The Alpha’s Contract (Taylor West) novel Chapter 197

“Did they….” The thought sickened me, “Did they touch her?”

“I don’t think so, not in that way at least.” Damien tells me. “I have asked as gently as I can in several ways. The most I think they did was watch her crawl around like a dog, lapping water from a bowl. Throwing food at her. Made her sleep in the cold. Though she did have a few bruises.”

“Her parents?”

“There were no other Wolves there. Everyone Salem killed was human.” He sighs, “She was likely there for years. She’s six and she has spent most of her life chained up. Honestly, I’m surprised she isn’t more feral.”

I was six when all my problems started. Imagine being younger and not even understanding what is happening to you.

“You brought her here because of me.” I mutter, looking at the sleeping pup in his arms

“Yes.” He doesn’t even hesitate with his answer

“What about Salem? He will come right back here.” Raven mutters

“I figured she would be safer surrounded by Wolves and Lycans than humans. At least this way, she has a chance of learning who she is. Can you imagine her being with humans and then suddenly unable to control her shift.”

His response takes me right back to Devon. I shake the thought away because who knows how much of what he told me was actually true..

“Okay.” I mutter.

“Thank you, Neah, you won’t regret it.”

Damiens eyes drift to Raven. She hadn’t said a lot. “Dane, do you mind holding Dottie so I can spend some time with my mate. We have things to discuss.”

“She’s your responsibility Damien.” Dane warns him

“He will.” I interrupt.

Dane glances at me and rolls his crimson eyes as he holds his arms out to Damien. Dorothy snuggles into Dane and something about him holding her makes my heart explode.

He looks alarmed as he stares at me. “Are you okay?”

I smile at him and nod. Maybe everything will be alright.

****

Dane sets Dorothy up on a small fold out bed in our bedroom. Damien and Raven are still busy and it is getting late.

He had missed another pack run, deciding not to go after tonights antics.

Dorothy is still asleep when he lowered her onto the bed. He tucks the blanket up around her and makes sure the little teddy bear is with her too.