Page 3 of In Bellamira's Chains

A small smile quirked up my lips but fell as we stopped in front of “our mistress” as she called her.

I angled my body behind Elera’s, hiding from the heavy gaze of the Alpha who had bought me.

My hand raised of its own accord, reaching for Elera, but I forced it back down to my side, biting my lip. Already my training was falling to the side. If only Oros could see me now, the punishment I would receive for such actions…

“My Mistress, we are ready to go home.” Elera’s voice was full of excitement as she beamed up at our mistress who towered over us. With her heels, she was at least over a foot taller than I was.

What was I to call her? Should I copy Elera, or was a special name picked out for me? My heartbeat sped up again, and panic at the unknown swept through me, making me sway on my feet. I was close enough to Elera that I accidentally bumped her back. I gasped a hiss and stepped away, waiting for a punishment to come my way, but nothing happened.

“Hazelle,” our mistress called to me, a near purr in her voice. “My pet, I would like a word with you before we leave.” Turning her attention to Elera, she cupped the Beta’s cheek. “Elera, have Brant pull the car around. We will be out in a moment.”

Without another word, her gaze was back on me as Elera said, “Yes, My Mistress!” and quickly swept through the room and out the door, leaving me alone with the Alpha.

“We have a few things to discuss. Well, not discuss as these are more commands, but first, look at me, my pet.” I wanted to curl into myself even further, and with Elera gone, I had nowhere to hide.

I wanted to explain that Oros never let me look into his eyes, and if I did by accident, I was slapped and sent away without food for however long he saw fit. Sometimes it was a few hours, but other times…the servants who tended to me after said the longest I had been locked away was five days. He had forgotten to have me released more than once this last year, only calling for me when he was ready to try and breed me again or let one of his friends have a try with the broken Omega. It was eighteen months of torture between him finding out I was of no use to now. Eighteen months of abuse no one should go through, and yet I did.

A tear ran down my cheek, but I looked up at her, seeing her beautiful hazel eyes for the first time. My body shook, but I was determined to be good, to show her that I wasn’t completely useless, so I would listen and obey her. I’d try. I promised myself that, and I knew it was a promise that could be kept.

Her jaw tensed when she saw my state, but she didn’t move to touch me, even though anger flashed through her eyes.

“You’re mine now, Hazelle, and that means many things. For one, I will protect you. Don’t think that means no harm or pain will come to you. It will, but I will never allow you to be needlessly beaten or starved. I will, however, collar and chain you as I see fit. I am harsh and demand obedience, but I am not cruel.” I blinked up at her as she held up the chain she had taken off of Elera earlier, pleased to hear I wouldn’t be beaten or starved but not understanding what she fully meant. Apparently,I didn’t hide my expression well enough now that I was focused on keeping eye contact with her because she explained further. “Cruel Alphas enforce suffering. I enforce devotion. Does Elera seem well cared for and devoted? Does she seem harmed in any way or eager to leave me?” She smirked, and I glanced at her deep red lips, unable to take my eyes off them. “That’s the difference, my sweet pet. I may punish you, but you’ll learn to enjoy them if needed.”

I gulped, and my heartrate picked up for a different reason this time. I returned my gaze to hers, hoping my moment of weakness wouldn’t warrant a punishment.

“I bought you as a present for Elera as she has been with me for nearly ten years now.” My blue eyes grew wide. A whole decade and Elera was still a bright light of a Beta? I knew it was possible, but seeing it with my own eyes was entirely different from hearing fairy tales of kind Alphas. “She will train you. She will help you and care for you in ways I never will. Do not hurt her or disappoint her, my pet. She is my most precious possession, and the hope is one day you will be as well.”

More tears slid down my gaunt cheeks, and my breath hitched. These were similar words to the ones Oros had said when he made the deal with my parents. I was to bind our families together, and I supposed I did, but for an entirely different reason than intended.

“We chose you for a few reasons, but one in particular is of great importance. Listen very carefully. You do not have to worry about your infertility ever again. I will never punish you for that.” My jaw tightened as more tears fell. My wide eyes stared up at her, hoping beyond all reason that she was speaking the truth, even if everything else had been a lie. “I am unable to bear heirs as well.”

A moment of silence passed as I processed what she had said. So she was broken as well? I had never heard of an Alpha whocouldn’t reproduce. Was that why she bought me, because we were a match?

“We are already forced into our designations, living lives we might not want to live. Harming others because they cannot serve in one way is asinine. Everyone has a use, my pet. They simply have to find it and the person willing to mold them into perfection.” Was she not scared of others hearing her speak in such a way? If I spoke out like this to anyone…I didn’t want to think about what would happen to me.

“One more thing, my pet,” she paused, stepping closer and cupping my jaw as she had done with Elera earlier. “Fuck the others. I am the only thing that matters,” she purred before taking my lips with hers and winding her hand in my long brown hair.

It was a harsh, deep kiss, but it didn’t last long. She pulled back, fully releasing me. Her lipstick was smeared slightly, and I raised my hand to my lips, knowing the red had transferred.

She flicked my hand away with a smirk. “Do not wipe away my marks. You belong to me, and everyone will know it.”

I froze in fear at the action, my hand shaking inches from my lips.

“Remember, my pet, I will not harm you, not like they did. Calm yourself.” She rested her hand on my head, petting me before placing a kiss on my forehead. “You’ll see in time that we are different, and you will find your place.” The way she trailed off left room for a “but” statement, but I didn’t dwell on it.

I would do everything I could to fit in with them. I’d be the best Omega for her and Elera. Not only did I not have a choice, but I knew this was my best option.

“Let’s go home. I know Elera is dying to pamper you, and it’ll amuse me to watch.” She smiled down at me, and her entire face changed. It lit up with a love and kindness I didn’t expect from her, even with how she clearly treated Elera. “Follow.”She turned on her heel and headed for the door, but I had one question, one I didn’t think she’d mind.

“What do I call you?” I asked, my voice quiet and pitiful even to my ears. I hadn’t spoken in days, so I was thankful she heard me in the otherwise quiet room.

“My Mistress is reserved for Elera since I let her choose as a way to bond to give a small freedom within reason. The choice is yours as well.” She glanced down at me as she opened the door, and I followed her outside, mulling it over.

I heard the auctioneer call her Bellamira, but Mistress Bellamira felt like too much, and Mistress alone wasn’t enough. She was a strong and darkly loving Alpha, and I wanted her name to reflect that.

“Mistress Belle?” I said in question as we stepped through the second set of doors leading outside.

“I approve, my pet,” she replied, seconds before we heard a scream.