The Key to My Heart Ch. 01

Holly's *P.O.V*

I was a moving shadow as I slipped towards the front steps of my home. The house was ominous as it loomed in the dark. It towered over me and it seemed to be watching... waiting. I stepped lightly as I cautiously opened the door. My body tensed to face what was sure to be waiting for me.

Nothing.

I was shocked. Has he not come home yet? My heartbeat was starting to slow to a normal pace. Scanning the darkness I tried to make out anything different. When I was sure nothing was wrong I strode in and softly shut the door, not bothering to lock it.

Still not sure if he was home, I tried to get to my room upstairs as quickly and quietly as possible. I desperately willed the stairs to not creak and give away my presence, especially to anyone who might be waiting in the dark. I was on high alert, trying to sense any possible life. Passing by a mirror I yelped softly and jumped back. Only when I locked eyes with myself in the mirror did I recognize it as me. I let out a deep breath. "Holly, it's just your reflection!" I muttered. Then I frowned and studied myself.

My body was something everyone craved. At 5'6 tall I had perfect c-cup breasts, a flat stomach, and the thin, curvy body that all super models have. My long strawberry blonde hair was slightly wavy, reaching just past my shoulders. But what always stood out were my large green eyes. None could ever figure out what color they were, but it was something between the color of the prettiest emerald and the color of a new blade of grass.

All my friends thought my life was perfect... But they have no idea how wrong they really are. The truth is, underneath the miniskirts and designer t-shirts, there was a scarred, bruised, and abused body and soul.

I shifted slightly and my miniskirt pulled back a little to reveal part of a scar on the inside of my thigh. Though it has healed, I had the mark to remember. I shuddered, remembering how I had come by it.

It happened after I heard my father murder my mother. I realized that he had killed her because of how she had protected me from him. Although I was only 8 at the time, I could see the cuts and bruises that were always present on my mother's frail body. I never questioned why she had them, because she never answered. My father wasn't the lovable guy who tucks you in at night and reads you a bedtime story. No. He was definitely the opposite.

My father had never laid a hand on me until that day he came home drunk. I never knew what he was going to do to me, and I was lucky my mother saved me... but that killed her. She had pushed him away from me, and had stood protectively in front of me. She threatened him to not go anywhere near me. My heart had exploded with admiration for her, I knew that she never disobeyed him. But that was what killed her.

It was then that he had grabbed my mother by the shirt and dragged her to the kitchen. I was absolutely terrified of what would happen to her. I could hear a heated argument from that location of the house, but I was not able to make out any words. What I heard next turned my blood into ice. My mothers blood curling scream echoing throughout the house. By then I was hyperventilating.

I remembered that not long after the scream. My father, drunk and stinking of alcohol started blundering towards me with a blade in his hand. I saw my mother's blood coating the knife, and I shrank back in terror.

"Sit!" he had shouted. "It's all your fault!"

I had all but crashed to the floor, when he lunged at me and dug his blade into my leg. I screamed at him to stop but that somehow seemed to turn him on. He started to threaten me saying that he would do worse if I told the police about this. Then he got up and started to walk away, stumbling a bit.

Back then I was only 8. Now ten years later, I am still here. The cops never found out that my dad had murdered my mom. Mostly because I was ordered to keep quiet by dad, or else he would kill me too.

I have been suffering ten years of abuse. Every night I dreaded coming home with a fear that my dad was drunk and he would beat me. I learned that once he was beating me, there was no point in screaming or fighting back, it would just get worse. Too bad when he decides to cut me with his blade, he chooses the center of my body, where it can be easily covered by clothing.

I shook my head furiously. Now wasn't the time. I forgot he was the one I was trying to hide from.

I started to quickly step through the hallway to get to my room. I had only just shut the door to my room, when I heard my dad come home. I heard him go to the kitchen and then shortly after, a crash sounded in my ears. I franticly changed into my floral pajama pants and a tank top, and then literally crashed into bed and hid myself underneath the covers.

I listened intently, trying to hear if he was going to come to my room and take out any anger on me. But no footsteps sounded.

Somehow that was worse.

As the minutes ticked by I allowed myself to relax, and then not long after I had slipped into a black dreamless abyss.

