Betrayed from Birth – Alpha’s Unvalued Daughter
Chapter 153

Raven's

POV

I knew when I saw her face what she was thinking about. I hope she took the words I said to her as the truth. My life is wonderful, and the Goddess told me that everything I went through got me here. I decided long ago that I was going to be happy and thankful for it. Even the unpleasant parts, because each time I can help a pack member, especially with something that they thought I wouldn't understand. They were always very grateful for my empathy, and assistance with their problems. It has come in handy, and even the bad times showed me the way because I didn't want to be an uncaring Luna. I wanted my pack members to know that I would fight to protect each and every one of them because they mattered to me. They feel the same way about me. Since I rarely ask for a favor, the she-wolves that traded their appointments today did so out of the kindness of their own hearts.

They insisted that I did not have to pay for their treatments, but I wanted to. I know as busy moms you look forward to those little treats, so I felt guilty about asking them to do it, but tonight was the night, of their first date. It was a long time in coming, as they both were very hesitant in wanting to expose their hearts to any more pain. But they are so sweet together. I am happy that they have both found someone who will love and take care of them. Blake is more possessive than loving. Blake cares about Blake, his children, and how they appear to others. He is a bully and a control freak. I am glad that Cheryl and Kevin got away from him. I make sure that when he is here, we have a second set of warriors just out of sight. I do it just in case because I wouldn't put it past him to take one of them with him when he goes to leave. If he takes Kevin, Cheryl would return to him, whether she wanted to or not.

"I haven't had my nails done professionally. My father was pretty cheap and he liked us to paint our own, so that is what Mom and I did. I just need a bottle of nail polish, and I can do it myself. I already have that added to the list of stuff that I need to get when I felt safe enough to go into town. I know Blake, he is just waiting for me to leave, so he can take me back. He knows that Kevin will come back if I am taken back to Black Moon. Kevin would do it just to try to protect me. Even if things are different like Blake said they are, neither of us wants to be there anymore. I just want to wait until it is safe to go out. So, if I can just borrow a color from the wall, I can just do them myself" Cheryl told us, as she went over to look at the colors available. I watched as her hand floated over some bolder colors, before settling on a nice creamy blush color. That is Blake's influence on her. She wanted the bold colors, but she is used to complying with what he mate wanted. Even now, a year later, she still does it, she was that far under his control. I went straight over and said, "Those are pretty but I like these better, pick between them. I think that Anton would like one of these better" I had picked up her first two choices, one was a bright red color, and the other was hot pink. I can see the hesitation in her. She was arguing in her head and kept looking at the blush in her hand. She couldn't decide. I will do it for her. I shoved the red to her, and said, "This time we will go with this, hands and feet. Next time we will get the fuchsia-colored one." I gently took the blush one back and put it on the shelf and sent out a mindlink to my assistant again. She was already out running an errand for me. I am adding some things to the list. Cheryl was between Stella and me and we took turns asking questions of her. I thought that if I was the only one to do it, she would catch on to what I was doing. It was hard listening to what she had gone through back when she spoke to Graham. She didn't even know there was a problem with how she was treated there, the whole time she was there. She thought that it was normal because that had been her life. She didn't demand things, and she just clearly kept using what she had until it broke, and she needed a new one. She was quiet and unassuming, and I could see some of what she went through. Her father had valued her brother over her, and my "father" had valued my sister Reagan over me. It wasn't parallel lives, but she had it tough, she was unloved as well, and she honestly thought that the bare minimum of affection that Blake showed her was love.

I know why he picked her, between her and Reagan, Cheryl was a clear choice. Cheryl was a fighter, she was nice, she was attractive, and she was a pure Gamma. She was as strong as a beta and would provide him with strong pups. It was never about love for him. She was just a good choice, and acceptable to him. He was pissed that she had run away from him when he was so clearly in charge and more valuable between the two of them. Her getting away from him is more over his pride taking a hit, than his love for her. It made me furious, and I was already trying to find a way to piss him off. He needed to see everything he did, was completely and totally on him. He says he knows that, but I think it is just words. His way of convincing her to come back to him was by telling her about all the changes he had made. His not valuing her, and taking things out on her, were going to bite him in the a*s now. I waited for Anton, and Cheryl, to finally decide to take a chance. I know she feels guilty as she and Blake were chosen mates, and she loved Blake very much. But she needs to be thinking about herself, and her own future now.

