The door slammed behind him as he leaned on it and tried to catch his breath. He looked down and felt disgust when he saw he was still wearing Roland’s green robe. A scream bubbles from his throat as he ripped it off throwing it across the room like it’s on fire.

A pet. He dug his hands into his hair and let out a frustrated growl. Is that how everyone thought of him? Sandra stood up for him but maybe even she felt that way deep down. 

The anger in him rose as those words echoed in his head, he went through hell and back, he didn’t choose to be here. That indignation turned into resentment the more he stewed in it. They could go to hell. No one but Sandra and Jerrod had even bothered to get to know him as a person yet they think they know him?

Fuck.

He wouldn’t let them get to him, he would pretend he never heard a thing. He walked over to his dresser to yank open the drawer. He put on his uniform with more force than necessary, tying up his hair before walking back out.

He walked past some other slaves who avoided him solely from the look on his face. A few whispered around him as he stomped towards the kitchen. The other girl left but Sandra and Nave were still there.

Looking at the older man he realizes that he’s seen him around. The man was usually by Finn’s side, even more so now that Oliver was gone. He didn’t hang around the other slaves much, he always seemed to be moving around the house, never in one place for too long.

Iyasu ignored the look the man gave him when he came in. He rolled up his sleeves and made his way to the utility closet. Lunch prep was almost done so he figured he could at least clean up the mess afterwards.

“I see you got over your hissy fit long enough to help out. Bout time.” Nave’s voice was full of contempt.

“Nave.” Sandra hissed in a warning tone.

Iyasu set down the bucket and mop he was holding, turning to lean on the counter and still the anger that was once again rising in him. 

“Been gettin’ too comfortable in Master’s bed if you ask me—“ Nave continued in a patronizing tone. 

Iyasu felt something snap in him, the words stabbed into his chest making him grit his teeth. He turned toward Nave before he could process his own body moving. Suddenly he walked over to where the man sat at the kitchen table, punching him square in the jaw and making him fall out of his chair.

He heard Sandra run to stop him but he was already on top of Nave punching him again with all the ferocity he felt in his body. All the pain and anger and injustice he felt since he got here, it seemed to explode all at once as he hit Nave again. Sandra managed to pull him off of Nave with some effort but he still couldn’t tear his glare away from the man whose face was now bloody from his assault.

“Look at me.” Sandra’s voice was authoritative yet still soft at the edges. “Look at me Iyasu.” Sandra turned Iyasu’s face towards her.

Iyasu didn’t realize he was breathing hard, his ears were ringing again and it made everything sound far away. 

“You—-you fuckin’ bedwench!” He heard Nave say in a cracked voice. 

“It’s okay, just breathe.” Sandra said, still holding his face. He looked into her dark eyes and tried breathing slowly until his heart wasn’t beating out his chest.

“You okay?” Sandra asked once Iyasu was breathing normally.

“Is he okay? Goddamit I’m the one that got fucked up!” Nave groaned in pain. 

Sandra simply rolled her eyes at him then looked back at Iyasu. 

“I think it’s best you start tidying up the dining room instead.” She said gently.

“Okay,” Iyasu said when he could form words. “I’m sorry.” He felt shame wash over him after he calmed down. He didn’t regret punching Nave but he didn’t like Sandra seeing him that way either.

“It’s okay, I’ll take care of this.” Sandra said as she backed away. She looked a little shaken up herself, even for an alpha, it made his shame intensify.

He wanted to apologize again but he decided against it. He bowed his head as he walked out the kitchen, he felt like he couldn’t look anywhere but his own feet as he made his way to the dining room.

“That’s what ya get for running your mouth.” Was the last thing he heard Sandra say before he completely disappeared down the hall.