problem and is feeling generous,” I tell htoo excited to replace fault with Mrs. Daley's permission.

I shifted and darted toward the trees while Ivy went to finish the afternoon tea for the kids. However,see my clothes waiting in a pile behind the shed. Happy, I moved toward her, seeing Ivy in the kitchespot the patrols rushing up the side of the orphanage

building. Their sight made me halt, and my tail tucked between my legs.

“There she is, she tried to run, filthy fucking mutt tried to run, she has come scampering back,” Mrs. ITurning my gaze to the four patrolling men, I backed up when they used the kids’ skipping ropes ascurdling scream reach my ears.

“No, no, stop. Stop! She didn’t do anything!" Ivy screamed.

Lifting my head, my fur was ripping out everywhere, the grass—

covered in snow white and grey, brown fur when the skipping rope lashed across my snout and eye,laughed and told them to hit us harder.

A hand gripped mine, jolting me out of the memory. “Abbie, are you okay, Dear?” Clarice asked."Yes, sorry.” I tell Clarice, staring back at her. I went to walk off, losing my courage as memories as samyself.

Turning away, Clarice doesn't let go of my hand, instead pulls me back to her. “Abbie, what is it? Did“No, it's nothing. Want some help?” I ask her, looking at what she is doing.

“No, but you finished all your chores, so you can have some time off. Are you sure there wasn’t some