The Alphas Human Temptation

Aurora's Pov

I couldn't breathe. My chest ached with every gasp as Marcus's hand connected with my cheek again, the slap echoing through the small living room. My knees buckled, and I hit the floor hard, but the pain in my body was nothing compared to the mysery in my heart.

"You ungrateful brat!" Marcus spat, towering over me like a monster in the dim light of the single bulb swinging overhead. "You think you can talk back to me?"

"Leave her alone!" My mother, Lilian, screamed, throwing herself between us. Her voice cracked, desperate and raw. She held Marcus's arm, trying to stop him, but he shoved her away like she was nothing. She crashed into the corner of the table with a sickening thud and crumpled to the floor.

"Mom!" I crawled toward her, ignoring the sting of my split lip and the blood dripping from my nose. Her fragile frame trembled as she tried to push herself up, her face pale and filled with fear. I touched her arm, but before I could check if she was okay, Marcus's boot slammed into my ribs, sending me sprawling.

"Stay down where you belong, Aurora," he growled. "I'll deal with both of you as I see fit."

The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth as I struggled to breathe. My entire body felt like it was on fire, but I couldn't give up. I wouldn't. Not for this inhuman fellow

"You're a monster," I whispered, my voice shaking but defiant.

Marcus froze, his cold eyes narrowing as he crouched down to meet my gaze. "What did you say?"

Before I could answer, the front door slammed open, and Greg, Marcus's son, my stepbrother strolled in. He'd been gone for years, and I'd prayed he'd never come back. But here he was, looking even more dangerous than I remembered.

"Welcome back son," was all Greg said as he continued to look at me in utmost disgust

"What's going on here?" Greg's voice was smooth, almost amused, as he took in the scene. Marcus straightened, grinning.

"Just disciplining the girl. She needs to learn her place," Marcus said.

Greg's eyes flicked to me, then to my mother, who was still crumpled on the floor. His expression darkened, but not with concern. He walked over and grabbed me by the arm, yanking me to my feet.

"Looks like she hasn't learned yet," he said with a smirk. Then, without warning, he slapped me across the face so hard I saw stars. "That's for making my father upset."

"Greg, stop!" my mother cried, dragging herself toward us. But Greg kicked her away, laughing cruelly.

"Stay out of this, you pathetic excuse for a woman," he sneered. His grip on my arm tightened, and he leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear. "If it weren't for your stench, I might've taken advantage of that pretty face of yours already. But don't worry, Aurora. By tomorrow, you'll be clean enough for me."

My stomach churned, and bile rose in my throat. I yanked my arm away, glaring at him with every ounce of hatred I could muster. "You're disgusting," I spat.

Greg's eyes flashed with anger, and he raised his hand to hit me again, but Marcus grabbed his arm. 

"Enough for tonight," Marcus said, his tone calm but commanding. "Let's not break her completely just yet."