CAGED BY THE ALPHA KING

Chapter 6

"It must be some sort of infection," Dr. Brown reassured Gina, who was nervously fidgeting with her fingers and biting her lips. "I'll prescribe an anti-infection ointment, and you'll be better in no time."

"No, it’s not that! There’s something serious going on," Gina replied anxiously.

"You really shouldn’t worry so much. You have sensitive skin, which is why the issue seems severe. Just be cautious! My treatment will help," Dr. Brown assured her.

"Dr. Brown, it’s not an infection. It’s her birthmark, and while it doesn’t hurt her, it burns anyone who touches it. My fingers got scorched when I touched it," Chris explained, looking uneasy.

Dr. Brown frowned. "Stop talking nonsense."

"It’s not nonsense! Sometimes it even glows like flames," Chris insisted.

"Quit wasting my time!" Dr. Brown snapped, irritation creeping into his voice.

"If you don’t believe me, then touch it! I’m not lying," Chris urged.

Dr. Brown regarded the mark with a disinterested expression. "Take off your gloves before you touch it," Chris warned.

"If you two are trying to pull a fast one on me, the consequences won’t be pleasant," Dr. Brown cautioned one last time.

"We’re telling the truth, please trust us," Gina said, biting her lip nervously.

"Let me show you," Chris said, and Dr. Brown reluctantly touched the mark. He flinched back suddenly, staring at his finger in disbelief as it turned red from the heat.

"Impossible!" He grabbed a scalpel and lightly touched the mark again, but the cold metal quickly turned a reddish hue and began to soften.

"Ouch!" Dr. Brown exclaimed, dropping the heated metal onto the floor.

"See? I told you. I tried to act like you did, but I had to accept that it was real. It didn’t hurt Gina just now, but I worry about what might happen in the future," Chris said, concern etched on his face.

"Gina! When did this start happening?" Dr. Brown asked.

"The mark has been there since birth, but it started glowing on my eighteenth birthday. Sometimes it itches, but I apply ointment and it helps, stopping the glow," Gina explained.

"Can I see the ointment?" Dr. Brown asked. Gina handed him the bottle, and he collected a few drops for testing. "Who gave this to you? Did they know what kind of disorder this is?"

"A nun from my orphanage gave it to me," Gina replied.

"I’ve never encountered a case like this in my twenty years of practice. But don’t worry! You could benefit from this. I’ll assemble a research team of top specialists, and you could earn money by being a model for our tests. Trust me, you could become rich and famous at such a young age! You have something unique; you should take advantage of it," Dr. Brown proposed enthusiastically.

"No, I don’t want that! I just want a simple, peaceful life," Gina firmly rejected.

"Don’t be naive, Gina! Think of the money!" Dr. Brown pressed.

"I still don’t want it," Gina insisted, sensing it would only bring trouble.

"Chris! I want to go home!" Gina pleaded.

"No! You can’t leave. Why are you being so difficult? Let’s be straightforward—how much money do you want? I can pay you. Just accept my proposal," Dr. Brown said, exasperation evident on his face.

"Dr. Brown, can’t you understand that ‘no’ means ‘no’? If you can’t help us, then please don’t make things worse!" Chris interjected, taking Gina’s hand and leading her toward the exit.

"Oh, so you won’t cooperate easily? Then let me warn you—I’ll inform the hospital authorities and leak this to the media. You’ll have no choice but to help me! I’ll do whatever it takes to make you my research model. No one can stop me!" Dr. Brown threatened.

"Do what you want; we’re not afraid of your threats!" Chris challenged him.

"Just wait and see!" Dr. Brown retorted. Chris rolled his eyes and walked out of the clinic, determined.

.................................

In a derelict building, a woman named Velene was bound to a chair, surrounded by several men wielding guns. "Aaaah! Let me go, you scumbags!" she screamed in desperation. One of the men snapped back, "Shut up, you wench! Our boss will be here soon, and then you’ll be free." He slapped her hard across the face. "You’ll regret laying a hand on me!" she shot back defiantly.

The men suddenly stiffened, alerted by the sound of their boss approaching. Asher entered the room, a smirk playing on his lips. "How’s it going, Velene?" he said, casually taking a seat in front of her. "You lowlife! Why did you kidnap me? You better let me go, or you’ll pay!" Valene threatened.

Without hesitation, Asher pulled out his gun and shot her in the left arm. "Aaahhhhhh!" Valene cried out, writhing in pain. "I can’t stand talkative women!" Asher growled. "What… what did I do wrong?" Valene gasped, struggling to cope with the agony. "Well, you irritated me! Did you dare defy my orders? Your stubbornness has sealed your fate. Get ready to die," Asher taunted.

A wave of realization hit Velene; her obstinacy had brought her to this dire situation. "I'm so sorry! Please spare me! I wasn't the one who played the flute that day—it was my colleague! I tried to impress you!" she pleaded desperately.