***

When my alarm went off I shot out of bed to turn it off. Praying it hadn't woken up my dad. I didn't want him to get pissed off. Calming down, I walked quickly to my shower and stepped in.

I let the warm water wash over me, and let it take me away. When I had scrubbed myself clean and washed my hair, I lingered in the shower for a few more moments before wrapping myself in a towel. I quickly dried my hair and combed it briskly, before I removed my towel and assessed my body for new bruises or cuts from two nights ago. I couldn't help a sigh that escaped my lips. I could see years of scars running over my body. I noticed a fairly new bruise forming on my right hip, from when he threw me at the wall two days ago.

I teared my gaze away from my body, walked out of the bathroom, and started choosing my outfit for the day. I finally chose some clothes that covered all my scars and bruises, and started changing. After I had changed, I grabbed my book bag and was outside breathing in the fresh and crisp air. I savored it for a few moments before starting to walk a few blocks to my school.

I know! I should have a car. But my dad... well lets just say he isn't a giver. On the bright side it is good exercise.

I already have my license to drive, if only I had a car... but at least once I am out of school I can leave... forever!

A few solid minutes later, my school came into view. Suddenly I felt a burst of energy and I half-skipped, half-ran to the doors. As I walked through the double doors, I spotted the janitor and waved at him kindly. He returned the gesture with a bright smile and a "Good Morning, Miss Holly!"

I exchanged pleasantries and then heaved my book bag to the Commons Area of the school. Once I reached my destination, I raked my gaze through the crowds of students. I then recognized my group of friends, and then headed over.

One of my best friends Christina spotted me and waved me over. I could never get over how pretty she was. She had light blonde hair that went down to her very slim waist. She also had the light blue eyes and perfect lips that let her be able to pull off puppy eyes that you couldn't resist. Somehow though she thought I was prettier.

I reached my friends to see that my other best friends, Jennifer and Julie, had already arrived. Julie was engrossed in a book when I walked over. She was a shy beauty, and never thought of herself as pretty. I don't know how she doesn't notice the guys who like to peak glances at her body. She had a round face and soft green eyes. She also had straight dirty blonde hair that never went past her shoulders. She was sweet and caring and a good friend.

Jennifer however was a little more confident. She always had her hair in a pony tail, so I never knew how long it was. She used to have pretty brown hair, but she hated it and dyed it blonde. She was an athlete that was also a good sport and never hesitates to help a friend. She had dark brown eyes that made you instantly know you are in good hands. Her face was sharp and she had freckles on both cheeks and nose. Everything about her screamed confident.

But something was missing.

"Hey! Where's Rachel?" I asked.

"Hey Holly! Good morning to you too!" Jennifer teased with a roll of her eyes.

"Actually, she is gonna be late." Julie answered. "Not anything new."

Oh Rachel. The dark-brown haired girly-girl. She was tall, smart, and had a serious case of A.D.D. She was the hyper one of the group. But she was lovable. She had chocolate brown eyes and a few freckles. She was extra close to Julie but she was close to us too. She was almost ALWAYS late. You couldn't really blame her though. What with living in a house of five kids and two adults.

RIIIINNNGGGG

"Oh! There is the bell! Hey I will see you guys' later okay!" I said my goodbyes to my friends, before setting off to my locker.

Once I reached my locker, I stuffed my bag inside and got out my stuff for first period. Social Studies.

I walked into my classroom three minutes later, and sat in my usual seat next to one of my other friends Madelyn. We exchanged hellos and, being Madelyn, she immediately had put us into a conversation about clothes and whatnot. She was nice, but sometimes she needs to learn to shut up. But she was too sweet to be mad at.

When the bell rang again class had started. I listened like every other student. I sat watching the teacher ramble on about wars, and people, and blah blah blah. I was grateful when the bell rang and we had to gather our stuff for next period. I had a feeling it was gonna be a long day. Not that I don't want it to. I rarely ever want to see dad because it always turns out with me leaving the scene with more damage than I had before.