He may have loved her in his own way, but with the way he had been treating her, it sure didn't seem like it. He didn't take her out, and show her off. I know they were being hunted down, but they went to the human city. No one was looking for them there. Her closet was as bad as mine was at Silver Blade. She had about 8 T-shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, and a pair of shorts. I didn't want to go nosing through her stuff, but that small chest of drawers probably was mostly empty. She exercises in her jeans because they are still really loose on her, and she doesn't have workout clothes. Every offer that I had made to take her shopping was shot down. She was honestly scared to death to leave here. I thought that she was paranoid, but I was wrong. There were SUVs on either side of the pack, the last time I went to the city. Blake was always in the one that led to the nearest city, the one we frequent to go shop in. She was right to be paranoid, but I will not let him get her. We will keep her safe here, no matter what. Between us, we managed to get her list of what she needed out of her during our conversation. Over 70% of it was for Kevin. He seems to outgrow his stuff every 6 months. Just like my boys do too, they are all growing up so fast. It was time for a new wardrobe for him, and shoes too. I had Justin ask Kevin what size he was wearing and added the next size up, to the list. I also added three sets of workout gear and 5 matching sets of underwear. She can pick out her own next time. I got her the basics, black, nude, and white, and then told her to surprise me, with the other two colors. I told her she had a free hand on whatever color tops she got, I just wanted a variety for her. I looked at her jeans which were frayed and looked way old and had her get 3 pairs. She only had two pairs here and had shredded her favorite pair to jump out in front of Blake to protect Anton. I had Justin give her my card to go shopping. She has worked for us for 16 years now. The children were older, but it is still hard taking such a large group around. I trust her completely, and I will give her a bonus for helping me with this surprise. I had a mental list of what I wanted for her, I just needed Cheryl's list too. I wanted to take any anxiety I could off of her. I wanted her to focus on Anton tonight. I wanted her to have a relaxing evening where she feels beautiful. I had already ordered their dinner while Cheryl was changing clothes. I took a guess on dessert, and I hope that they had a great meal and a great conversation.

I was so proud of Cheryl for jumping in front of Blake, that I almost started cheering out loud when it happened. But I stayed quiet, Brandon had his arm around me, and he knew that I was really rooting for neither of them to get hurt while fighting. Blake is a sore loser, we learned that when he came here years ago for a training session. Both, Brandon and Justin, had beaten him in sparring. Instead of Blake seeing that this was the reason that we needed additional and specialized training. He took it as a personal blow and accused them both of cheating during the fight. Knowing him as I do now, I know that he probably went home, and took it out on Cheryl. Because he thought that she and Brandon had been together. Anyone looking at Kevin, it was obvious who his father was. Brandon had more of a square jaw, whereas Blake's was sharper and more angled. Their coloring was almost the same thought, with Blake's hair just a little darker than Brandon's, but they both had brown eyes.

Her technician had asked a few questions to Cheryl about her length, but Cheryl wasn't picky and said, "I would like it longer than my shoulders. I am not very fancy. I like to put it up most of the time". After a few more questions, Cheryl's just laughed and said, "I defer to you, so you can do what you want. You are the expert here, not me. I just would like to look nice for my date. This will be my 6th date, and I am super excited about it. I didn't know that there was even a salon here, I am just really excited about looking my best tonight." She blushed after she spoke, and she looked so cute at how excited she was for her date.

The technician didn't realize and she said, "He must be pretty special if you are on your 6th date." No one spoke for a little while. Cheryl was clearly trying to think of a way to clarify without embarrassing herself but hadn't come up with anything yet. "No, I am sorry. I should have been more clear with what I said. This is our first date together. We have known each other for a little over a year. But, this is my 6th date to go out on in my life" Cheryl told her, and I can see that the technician felt bad for her. Stella and I did too, Cheryl had been ignored for the bulk of her life, and she didn't expect that to change any time soon. But it will, and starting today. I know that Anton will be the knight in shining armor that Cheryl needs.

