Third Person POV
Pain, it was all he knew anymore. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt the freedom of the fresh open air on his body or the rush of wind when he ran. He couldn't remember what it felt like to feel the warmth of the sun on him as he played outside with other children his own age. Except he wasn't a child now, he was almost a grown man and he was angry, rage filling his entire being. His wolf Apollo spoke in his mind, soothing him in the darkness, when he would otherwise would have likely gone mad.
They weren't complete bastards. He was let free of his chains every day so that he could exercise in the small enclosed space of the cell that he was locked inside of. He took the time to exercise, to build up his strength and resilience, taking advantage of the time he had. They kept giving him wolfsbane, keeping his wolf at bay and it infuriated him no end. But lately, there had come a change. His body had begun to adjust to the dosage amount of wolfsbane they had been giving him. It no longer kept his wolf at bay. But he kept silent, his face stoic whenever the guards would come down to check on him, wanting them to believe that he was still weak. On occasion, his father would venture down to the basement to check on his son and lament on the fact that he had a new son, one he had molded into the perfect one he'd always wanted. His half-brother Damon. Liam felt nothing but pity for the poor child. With parents like Alpha Johnathon and Luna Cordelia, it was bound to grow up to be a selfish, vain, arrogant prick. Not to mention have a sadistic cruel streak. It was inevitable.
He heard the basement door swing open and large heavy footsteps come thudding down. His body dangled from silver chains with restraints that held his arms up above his head, his feet on tiptoes as he shallowly breathed.
It's your father commented Apollo sounding concerned remember you have to pretend to be wolfless no matter what he tries to do to you.
I want to kill the bastard for making my life this miserable snarled Liam I want to put my hands around his neck and wring them.
Patience. Your strength is building up and the wolfsbane is almost completely useless now. We wait for the right moment and then we're getting out of here. Believe me. It's not far off.
It better be soon Apollo. I have spent long enough in this cell. I want my life back growled Liam.
His father came into view, his dark brown eyes filled with sorrow as he gazed at the son he had disowned out of fear. He had thought by putting Liam in a cell with barely any room to move, that he would become weak, malnourished, and frail but Liam had proved otherwise. Instead, Liam had bulging arm and leg muscles, long black hair, piercing eyes, and a thick well-built body that looked strong and fluid. His father's plan had failed miserably and he swallowed hard as he eyed Liam, wondering how strong his wolf would be now if he wasn't kept at bay with the wolfsbane that was forced into Liam every day. Something told him that Liam's wolf would have been even stronger than his own. He had done the right thing, he thought to himself, putting Liam down in the dungeon and having a son who would obey his every word. Not to mention he had a wife who was easily manipulated and had s*x with him whenever he demanded it.
"Father" hissed Liam, narrowing his eyes in hatred "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" he snarled.
His father fought to keep his composure, knowing that to show fear would be to show weakness in front of this hated son of his.
"I came to see how you fared. Part of me had hoped you would do the right thing and die, but I guess that was too much to ask" drawled Alpha Johnathon.
Liam spat at him. Alpha Johnathon cringed as it hit his cheek and wiped it away. "Disgusting" he snapped, raising his leg and kicking out at Liam.
Liam smirked at him. "You came here to gloat," he said icily "Don't deny it" he hissed.
His father folded his arms across his chest. "You're almost eighteen now," he said quietly "and I've been thinking what a waste of space you are. I should have killed you when I had the chance instead of keeping you alive all of these years."
"It's not my fault you were too much of a coward to do it" snarled Liam "or that the pack is too afraid of you to object to your treatment of me. How many of them have you killed now Father? How many innocents died for protesting before they realized it was futile?"
His father was quiet. "I have killed over twenty pack members who tried to rescue you" he admitted "and I would kill many more. You are far too dangerous to ever allow to be in charge. It's time that the threat of your existence no longer existed in this pack. I may have kept you alive out of sentimentality, but that will no longer be the case" he advised Liam, his voice strong and sure.
He means it this time Liam. He actually believes what he's saying. Remember how I said there would come a day when we would need to seriously consider escaping?
Yeah, but you weren't talking about today. Do you really think he's planning on killing me? He's always boasted about doing it but never followed through.
I think he means it. I can hear footsteps approaching and several warriors are coming. They have silver restraints, Liam. This is not a social call Apollo said grimly he means to kill you and he's using his men to do it.
The basement door swung open with an ominous creak. Liam blinked as light flooded in. There was the sound of heavy thuds as several pack warriors came striding down, grim expressions on their faces. It was blatantly obvious that they were not particularly wanting to do this but were under strict orders to do so. Alpha Johnathon turned to face them, clearly enjoying himself. Liam could never understand how his father could be this cruel to a member of his own flesh and blood.
"Unhook him" demanded Alpha Johnathon, gesturing regally to Liam who was still raised on his tiptoes.
The warriors hesitated. They glanced at each other. Finally, one strode forward and grabbed Liam's hands, unhooking him from the bolt in the ceiling. Liam gave a loud curse as circulation returned back to his arms. Another warrior grabbed the other side of his arms.
Alpha Johnathon motioned to another warrior who came forward with a syringe, a displeased look on his face. Liam could smell the pungent herbal aroma of the wolfsbane coming from it. He tensed. Apollo sought to reassure him.
Do not worry, that dosage will not affect me. But you must make them believe it does. I hope you're a good actor.
We'll see in a minute. You better be right about this Apollo. But won't the silver chains continue to affect you?
Unfortunately yes. So we're going to have to pray for a miracle or be damned clever in how we escape. Unless they screw up which would be amazing.
Yeah, I probably wouldn't lay bets on it.
Liam eyed the syringe nervously. He made his voice crack. "Please," he said hoarsely "you don't have to do this. Aren't the silver chains enough?" he protested.
His father laughed. "I would rather be safe than sorry," he said snidely.
Liam threw a punch, startling the pack warrior next to him. He drew his hand back to do another and the one holding the syringe plunged it into his thigh, causing him to cry out in pain. He swore loudly as the warrior pulled the syringe back, dropping to his knee, pretending to feel dizzy and lightheaded. His father gave a murmur of satisfaction.
"Looks like that has easily weakened you" he growled "Not that I'm surprised. I made sure the dosage was slightly higher than normal" he growled.
But he could still hear Apollo in his mind, thought Liam absently. He fought not to grin. Now he just needed a plan so that he could shift into his wolf, but how on earth was he going to do that?
"Bring him upstairs," said Alpha Johnathon.
Liam let himself go floppy. It took three strong warriors to support him, leading him upstairs as Alpha Johnathon followed close behind. He let his head fling back, as they took him through the front door of the house that used to be his childhood home and onto the grounds. The sun was so bright it stung his eyes. He blinked, trying to furiously adjust his eyes. His head was spinning. He spotted a large tree stump on the ground and a warrior with a large axe nearby. He swallowed, feeling sick. He had a feeling he knew who the axe was intended for. A crowd, the pack, was gathered around the stump, watching with sad looks on their faces.
So it's to be a public execution then. I wonder what has brought this on all of a sudden mused Apollo.
Probably wants to assure himself that Damon won't have any competition when it comes time to be the Alpha of the Pack.
Maybe, but it's still weird. Try to talk them out of letting you out of their restraints.
Are you serious? They are never going to do that!
Act weak and pathetic. Do whatever you have to do. Make them forget how strong you are. But do it. This is our only chance and we need to take it, Liam.