My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 1

My whole life has been harsh. I have no purpose but to serve my pack, which constantly abuses me because they blame me for the death of my mother, the pack's beloved Luna, Harper. My father, Alpha Thomas Aeson, and my brother, Duncan, don't care about me anymore. They don't defend me from the bullies.

I cook and clean, and on top of that, I'm their punching bag. I've been verbally and physically abused by everyone who could. I don't always let them mistreat me; I fight back, but when I do, the punishments I receive are harsher. My name is Apphia Aeson. I'm seventeen years old. I belong to the werewolf pack called the Ivory Moon Pack. I haven't shifted yet, so everyone is stronger than I am.

"Apphia!"

I shudder when I hear the voice calling me. He walks in with anger in his eyes. He approaches me and slaps me across the face, causing me to fall to the ground.

"Where the hell were you?" he roars. I shut my eyes, waiting for the burn on my cheek to dissipate.

"I was doing my assignment," I say, pointing toward my book on the table.

He grabs my notebook and tears it mercilessly. My eyes widen in horror; all my hard work is gone.

"Why aren't you in the kitchen making food?!"

Food? The cook, Jeff, didn't give me the menu, nor did he call me. My father doesn't care and slaps me again—blood splatters from my mouth.

"Go to the kitchen!" he commands. I scurry away from his presence.

My fingers touch the cameo purple necklace around my neck, the only thing my mother left me, as I recall the night that changed my life.

It was the night after my seventh birthday when my mom woke me up in the middle of the night. She quickly changed me into a pair of jeans and a shirt. I was excited to leave the house with my mother because I thought we'd go on vacation, like I had been asking. However, my father and brother were nowhere to be seen when I reached the living room.

"Are Dad and Duncan coming?" I asked, frowning.

"It's just us for now, baby. You are in danger, and I need to take you away from the pack," she told me quietly.

"Why am I in danger, Mommy?" Tears filled my eyes.

"You wouldn't understand, but I will explain once we arrive at the Sapphire Royal Pack. They will keep you safe, baby," she assured me gently. I couldn't comprehend anything she was saying. All I knew was that she was more apprehensive than usual. My mother was very protective of me; it made her seem paranoid.

We left the house in haste and went to the car. As she drove fast, no guard was in sight, and my heart was pounding against my chest. I wished Dad were there, but Mom said it was safer.

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