THE ALPHA S LIBERAL MATE

CARMINE

I am a sheep.

They usually refer to me as that, and I rarely leave the house because I am constantly teased by them. I was twelve years old when I realized I couldn't do what they could. They bullied me, telling me that I should have been left on the farm with the other tamed animals.

They are the ravenous beasts, and I am the victim.

They almost murdered me because of what they were doing, there was no mistake about that. And how I wished I'd died so I wouldn't have to see them again.

"Carmine," my brother said through the door

of my room. I switched my gaze to him and moved my head.

"What?"

"Do you want to meet him now that they've arrived?"

I inhaled deeply and averted my gaze once more.

I already know he'll turn me down. When he first discovered that I am wolfless, it occurred to me that my partner might reject me. Even if he doesn't say anything, I'm sure he will. Who will accept me in this state? It also makes no difference what they do.

"Reject the heck out of me; I'm not interested in him anyway."

"Carmine, don't talk like that."

"Get out."

Without even looking at him, I placed my order. My hand was trembling, not because of what was happening right now, but because I was frightened they would notice what I was about to do. I took a deep breath and stared at the phone on the table.

I really hope nothing happens while Aly is still present. Please do not create any noise. I'm doomed and dead once I receive a message from Melissa.

"Don't talk to me without looking at me, and don't you ever talk to me while facing your back; I'm still older than you."

I blinked; I couldn't feel him, couldn't sense my brother's presence, couldn't smell him, couldn't scent what kind of wolf he was. I'm weak, and I have difficulties smelling, therefore, trouble has always been near me since I was a child.

I am certainly unique. Something was amiss with me from the start, with my blonde straight hair, ash eyes, and porcelain skin.

I am well aware that I am not one of them.

"Then leave if you don't want me like this," I exclaimed, my arm tightening in Aly's grip.

I winced as I examined his palm; I was also taken aback because he was already standing beside me, and I had not sensed his approach. He moved so quickly that the paper next to me moved due to the wind and his sudden movement.

"Aly! Let me go!" I yelled, but I couldn't get my brother's hand off of my arm. My eyes are already watering.

He is already hurting me.

"If you don't want any trouble, just follow us," he said, his deadly eyes fixed on me. "And you better mend yourself, it's embarrassing for the Granger family." I took a long breath.

He let go of me, but I could still feel the pressure of his fingers on my arm, which was now red. I despise him, and I despise being submissive to my brother. I have nothing against him because he is stronger than me, bigger and wiser than me.

When he was finally able to leave, I stood up, glanced in the mirror, and put on the black sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers without hesitation so that I could depart fast. I also didn't put anything on my face and let my hair down.

I don't mind if I appear unkempt. Melissa had already called when I looked at the phone.

Before answering the phone, I shut the door and made sure that no one else attempting to come in here.

"Melissa, hi!" I was nervous.

"Carmine, the car is ready. Marco is with me too, is everything fine now?"

"Y -yes," I stuttered. "But I have a problem, Granger's family is here."

"What?! So how can you escape? You know Blake is strong, I know he feels what will happen."

I bit my lip, I haven't seen him yet, I don't know much about Blake yet. I took a deep breath and was forced to calm down.

"I'll just go with the flow, I know he'll reject me. After that, just wait for me outside the house. And careful, Aly is watching over me."

"Ugh! Your pathetic dumb brother."

"He's not dumb, Melissa. He's actually smarter and more creative than you," I barely laughed but I heard the annoyance in her voice.

"Whatever, don't carry too much. Just bring yourself safe before you join us. The bunker and group is ready."

"Fancy," I was about to speak but I heard a knock from the door.

"Carmine, darling. Please get down now, the food is ready. And they are already looking for you."

"Is that your mom?"

"Shit, I gotta hang this up now, please wait for me. And hide from Aly."

"We will. Good luck, Carmine."

I immediately turned off the call, I hid my cellphone in the pocket of my sweatshirt. I opened the door and gave the woman in front of me a forced smile.

"Hi, Anna." I said and waved.

"Carmine, I've told you a lot of times, call me mom."

She's not even my mom, she looked at me from head to toe.

"Hi, m -mom."

"And can't you wear anything else, darling? Dress? Skirt? Anything that would fit your body?"

"Nah, I'm good and comfortable with this."

"But you can't just show up to him like that."

Why does she even care.

"No, this is what I like."

"If that's what you want, come. Your dad and the family is already waiting."

As we began to walk, she grasped my hand and I bit my lower lip; as I approached them, I could feel my heart racing.

My eyes grew mischievous, and I began seeking for the greatest way to flee or run if our plan succeeded.

"Is that her?" I grew cold, hearing a woman's voice for the first time.

My head shook as I looked around the dining room at a woman and a guy who appeared to be in their fifties, sitting next to a young girl which looks like an eight years old. They all had dark hair and a commanding presence... notably the man in front of an empty seat.

"I'd want to introduce you to Carmine Red, my youngest child and my only daughter," dad said, his voice was demanding.

"Beautiful, very beautiful. She's an extraordinary."

I looked away from Mrs. Granger's compliments and stared at a man with jet black hair and electric blue eyes.

When I realized he was already staring at me, I swallowed. He's peering right into my soul, to be precise. Only now do I feel this way; I sense his heavy and frightening presence, and I'm clutching my chest to feel a peculiar weight.

"Carmine, are you all right?" Anna inquired, still holding my hand.

I ignored her because I was hypnotized by the man, who was still staring into my eyes, not moving or speaking.

"They're most likely looking and watching into each other's futures."

Is that what I should be seeing?

Fuck, I am really wolfless.

"No, he's probably thinking about rejecting me," I responded, a sneer on my face.

No one said anything, no one laughed, and no one moved.

I looked at my father, who was now glaring at me angrily, and Aly, who appeared to be about to preach to me. They just cannot do so since we have visitors.

I inhaled deeply and spoke once more.