As my day went by, the usual dread of what will be waiting for me at home crept in. But at least I have to go to my job a few hours after school. I held back a sigh. I was working my butt off to keep the house running. I earn money and then dad seems to blow it off on alcohol. So I have to find hiding spots for my money.

The bell finally rang for the last time today. It signaled the end of school. I slowly walked to my locker and then took my time putting my homework into my book bag. Once finished I walked outside and leisurely walked home. I hated that I couldn't work at my job just after school. I always had to wait a few hours and then head over. So in the mean time, I have to go home.

When I was nearing my house I tensed a little. Unsure of what could be waiting I started to creep up to my lawn. I reached the door and was just reaching for the handle, when it was suddenly flung open. And I could see my father fuming with hatred. He stank of alcohol and I tried not to choke.

"How DARE you not make my breakfast!" he yelled, just as I cringed. "You little SLUT you will pay!"

He suddenly lunged for me and dragged me into the house. He started by punching me in the stomach, making me collide with the wall, and bang my head. He was then on top of me before I could move. I was trying to break free as he started ripping off my clothes. "No Dad! Virgin! No! Stop! Please!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

He had unzipped his pants and with no mercy plunged his cock into my pussy. Tears sprang from my eyes as he fucked me. I could see my virgin blood bursting. I was screaming in pain nonstop. Thrashing as he plunged his cock into my pussy over and over again.

When he finished he pulled out his cock and sprayed his cum all over my body as I cringed and tried to shield myself.

He seemed satisfied with himself and he kicked me before he walked out the front door.

I was left lying there. Tears streaming down my cheeks as I realized what had just happened. Of all things he has ever done to me he had never sexually abused me before. Now I lay against the wall, trying to overcome the pain. I don't know how long I lay there before I picked myself up off the floor and dialed my work number to call in sick.

Next I took a shower scrubbing furiously at the sticky cum that covered my broken body. I then changed into new clothes and called my friend Christina. I knew it was time to tell my closest friend. Even if it means that my father would kill me in the process.

***

I told Christina that I wanted to talk to her and then she invited me to go shopping at the mall. I agreed.

Now I waited outside for Christina to pick me up. I was uneasy. I didn't know how to start, but I knew I would probably have to start at the beginning. Suddenly I felt someone's gaze. I tried looking for the source. But there was nothing. I don't know if I was just nervous or what. Still though the feeling never lifted, and now I was starting to squirm. I tried to ignore the feeling but it stayed. I gave up on trying finding the source and started searching for Christina's silver Porsche, and it eventually appeared.

She greeted me with a happy smile, and I couldn't help but think that she had no idea what she was about to hear. Christina talked with me, asking what shops we should go to first. I noticed that once we started driving, I had this feeling we were being followed. But I shrugged it off, not wanting to freak out Christina. We rode for a few minutes and then we parked in the parking lot of the mall. I couldn't help but smile as Christina got impatient and started practically dragging me to the front doors.

I decided to just shop for a little bit and then I would tell her. As we walked around that feeling that someone was watching me started to grow. I pushed down my panic saying it was probably nothing, and tried to have fun. So we shopped at many places and then we decided to have dinner at Panda Express in the food section of the mall.

I chose a panda bowl with fried rice and orange chicken; Christina got a panda bowl with white rice and firecracker chicken. We paid for drinks too and then settled ourselves comfortably at one of the tables. I looked around a few times to see if anyone was around us, but there was nothing. As we started to eat I knew I couldn't hold off any longer so I got her attention and started to tell her.

I watched as her mouth dropped and her eyes got wider and wider, filling up with horror. She didn't speak when I had ended at the part where I called to talk to her.

We sat there in silence. Minutes passed and I couldn't help but think...

What have I done?

Zach's *P.O.V*

"HELLO!!!"

I almost jumped as I heard the voice. I then turned angry eyes to its owner.

"Matt, shut up!" I said angrily.

"Whoa!" Matt put his hands up in surrender, "Someone's in a bad mood today!"

I scowled at him briefly before looking back out the window of the car.

"Hey Zach..." Matt asked, eyes wide with concern, "Are you okay?"

I tensed. Only to relax as I realized he was only concerned. "I..." I started, "I don't know... I just... Have a feeling something's wrong..."

