The Alpha King's Series
CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER THREE.

BRINLEY.

The smell of burned flesh and blood flooded my nostrils, my guts churned, and the bile rose in mythroat, threatening to escape. However, more hands grabbed me and threw me on what felt like ametal table. Something cold brushed against my arm, and I squirmed. "508, I am going to inject youwith morphine. So you won't be in so much pain,” I opened my mouth to protest when someonejabbed a needle in my arm. Instead, my legs began to feel like jello, and my arms grew weak."Tyler?"

"Tyler?" as I called for Tyler, I felt heat just above my hip. Pain coursed through my body as theysucked the hot brand from my right hip almost to my belly button. The pain was so intense I keptlosing consciousness. My screams echoed through the small room when I would come too, andmore people tried to hold me down. That wonderful smell of honey and woods and it's intoxicating.Soon I felt all the hand's on my body move away when a growl erupted, vibrating the floor. "Whatthe fuck do you all think you're doing?" A deep husky voice said calmly but deadly. I couldn't seebecause I was still wearing my blindfold. The room fell silent.

"Answer me." He Growled louder. One of the men cleared their throat, "Beta, Kyle. Said this was yourorder, sir," "What's done is done,” He told them. I felt tingles spread along my body as the manlifted me from the table. Strong arms held me tightly against a hard chest. My eyelid was heavy, andI fought hard against sleep. I wasn't sure why but I felt safe wrapped in his arms. Finally, I couldn'tresist the rest any longer, and my eye's closed, pulling me into the Darkness.

I woke up feeling weak and dizzy. When my eyes finally adjusted, I realized that I wasn't lying in mybed. Instead, I was lying on a cloud mattress; the beds we slaves sleep on are hard anduncomfortable, with springs pressing against your body. Finally, it hit me; the smell was all aroundthe room.

“Someone's coming,’ Sage warned me. "Who?" I replied. Sage shook her head, 'Whomever thisperson is. The woods in honey smell belongs to them," I nodded. “Remember, no one can knowabout you,’ sage rolled her eyes, “Duh, watch yourself, Brinley," Sage told me before moving to theback of my mind. The door opened, and a tall, broad man walked in carrying a tray full of food."You're awake. How are you feeling?" His voice was rough and deep; its sound gave megoosebumps. "My stomach and side hurts. But I'm fine,” He sat the food tray on my lap. "Eat," Inodded, "Thank you," I told him and looked down at the plate full of food—eggs, Bacon, Toast,Coffee. "Do you want some?" I offered. He glanced at me from over his shoulder, "I ate already. Itwould be best if you ate,”

I took a bite of eggs, grabbed a piece of Bacon, and took half of it into my mouth. "What's yourname?" I said with a mouth full of food. The man stood in front of the bed and met my gaze. "Whydo you want to know?" I pursed my lips, "Curious, I guess.” "Thomas." "Thomas," I repeated. Finally,he nodded, "And your name?" I shook my head, "508," I made a mistake in telling Tyler my name. Iwon't do that again

"You had a name before you came here. What was it?" Again I shook my head, "Why don't you askthe Alpha King? I cannot tell anyone my name, so ask him if you want to know it." The man raisedhis eyebrow and stared at me. His gaze was intense. His eyes fell on my lips, and I looked down. "Tellme 508. DO you feel strange around me?" I swallowed the Bacon in my mouth. I looked back intoThomas's silver eyes, "Yes," I admitted. I feel oddly strange around him, the way his smell clouds mymind and how my skin feels when he touches me. If I didn't get rejected, I would swear Thomas wasmy mate, but half-breeds like me don't get second chances. "Why do you think that is?" I asked him.His forehead creased, "You don't know?" Thomas asked, confused. I nodded, "I know about mates. Idon't know why I am feeling that towards you.” Thomas walked over to me and removed the trayfrom lap-sitting it on the table next to the bed. "You have a mate?" "I am a slave, am I not?" "I didn'task you if you were a slave. I asked if you have a mate,” Thomas said, clenching his jaw. I shook myhead, "I was rejected. So no, I don't have a mate,"

A silence fell between us. Then, finally, I looked at Thomas and took him in. Thomas was tall, withbroad shoulders, strong arms, tight legs and thighs, and a firm round butt. From what I could see.His black hair hung just above his shoulders, and half was tied in a bun; his silver orbs pull you in.Thomas was a fine piece of a specimen, that's for sure. His face was perfect, carved, and shaped toperfection by the gods. "I have to go. I'm going into town with one of my slave friends.” I told himstanding from the bed, only inches away from his body. "I'm your second chance," I shook my head,"Half-breeds like me don't get second chances," I informed him. Thomas brushed his lips lightlyagainst mine and tingles spread across my lips. "Do you feel that?" I nodded my head, "Yes, but...""No buts," He cut me off, "I'll only let you leave this room if you promise to meet me." I furrowedmy brows, "How am I going to that?" He smirked, "Figure it out. I'll be waiting by the pound,”Thomas said and walked towards the door; I walked over to him cautiously, placing my blindfoldback on.

"What happened to you yesterday? I waited in our room, but you never came back.” Julia said. Juliaand I walked to the town; she knew a shortcut through the woods. "My escort came for me, and Ihad to be branded.” Julia nods in understanding. "Did you get branded as well?" She nods, "Allslaves must be branded with their slave number.” Julia shrugged. "Why?" She shook her head, "Ifthe Alpha King sells you off," I pursed my lips, "He does that?" Julia nodded, "Every couple ofmonths," I shook my head, "With my luck, I'll be out on my ass,” Julia chuckled. "Your funny," "Gladyou think so,"

"Julia, can I ask you a question?” She nods, "Of course."

"Where's the pond?" Julia's forehead creased, "Why do you want to know?" I started fidging myfingers. I do that a lot when I'm nervous. "Can you keep a secret?” Julia rolls her eyes, "Of course, Ican. I'll tell you a secret, and you tell me yours," I nodded. "I'm in love with Xander," I arched myeyebrow, "Who's Xander?" She gave a look that said are you kidding me? "Xander Caputo. TheAlpha King," I mouthed an '0".

"I hope it works out for you,” Julia smiled, "Me too. Now, what's your secret,” I exhaled a deepbreath, "It seems I got a second chance, mate. His name is Thomas, and he wants me to meet him atthe pond at dusk," Julia looked happy about the news, but more so, I think it's because I am notafter the Alpha King. "Having a mate now won't change things with Xander. But I am happy for you,although I know everyone in the palace, and I've never heard of Thomas before.” I shrugged, "That'sthe name he gave me. Are you going to tell me how to get there?” Julia nodded, "Yes. Go out theback door of the kitchen closest to our rooms. Once outside, go past the greenhouse through thewoods for about a mile. You'll come to a pond with a waterfall." "Thanks," Julia nods, "No problem.Now let's get you something to wear for tonight." I shook my head, "After Starbucks,” Julia rolledher eyes, "Fine,"