"What? You lied! Who is this girl?" Asher’s eyes darkened, a dangerous glint emerging as the beast inside him stirred. "No! Please, spare me! I beg you!" Velene trembled at the transformation in his gaze, sensing the monstrous intent. "It was Gina! She just joined the academy a few days ago!" she confessed.

At the mention of Gina's name, Asher’s wolf lost its composure. "Asher! She is our mate! Because of that girl, we missed our chance to meet her!" his inner voice, Alexius, thundered. Suddenly, Asher’s body trembled as he began to shift, bone and sinew cracking and twisting grotesquely.

"Aahhhhh! Monster!" Valene screamed in terror as she witnessed her captor transform into a colossal black wolf. "Please, have mercy! I'm sorry!" she implored, desperation lacing her voice.

"Rest in hell!" Alexius declared, lunging at her. In an instant, he clawed Velene’s head from her body with his razor-sharp talons, savaging her flesh. "Useless wretch!" he sneered, reveling in his dark victory.

........................

“Gina! Please don’t be afraid; he won’t hurt you,” Chris reassured her.

“Chris! I just wanted a peaceful life! Why is all of this happening to me?” Gina exclaimed, tugging at her hair in frustration.

“It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have taken you to that greedy doctor. Because of me, you’re in this mess,” Chris said, filled with regret.

“Chris, it’s not your fault! I wanted to move out; I don’t want to cause you any more trouble,” Gina replied, biting her lip.

“What? Gina, don’t be ridiculous! Don’t blame yourself,” Chris said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“I just don’t want to be a burden to you. It’s better if I move out,” Gina sighed.

“Gina! You’re not a burden to me. You’re my good friend, and I care about you—more than just a friend. I like you,” Chris confessed.

“Chris! This isn’t a joke,” Gina said, pulling his hand away from her shoulder.

“I’m serious! The first time I saw you, I started to develop feelings. At first, I thought it was just a crush, but then I realized it was deeper than that,” Chris explained.

“But I don’t feel the same way. You’re just a good friend to me,” Gina said calmly.

“I understand, and that’s why I want to take things slow. I won’t force my feelings on you, but please, just give me a chance. I promise to respect your decision, no matter what,” Chris pleaded.

“It’s late, Chris. I’m tired,” Gina said, making an excuse as she headed straight to her room, leaving Chris feeling dejected.

“I’ll do my best to win you over,” Chris whispered to himself, disappointment etched on his face as he retreated to his own room.

Meanwhile, at Dr. Brown’s clinic, the doctor was poring over Gina’s case late at night, alone in his lab after his assistants had left for the day.

“I’ve seen this mark somewhere before! That girl, Gina, isn’t an ordinary human,” he muttered, flipping through the pages of an ancient book containing information on supernatural creatures, a family heirloom.

“This is useless! This book is just nonsense,” he scoffed when he couldn’t find any relevant information.

“Do you need my help, Dr. Brown?” a familiar voice emerged from the shadows.

Dr. Brown scowled and demanded, “Who are you?”

The figure stepped into the light, smirking. “Do you remember me, Dr. Brown?”

“Oh! So, you finally decided to show up. I didn’t expect you to be so desperate for money and fame that you’d meet me at this hour,” Dr. Brown smiled.

“I can’t resist when such an enticing offer is presented,” the stranger replied, picking up the book that Dr. Brown had thrown aside. “Everything in here is accurate, but incomplete!”

“Are you saying supernatural creatures are real?” Dr. Brown asked, intrigued.

“Do you want to see for yourself?” the stranger asked, touching the table, which suddenly erupted into flames.

Dr. Brown jumped back in shock, stammering, “What the hell are you?”

“Why are humans always so cowardly, weak, and worthless? Tsk... tsk... not to mention annoying!” the stranger smirked.

“Listen, I have a great offer for you. Help me with my research, and you’ll have all the wealth you desire,” Dr. Brown proposed.

“Guess I was right; you’re a fool. All humans are a burden on this earth, and you’re no exception,” the stranger said, moving closer to Dr. Brown.

“Stay away from me!” Dr. Brown shouted, trembling in fear.

“Goodbye, Dr. Brown. You might have lived if you hadn’t met me, but nothing can stop what’s coming. It was nice to meet you. With you, my secret will be burned,” the stranger said, advancing toward him.

“No, let me go! Help! Someone help!” Dr. Brown screamed, trying to escape.

The stranger blocked his path and said, “Rest in peace!” as he touched Dr. Brown’s forehead.

Dr. Brown screamed as flames engulfed his body, while the stranger remained untouched.