I looked up at Matt. He was my Second in command. My beta. Loyal to the core he had my trust. He looked like a momma's boy with his short blonde hair and baby blue eyes. He had a ripped body like everyone else in the pack, but he wasn't as strong as me.

I am the Alpha of the pack. Yes, pack as in werewolves. We all lived in the forest right next to the town, and have been living there secretly for hundreds and thousands of years. Me being the alpha, I am supposed to lead the whole pack. Yet lately I feel as if something is missing...

When I turned my attention to Matt, I saw him with a wide grin on his face. It took a lot of control to not smack it off his face.

"My Alpha, I think you are feeling your mate..." Matt explained.

That was a smack in the face. My MATE! My other half! Werewolves have only one mate, some people never find them though... I thought I was never gonna find her. I mean I am 200 years old! I have been waiting 200 years for her! I was beginning to think I would never find her...

I glanced at Matt suspiciously. "How do YOU know?"

"Well," Matt explained, "When you are near enough to your mate, and are not mated to them yet, you can sense their feelings..."

"Wait..." I said, "Then that must mean..." My eyes popped open wide with shock. "She's in trouble!" I shouted.

Matt, realizing what I was talking about veered the car down a random street to park on the curb. "Hey! Zach! Calm down." He tried to soothe.

I was wild with worry. I could feel the beast trying to take over. I tried to push it back, and then abruptly the feeling of danger was gone. Confused I turned to Matt. I told him the feeling was gone, and then Matt nodded.

"So are we gonna sit here or go on a wild goose chase?" Matt asked teasingly. Holding back a chuckle.

"How can I find her?" I asked anxious to see her. I mean 200 YEARS!!!

"Well, usually you feel a pull towards where he or she is." Matt explained. "Do you feel anything?"

I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate. I tried to feel a pull, and sure enough it was there. But it was so faint that if I didn't try to focus on it I wouldn't have found it.

"Yeah!" I opened my eyes with an eager smile.

Matt chuckled a little at my smile. He asked where it was leading and I pointed back the way we came. Matt started up the car and I directed him to where the pull was taking me.

I knew we were getting close because the pull was getting stronger and stronger. When we turned down a street I knew we were only houses away.

I ordered Matt to stop the car and then we got out. "What you gonna sneak up on her?" Matt joked.

I just rolled my eyes at the comment. I walked forward a few steps only to stop when I saw her. On a porch. Waiting. My eyes roamed her body. I had to admit that she looked like a supermodel. I was lost in the look of her eyes. A green I had never seen before. Her heart shaped face was flawless and partly covered by her strawberry blonde hair. I could have stood there forever, but she shifted uneasily and broke me from my trance. I could tell she knew she was being watched.

I couldn't help but think back at when I felt she was in trouble. She looked fine to me. REALLY fine.

I couldn't help from smiling as she started squirming under my gaze and looking around. She finally gave up when she saw the silver Porsche. I watched as she got in, and then I turned around and ordered Matt back in the car so we could follow them.

We kept a safe distance away, and I could feel she was nervous. But of what?

***

Damn it! I lost her!

We had been following both girls for HOURS! How can they shop for that long! It doesn't matter now. I lost her in the crowd.

Damn it! I am a werewolf! I track things! How could I lose her?

I let out a frustrated sigh.

I checked Matt's watch to see it was about dinner time. Food Court! I realized. That's where they should be! I turned to Matt to say they are probably at the Food Court, and then we headed over.

When we reached it I saw her strawberry blonde hair leaving Panda Express. I followed quietly. It occurred to me that I was probably being a stalker but whatever. When I saw them take a seat in an abandoned area of tables I felt her getting nervous again.

Then she started to talk. At first I was lost in her sweet melodical voice but then I snapped out of it when I heard her say "Murdered"

I listened to her story and realized that she really was in danger in that moment I felt it. Shock was quickly changed into possessive anger. I WILL KILL HIM!

When she finished I watched how the awkward silence stretched on before the other girl cried "HOLLY!" Then ran around the table to hug her fiercely telling her that it was ok, that she was here, and everything will turn out all right.

Holly... That was her name. A perfect name for a future Madam Alpha.