Punishment

The cell was freezing, the stone floor biting into my skin. There was total darkness in the room, except the only part where the faint moonlight filtered through a barred window high above. My wrists throbbed from the tight restraints they had put on me, silver-infused cuffs. Not enough to burn, but enough to suppress my strength.

The silence in the cell was suffocating, but my mind burned with defiance. I wouldn’t beg. I wasn’t ready.

I exhaled sharply, trying to control my frustration.

They thought they could break me.

They thought they could make me submit.

Arrogant bastards.

My wolf stirred inside me, restless. We need to get out of here.

"I know", I answered, trying to focus despite the throbbing pain in my ribs. But how? I was trapped in a cell, surrounded by Alphas who saw me as nothing more than a possession to claim.

Time passed in agonizing slowness. The only sounds were the distant murmurs of the pack outside and the occasional footsteps echoing in the hall. My stomach twisted with hunger, but I ignored it. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me weak.

So soon , the footsteps stopped outside my cell.

My head snapped up as the heavy cell door creaked open. The second Alpha stepped inside, arms crossed over his broad chest, blue eyes gleaming in the darkness.

“You’re being awfully quiet,” He mused. “I expected more fight.”

“Maybe I’m just waiting for you to realize how ridiculous you sound.” I leaned against the cold wall, feigning boredom.

His lips twitched. “Still got that sharp tongue, huh?”

“Sorry if I don’t feel honored to be kidnapped by two overgrown wolves with control issues.” I scoffed then shifted slightly, wincing as the movement pulled at my bruised ribs.

Then, as if on cue, my stomach betrayed me. A sharp growl echoed in the silence, and the Alpha's gaze dropped to my abdomen, his smirk deepening.

“Hungry?” he asked, tilting his head. “Not really", I forced a nonchalant shrug.

“Bring food.” He commanded the warriors outside. His command was effortless, laced with the kind of authority that made wolves obey without question.

I stiffened, my pride detoriating. I didn't want their food. I didn't want to owe them anything.

Minutes later, a warrior entered with a tray, the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread wafting into the cell. My wolf whimpered instinctively, but I clenched my jaw, steeling myself.

The warrior set the tray down near the door and stepped back. The Alpha watched me expectantly, arms still crossed, waiting for me to give in. I met his gaze, lifted my chin, and turned my head away.

His smirk faded slightly. “You’re refusing?”

I didn’t answer. I refused to give him the reaction he wanted.

“You’re stubborn, I’ll give you that,” he mused. “But let’s see how long that lasts.”

“I’ll die before I submit to you.” I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze without fear

His smirk widened. “Oh, we’re counting on that.”

A chill ran down my spine, but I refused to let it show.

“Eat,” he ordered. “You’ll need your strength.”

“For what?” I asked, my voice steady despite the unease twisting in my gut.

His eyes darkened with amusement. “For the training.”

“Training?” I stiffened.

“Did you think we’d just keep you locked up forever? No. You’re our mate. And we intend to make you strong enough to stand beside us—whether you want to or not.” He chuckled.

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. What did they mean by training? And why did it feel like my nightmare was only just beginning?

I didn’t move. I didn’t reach for the food. I just sat there, glaring at the Alpha who watched me like I was some disobedient pup.

His smirk didn’t waver. “Suit yourself.” He spoke. “But I’d eat while you can. Training starts tomorrow.”

“I’m not training with you.” I scoffed.

The Alpha tilted his head, blue eyes gleaming. “You think you have a choice?”

My jaw clenched. I hated that he was right. I was trapped here, alone, at their mercy. But I wouldn’t make this easy for them.

He gave me one last look before turning and walking away, his boots echoing against the stone. I waited until he was gone before I let out a shaky breath.

Training? My wolf stirred inside me, uneasy. They’re planning something.

"Yeah, I agreed. And we need to figure out what",

I didn’t touch the food. If they wanted me weak, fine.

The hours dragged on, darkness settling around me. Eventually, exhaustion won. My body demanded rest, even if my mind screamed against it.

When I woke, it wasn’t to silence. It was to footsteps, multiple.

The cell door creaked open, and before I could react, hands grabbed me.

I thrashed, but they were stronger. My wrists were yanked behind me, bound tightly.

"Alpha Winston, here he is", One warrior spoke as they dragged from the cell, my bare feet scraping against the rough stone. My heart pounded, but I didn’t beg. I didn’t plead.

My eyes lifted and they fell on the first Alpha. He was called Winston.

He stood just outside the cell, tall and imposing, his dark hair tousled as if he hadn’t spared a moment’s thought to his appearance. But his presence was controlled.

His gaze swept over me, assessing. Judging.

“You refused to eat,” he said, voice smooth, almost amused.

“I’m not a pet you can train with scraps.” I glared up at him.

The moment I said so, his hand immediately shot out and grabbed my throat, not tight but enough to choke. “I don’t care what you want.” His voice was lethal and possessive. “You are ours, and you’ll do as we say.”

“Over my dead body.” I met his gaze, defiant even as my pulse thundered.

"He is so disrespectful, take him to the pit",

The warriors didn’t hesitate. Hands clamped down on my arms, yanking me forward as Winston released my throat. I gasped, coughing.

I knew what was waiting for me in the pit.