Soraya's POV
I clenched my fists in pain, tears slipping past my eyes as I stared into the distance.
Giggles reached through the echoes of the thin walls.
Each happy laughter, a stab to my heart.
My wolf howled painfully in my head, the isolation from the pack hitting us both.
I dragged my knees close, tears slipping last my eyes.
Forgotten.
That's what I was forced to be. I thought, my nose tingling— either from my suppressed sobs or from the stench of my clothes, I couldn't tell.
It wasn't always like this.
Once I was a proud young girl with a life every other girl would dream of having, but that all changed five years ago.
That day had been a stain in my name.
It was supposed to be my coming of age day. A day when I was the happiest girl in the pack.
I was the envy, the pride of other girls.
As the daughter of a beta, my rank was second only to the alpha's kids, yet here I was reduced to nothing but an omega who wasn't even worth looking at.
I clutched my knees tighter, my nails digging into my skin.
I wished the moon goddess would take away the pain I felt, but she was just as ruthless as everyone in this pack.
The door to my room creaked— a tall tale wail of the dying wood, and I looked up, my eyes constricting as I watched Cassidy my cousin walk in.
She flung her hair neatly to the side, her perfectly manicured nails pointing out as if she wanted me to lick them so I could tell they were perfect.
"Oh, it stinks here." Cassidy said, waving her hands over her nose, and clearly her mother thought the same.
"Ugh, Soraya can't you clean this place up?" Genevieve rolled her eyes around the place in disgust. "You make everything seem like a dumpsite."
"Clearly she wants some pity." Cassidy snickered, her eyes flashing maliciously at me. "But you know what I think? I think she wants to frame us."
"What?!" Genevieve shouted loudly, her fake gasp sounding more genuine than her eyelashes.
I knew they were both trying to hurt me, but they didn't need to say anything. Just looking at them already broke my soul.
I lowered my head, letting my hair cover my face as I cried silently, listening to them.
"Yes mom. Just imagine if someone were to come visit her. I bet it would look like we were maltreating her, but then again.." Cassidy stopped, twirling a lock of her hair playfully as she locked eyes with me. "Who cares about her anyway."
"Yeah that's right!" Genevieve exclaimed. "A traitor's daughter is not worth keeping now is it?"
I felt a deep stab at my aunt's words, tears flowing loosely down my cheeks.
It wasn't my fault. I wanted to scream but even louder I wanted to scream that I wasn't a traitor, but somehow my throat felt blocked.
Cassidy and my aunt laughed loudly, the sound sending a blow to my wolf.
Ever since that day that claimed my parents lives I had been branded a traitor.
A name now seared deep into my guts just because of a fire.
"What's going on here?" A deep voice sounded from the door.
I raised my head in shock, only to see Jamal standing in front of the door with a frown.
His entry had taken everyone by surprise since the door didn't complain as it usually did.
Cassidy straightened her dress, the smile on her face falling. "It's nothing. We were just reminding Soraya of all the times we played together."
"Yes, yes." Genevieve, my aunt quickly followed. "Those were good times, but it's just a pity… Good thing she has us by the way."
Jamal looked like he didn't believe them one bit, but he nodded. "Okay. Can you please excuse us, I need to talk to Soraya."
Cassidy and her mother both stiffened, sending me smiles hidden with cold knives that had me flinching.
"Of course." They both said, turning to leave, Cassidy throwing me a smirk over her shoulder. "See you soon Soraya."
Jamal made way for her to leave, closing the door as quietly as he could, but even with that, the door still groaned.
I watched him silently.
Jamal took in a deep breath, making his way over to me, his worry evident in the quick strides he took.
Instantly I burst into tears, feeling his strong arms wrap around me. "Jamal."
"Hey my love, it's okay." He cooed, planting soft kisses on my head.
My heart clenched as tears poured down my eyes, my wolf howling in tune to our sorrow and shared comfort.
Without Jamal I wondered where I would be.
Jamal and I were friends since childhood, and the only friend who stood by me after everything that had happened.
If it weren't for this same incident, we would have been mated by now.
Truly, fate was cruel.
I clung tightly to his shirt, leaving a wet patch on it, as well as snot all over it.
"Hey, look at me." Jamal said, his voice low and barely above whisper. "Do you remember what I said?"
"I know, but it's just too much." I cried again, refusing to look him in the eye.
Jamal's words had been my rock, but there were times when things didn't seem to work anymore.
"No." Jamal firmly said. "i made a promise to you. I said I was going to fix this. Us. I'll clear your family's name because I know they are innocent. I was there. I was with your parents when it happened and they were scolding us. Don't you remember?"
Of course I remembered, but how many times was I going to say it?
How many times was he going to repeat it only for them to dismiss it as child's play.
Still, I nodded, sniffling. "You are right."
At least among everyone, only he remained.
"Jamal, I want to tell you something." I said, my voice cracking.
I felt him brush my hair aside, his deep eyes staring at me. "What is it?"
My heart raced, as I anxiously played with the hem of his shirt.
Part of the reason Cassidy's words had hurt me earlier was because of this, and I didn't know how Jamal would react.
He should be happy right?
I took a deep breath looking into his eyes. "I am pregnant."
Nothing.
Jamal's face was blank, and contrary to what I had thought, he just stared at me like I had sprung a second head.
"J-Jamal?" I stammered, breathing shakily.
Jamal blinked at me, slowly before a smile crossed his face, but even I could tell it was fake.
The thought shattered every fantasy in my head, causing silent tears to flow.
"Sorry, I was just thrown off guard." Jamal shook his head, standing to his feet."I need to get back to work."
Instantly, I felt cold in my heart.
I watched him head to the door, pausing. "Don't think too deeply about this Soraya. I just need time to settle my thoughts. I am happy for both of us, but a baby is something that needs careful thinking please understand."
With that, he closed the door, and I felt my heart finally plummet to the ground.
Tears flowed freely, but I wiped it off harshly.
He said he only needed to think fine, so I won't go around crying.
I stood to my feet, bringing out the dirty basket of laundry. I was supposed to do them an hour ago, but I had found out I was pregnant so I held them off.
Time flew fast as I busied myself with work.
When I was finally done, I sighed. I placed my hand on my stomach, the look on Jamal's face cutting deep into my mind.
I shook them off, heading towards the pack house to get another work off my head.
As I passed through the pack rooms, one of the doors was let open.
I paused.
"Someone might have forgotten to lock their rooms." I muttered, heading to close it as I didn't want anyone accusing me of taking anything.
Just as I moved, I kicked a shoe.
I stumbled forward, barely catching myself from falling.
I held the door, looking into the room, only to freeze.
Inside the room were Jamal and Cassidy both in a heated kiss.
My heart had never been so broken as it is.