Chapter 86

i sit alone, watching the children play, each of them laughing and smiling.
Each and every one of them Free.
But i couldn't help but remember a time where i wasnt free.
Where my life was dark and filled with fear and sadness.
i didn't want children back then, because i knew what their life would be.
Flashback;
The guard to my left knocked, but the one to my right spoke, his tone raspy and stern. “Sire, thirteen is here to see you.”
That’s me, thirteen. The guards didn’t know our names, we were numbers, creatures that they needn’t worry themselves with. The guards were human, all of them. But one of masters spells surrounded them, and no wolf within these lands could question that, no one could hurt them.
I heard a cup slam against a wooden table, forcing myself not to wince when I heard the anger in Balthazar’s voice. “Send her in.” He ordered.
Oh fuck. I had done something to piss him off, but what? For three whole weeks I had kept my head down, not spoken to anyone but Margaret and I had done everything asked of me. I searched my mind, looking for a mistake so I could prepare myself, though nothing came to mind. I took a shallow breath, and walked into to the room when the guard opened the door, my head low and hands neatly in front of me, the collar around my neck an uncomfortable reminder of his power over me.
I move slowly, walking around the table and dropping to my knees, folding myself towards the floor with my hands at either side of my body; my forehead pressed against the soft carpet. Then, I wait, you do not speak to master Balthazar unless he tells you do, and you definitely do not look at him.
Minutes pass, my heart thumping loudly in my ears, my form slowly beginning to tremble as Nyx grows in frustration within my mind. Why isn’t he saying anything? I have the sudden urge to look up, to see why he was so silent, but I knew that would be a mistake. I wouldn’t definitely be punished for looking at him.
I dig my fingers into the carpet, letting out a breath I didn’t realise I was holding when he sighed audibly, the sound of his chair back filling the room.
“Look at me.” He snaps, his voice line ice.
I do so immediately, moving to sit on my knees, my hands clasped on my legs as I turn my gaze to meet his, trying to look docile and compliant.
He was a tall man, much taller than me, his mousy brown hair a contrast to my wavy neon shade, his perfectly straight as it just passes his shoulders. His cold blue eyes, holding a hatred for my kind, one that I still couldn’t understand. He wore a black shirt, the top two buttons undone, to reveal his golden skin, his dark ripped jeans covering the lip of his brown boots.
He watched me a moment before picking up his coffee and resting it on the chair arm, his eyes travelling down my body, making me shift uncomfortably. “As you know, your nineteenth birthday is fast approaching.” He began, and my breath stutters, oh god no; please don’t say it! I scream internally. “I expect you will find a mate soon.”
I remained mute, unsure if that was meant as a question or command, but even if it was a command, he can’t force me to chose a mate, that is something that my wolf and I decide. The one thing he cannot take from me. Yet, I knew exactly what he meant, he wants me to have children, to give him more slaves.
“Annalise.” He grows, “I can see defiance in your eyes, and I will not tolerate it. It is your job to give me what I require.”
I scowl at that, my jaw tightening as I snap it shut. Don’t speak, you know why will happen if you do. I remind myself, lowering my eyes back to the carpet in hopes he will see it as obedience. He doesn’t.
“Tell me what you are thinking.” He demands, but I hesitate. “You know I can force it from you. Wouldn’t it be easier to tell me?”
“I don’t want children.” I whisper, my voice low.

Flackback Ends.
I never knew back then how different my life would become, how i went from despising the thought of children, to having bundles of them. All of which were born free. They will never know the suffering that i did, and i can be at peace with that knowledge. i know that they will all live good lives. The lives that they chose.
I would never have to go through that again, I will never be a slave again, I was truly free to do as I wished and live a life that I wanted.
Balthazar was dead.
i would never need to believe that pain was all i had any longer, i now have 5 amazing mates, all of which will do anything to make me happy.
Yes, the nightmares come to me in the dark, memories of what i have suffered haunt my dreams.
But that is all they are, memories and dreams.
I never thought i would have the life i do now, but i have it because I fought for it.
i am the Red wolf. i united packs that hated each other and were always at war. Now the only things my Five mates argue about was how to raise our children to be happy. We all want them to live the way that they want, and so long as they are safe. i will never deny them a single dream.
Some days are hard, others are easier, and some are amazing.
But every day, no matter what, i remind myself of three things.
Three simple things that keep me going when all i want to do is hide away.
Three things that remind me everything is going to be ok.
1. Balthazar is dead.
2. i have people who love me
3. Today is a new day, with new possibilites.
And what i say is true, Balthazar is dead. He can never come back. He cannot hurt me or my children. We are safe from him.
i have so many people who love me, who are worth fighting for, and i will fight. i will fight every single day to make sure they are safe. Loved. Happy.
Happiness is something that many take for granted, but not me, i spent half of my life confined to darkness, and now i have the light, i will not lose it again.
I am happy.
i am free.
What else could i ever want?
i will never be a helpless slave again, i will never bow to anyone, not even my mates. Everyone is equal.
Not even the omegas have to bow to us any longer. i changed all of that.
i made life better for everyone who felt they did not belong.
Life was peaceful now, no one fought over land, because this land was for everyone who wished to be here. Omega, Rogue or alpha. Everyone was welcome.