“It’s done! Our secret is safe!” the stranger smiled, watching the charred remains of Dr. Brown. He set fire to the left side of the lab and turned to leave. “Boom! Dr. Brown’s lab had a massive explosion last night, and unfortunately, he was right there!” he said proudly, watching the entire lab go up in flames.

Meanwhile, Chris was pacing back and forth on his patio, feeling annoyed about his earlier actions.

“Damn it! I shouldn’t have confessed my feelings to Gina so soon. What if she thinks I’m like those other guys who just play with girls’ feelings? No! I need to apologize. What a moron I am! How could I do this when she’s already in so much trouble?” Chris muttered to himself as he headed toward Gina’s room.

He stopped just before knocking on her door. “It’s late! I shouldn’t disturb her; she must be sleeping. Today was exhausting for her. I’ll talk to her in the morning when she feels better,” he reasoned.

“But what if it’s too late?” he wondered, a look of concern crossing his face. “Let me check on her. If she’s sleeping, I won’t disturb her, but if she’s awake, I need to apologize.”

Summoning his courage, he gently opened the door. “Hey! Are you sleeping?” he called, peering inside, only to find her bed empty.

“Gina! Are you there?” he asked, thinking she might be in the bathroom. He tiptoed into her room, but there was no sound coming from the bathroom.

“Gina! If you’re there, please answer. I want to talk to you,” he said, knocking on the bathroom door.

“Crap! I think she’s not here,” Chris cursed, pushing the bathroom door open and finding it empty.

“What if she left? I’m screwed! She must feel uncomfortable after my stupid confession. Gina! Where are you? Please come back!” he said, tugging at his hair in frustration.

“It’s late! It’s not safe for her to be out alone.

.....................

The next morning, Gina was busy setting the dining table when Chris walked up to her. "Good morning, Gina!" he greeted her cheerfully. She responded with a curt nod, saying, "Your breakfast is ready. Go ahead and eat—I’m running late!" She avoided making eye contact as she spoke.

“Gina, I want to apologize,” Chris said earnestly. “I’m sorry for how I expressed my feelings. I truly mean it. Please don’t shut me out like this. I won’t pressure you into making a decision. If you want us to just be friends, that’s fine, but I really wish you wouldn’t avoid me. It bothers me.”

Gina let out a deep sigh. “Chris, I’m not upset with you. Honestly, I overreacted last night. We’re adults; it’s natural to have feelings for each other. But I’m sorry, the truth is that I only see you as a good friend. I’m a bit more conservative when it comes to these things. I hope you understand what I’m trying to say,” she explained, shrugging slightly.

Chris smiled, relieved. “It’s okay! I understand. I won’t do anything that could jeopardize our friendship,” he assured her.

“Oops! I’m running late! I need to get to the academy ASAP!” Gina exclaimed, slapping her forehead in frustration.

“Calm down! I’ll give you a ride,” Chris chuckled.

“Thanks, Chris! You’re my lifesaver!” Gina said, giving him a brief side hug.

After finishing her schedule, Gina headed to the canteen. “Hey! Where’s Valene?” she asked one of her colleagues. The woman looked at her with a suspicious expression.

“Is everything okay?” Gina asked, sensing something was off.

“Didn’t you hear the news?” the woman replied.

“What news?” Gina asked, confusion written across her face.

“Valene’s body was found in the nearby woods. She was attacked by a wolf. Lately, deaths caused by wild animals have been on the rise, and the police aren’t doing anything to protect us. Poor Valene—she was a victim of those monsters. They found her head severed from her body. It was a horrific end,” the woman said sympathetically.

“Oh my god! No, she can’t be dead,” Gina said, gripping the table for support.

“It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Listen, you’re new here, so I advise you not to go out alone at night. It can be dangerous,” the woman warned.

“I hope her soul rests in peace,” Gina said, sniffling.

“Our shift is over!” the woman announced. Gina nodded and left, feeling restless. She decided to go to the church to pray for Valene.

Upon entering the church, she was met by the priest. “My child, why are you crying?” he asked as he noticed her tears.

“Father, a friend of mine has died. She was such a lovely and positive person. Why did she have to die such a terrible death?” Gina asked, her face filled with sorrow.

The priest smiled gently and patted her head. “My child, have faith in Jesus. Everything happens for a reason.”

“But what about her family? Your words can’t ease their pain,” Gina replied, her voice trembling.

“With time, their pain will lessen,” the priest said reassuringly.

“I hope so…” Gina wiped her tears, standing up to leave.

“Wait!” the priest called after her.

“Yes, Father?” she responded.

“He is coming for you. There’s no escaping him. He will try to break you in every way possible, but don’t give up. You don’t yet realize who you are. You have the power to transform a monster into a kind-hearted king. Your future is bright, and Jesus has entrusted you with a great responsibility. Don’t make Him regret His choice. Have faith in yourself; you possess immense strength,” the priest advised.