The talking stopped for a while as the technician just kept her head down, and focused on her work. As she moved from one side to the other, the nail tech did as well. They worked well together, and Cheryl seemed to enjoy being pampered. I bet I could say that this is probably going to go down as one of the best days of her life. I was glad that Stella and I were both here to experience it with her and support her. I was glad that I had Justin pack up a few pairs of shoes out of my closet for Cheryl too. I had him do it, because he was supervising the kids, and already in the apartment. He is generous, and he did not mind giving away a few that he had bought for me. I had already linked him earlier to let him know that however many dresses he wanted to give away to Cheryl, he could pick out the same amount to replace them with. He loves sitting and waiting on me to emerge in something that he picked out for me. Brandon defers to him in it too, as Justin just seems to know what will look best on me. Brandon likes to go on the trips too, he is just busier as the pack has grown to almost 1600 members now

This reminds me, I owe them both a good night, they are always taking care of me and all of our children. They make special plans for me and make sure that I am well taken care of. I could not love them more for it. Seeing how awful it is to truly have a bad mate sitting right in front of me, as I do whenever Blake comes around to visit. Reminds me just how much the Goddess has blessed me. I need to make sure that I let them know just how much I love and appreciate them both. I smirk as I remember that actions always speak louder than words. I think that I should get my makeup done too for the night, so I will look nicer than usual too. I mindlinked the Lead Omega again, this time to order something for us to eat, so we could stay in our room for the night too. I think Leander can take the lead tonight for the pack.

I didn't anticipate any problems for tonight, but Brandon did. He mentioned it on the way back from the fight. He knew that Blake was going to lose it if Cheryl decided to accept Anton as her boyfriend. Especially if he felt the pain of her sleeping with him. He knew that Blake was probably going to show up at the gate if that occurred. So we will have all the security up by 6 pm after the last of our pack members returns from the city. Brandon also doubled the patrols as well. I am sure that we should have a problem-free night. But Brandon would rather be prepared for an event, especially if we have a reason to be prepared. After that kiss this afternoon, I am willing to believe that Blake may indeed show up.

Cheryl was relaxing in her chair, and I was glad that she seemed to be enjoying her manicure. They did her pedicure while the technician was mixing up colors to do her hair. I made sure that she had the best technician as I wanted her to have a boost. We always feel better about ourselves when we look our best. I get the feeling that she has never really been treated to a spa day like this. I am glad that Cheryl put her trust in her technician. She is great at knowing what is best for your face shape. I have never seen her so relaxed. I am literally patting myself on the back for thinking of this. I have to admit I cannot wait for her to get dressed and we get to see the finished look. I am going to get a picture of her after she is in her dress. I will make sure that I don't let her see me do it. I want her to be natural, and not stiff in the picture.

In my head, I know that I shouldn't send it to Blake. It wouldn't be prudent, considering our packs relationship. I know that it really wouldn't be a smart thing to do. But my naughty side really wants Blake to see that he had it all with her, but he made bad choices. He has lost her completely now, we all knew it when we saw that kiss they shared today. They are both ready to move forward, after a very long and tedious "will they or won't they" period. I am happy for them both and was so glad that Anton has finally let Cheryl know that he wants her. After that kiss we saw, it was clear to everyone that she did want him too. We have all known for a year watching them together, but those two dragged their feet on it for what seemed like forever. I am glad they can make plans for their future, they are so cute together. I cannot wait to see her confidence build now that she is with a man who will treat her the way she needs to be treated.

They asked how she wanted her makeup, but Cheryl was unsure as to what she wanted. She plainly didn't wear it enough to make an informed decision on it. Stella wasn't unsure, as she is well versed in wearing it, and loves to get dolled up for Truett. She told them the color of the dress, showing them the closest eyeshadow shade they had to it, and asked them to do a smokey eye for Cheryl. They did her makeup after her hair had been washed and dried. Stella and I loved her hair too, even before it was curled, it looked wonderful. Once the technician had the clearance to do what she wanted to do, she did. The makeup artists worked and Cheryl was turned away from the mirror so she couldn't see anything before the big reveal. I know that Stella and I were barely able to control ourselves as we watched her face transform. We bought her some mascara, so she could do that if she wanted to in the future. With how it made her eyes pop though, I bet she would be doing at least that and some lipstick or gloss each day. Especially when she finds out that Anton is coming here and building a home. It shows his trust in us and our pack, and that he loves her enough to want to be near her all the time. I know that he is not going to push her not until she is ready. But I already know he will want her input. He will want her ideas on how she would like the house to be. He would want it designed to be how she wants it, to make her more comfortable. With each visit that her ex-mate made, I could see that is all that Blake did to her. He pushed her as hard as he could the entire time they were together. It is clear to me that it has always been his way, and doing what he wanted. Using force to make her do what he wanted. That worked out for him for years. She loved him so much that she was compliant with his wishes. She didn't cause waves, and she went along with whatever it was that he wanted. I could tell that as long as she was with him, she was where she wanted to be. His mistake was thinking that she would admit to something that she didn't do. It is one thing to pick your own battles with your mate and allow there to be peace in your home. It is completely different to allow them to malign and accuse you of doing terrible things. Especially when you know that you didn't do it. What could he have been thinking? Just because she deferred to him on most things, didn't mean she was going to allow him to slander her, and that is what it was. I can feel the anger rise up in me, as I experienced something similar with Brandon. I remember the way he looked at me in disgust. How his friends took his side and kept my friends from supporting or helping me. I remember that pain like it was yesterday. Although I have forgiven him, and the other parties involved it still stays with me. It was one of the worst days of my life and a horrible memory for me. I bet my life that Cheryl had hundreds of the same memories, with Blake as the villain in hers.

I cannot imagine what she suffered there at Black Moon. I bet that we will never know the whole story either. She carries it quietly on her shoulders, and I guarantee you that she probably only mentioned a quarter of the abuse she suffered at their hands when she spoke to Graham. She kept her pain and suffering close to her, and I hope that Anton will show her what real love is, and help her get past all her demons. By accepting Anton, she has taken a huge first step to take her power back. She is fearful of what will happen, but she cares enough about him to take that leap of faith. I get in a better mood realizing that he knew what she was thinking, and that is what got his attention. I am rooting for them both in this. I already know that they are perfect for each other, and I am particularly happy that she will finally know a love that has no stipulations on it. One where he loves her as much as she loves him. One that doesn't involve her having to accept taking a bad mood, or hateful remark because he had a bad day. Anton was just what she needed, and I honestly believe that the Moon Goddess sent him to her. Even though he is not under her rule.

I can tell how much he cares for her, no matter how hard he tries to hide it. If you were watching them, you will see it. That is how Blake knew that he better watch out for Anton. He could see it too, as did Max. They were both against Anton, which is why Stella and I both supported him, whether he was here or not. We felt that he needed to be built up as he was not a werewolf, and that left him at a disadvantage. At least that is what Blake and Max thought, but we could see what they couldn't. She wants to be protected, but she doesn't need a forceful attitude with it. She needs someone who understands what she needs. Someone who doesn't try to tell her that she is wrong for what she is feeling, or how she needs to feel. She already knows what it is she wants, but she had to be careful, as she wanted to make sure that her son was OK with it. I knew what she was feeling, and so did Stella.

She has spent so much time taking care of and protecting Kevin, that she is always in mom mode, and can't get out of it. Tonight will show her that she can still be a mom, and still have a relationship too. That it is not greedy to want to have both, she needs to realize that she will flourish by having both in her life. She is stunning and I cannot wait for them to turn her around in the chair. She is more gorgeous than I realized that she would be. I have never seen her look better in her life, and both Stella and I are stunned. Her eyes are gorgeous with the blue used in the smokey eye making them shine. Her lips were a nude pink since her eyes were the star of the show. Her hair was beautiful, it was cut in long layers and emphasized and framed her face. Her naturally blonde hair was played up with some honey, and platinum streaks. With the cut and color her hair looked healthy and shiny now with the dead ends taken off.

She is staring at her reflection and we can tell that she cannot believe the change either. One of the ladies stepped forward and said, "Do not cry. You look gorgeous, and we don't want you to ruin your makeup."

I can see Cheryl fighting not to cry, so I stepped in. "Your date starts in 30 minutes, we need to get you ready. He is probably already here" I told her. Like magic, she seemed to focus on what needed to be done, and she calms back down. She is going to knock Anton's socks off, he is never going to see this coming. I cannot wait to see his face when he sees Cheryl in all her glory.