Broken Alpha

CHAPTER NINE

I sat on the bed staring at the closed door my mind running in circles Aiden’s words echoed in my head because I owe him what did that mean what had Luke done for him that made him so loyal I wanted to believe Aiden wasn’t like Luke that maybe there was some part of him that didn’t enjoy trapping me here but now I wasn’t sure I pulled the furs tighter around me the room felt colder than before the fire was still burning low in the corner but it didn’t give much warmth I was tired my body ached my mind was exhausted but sleep wouldn’t come every time I closed my eyes I saw that man’s face the way he said I didn’t belong here the way Aiden had looked at me like I was a problem to be solved I didn’t want to be a problem I just wanted to be free.

The door creaked open I tensed my fingers curling into the blanket Luke stepped inside his expression unreadable his dark eyes scanning the room like he was searching for something I held my breath waiting for him to speak but he didn’t he just walked to the fireplace and stared into the flames.

I swallowed hard why are you here I asked my voice quieter than I wanted it to be.

Luke didn’t turn around because I can be he said his tone flat.

I frowned you don’t just check on people for no reason.

He finally turned his gaze locking onto mine his eyes sharp like he was studying me like he was trying to figure out what to do with me I don’t trust you he said.

I let out a small bitter laugh yeah well I don’t trust you either.

Something flickered in his eyes amusement maybe frustration I couldn’t tell he took a step closer and I forced myself not to move I won’t lock you up again he said but don’t mistake that for kindness you’re still mine.

His words made my skin crawl I don’t belong to you I shot back.

Luke tilted his head like he was considering my words then he smirked no but you belong to this pack now whether you like it or not.

I clenched my fists I wasn’t going to let him win I wasn’t going to let him break me what if I leave what if I run.

He didn’t look surprised you won’t get far he said simply.

I swallowed hard why keep me here Luke if I’m such a problem why not let me go.

His smirk faded his expression turning unreadable because letting you go isn’t an option.

I hated how calm he was like this was all a game to him I wanted to scream I wanted to fight but I knew it wouldn’t matter he would always have the upper hand.

Luke stepped closer until he was right in front of me he reached out and for a second I thought he was going to touch me but he stopped his hand hovering just inches away.

You want to run go ahead he said his voice low but if you do you better pray they find you before I do.

I shivered at the threat I knew he meant it.

Luke pulled back turning toward the door he paused for a second looking over his shoulder get some rest you’ll need it.

Then he was gone and I was alone again but this time it felt different this time I knew things were about to change.

I sat frozen on the bed long after Luke left his words echoing in my head you better pray they find you before I do I hated the way he spoke like he already knew what I would do like he knew I had no real choice but to stay here trapped in this room trapped in this pack trapped with him.

I clenched my fists my nails digging into my palms I couldn’t let him win I wouldn’t let him control me but what could I do I had no allies except maybe Evelyne and even then I wasn’t sure if I could trust her Aiden had made it clear that I was a liability and Luke he was playing some kind of game and I didn’t know the rules.

I needed to get out of here.

I threw off the furs and stood my legs were still weak but I forced myself to stay upright the fire had died down leaving only glowing embers I moved to the door pressing my ear against the wood listening for any sign of movement silence I reached for the handle knowing it would be locked but when I twisted it the door clicked open.

My breath hitched I stepped back staring at it open had someone left it unlocked on purpose or was this a mistake I hesitated my heart pounding this could be a trap.

But if I stayed I was trapped anyway.

I took a slow careful step forward then another the hallway was dimly lit torches flickering against the stone walls I kept close to the shadows my bare feet silent against the cold floor my heart pounded so loudly I thought it would give me away.

I turned a corner and froze voices ahead I pressed myself against the wall listening.

Did you hear Luke’s orders someone muttered he wants her watched but not locked up.

Yeah another voice replied but she’s going to run everyone knows it it’s only a matter of when not if

Let her try, Luke wants her to think she has a choice but we all know how this ends.

A shiver ran down my spine they knew they were waiting for me to make a move.

I swallowed hard forcing myself to keep breathing if they caught me here they would take me right back to that room I needed another way out but I didn’t know this place well enough I had no idea where I was going.

I took a step back and bumped into something solid.

I gasped spinning around my hands flying up to defend myself but a firm hand grabbed my wrist before I could strike.

Easy Evelyne whispered her green eyes sharp in the low light.

"I stared at her my heart still racing what are you doing here" I whispered back.

"Stopping you from making a mistake" she let go of my wrist glancing down the hallway.

I took a step back "I have to get out of here I can’t stay".

Evelyne’s expression didn’t change "you leave now and you die" she said simply.

I stiffened "you don’t know that"

She gave me a look like I was a child who didn’t understand the danger I was in "I know exactly how this ends if you go now Luke will hunt you down if he doesn’t get to you first someone else will and trust me they won’t be as kind".

I clenched my fists and if I stay I lose everything

She sighed rubbing her temples "you don’t get it yet do you staying isn’t losing staying is surviving"

I shook my head "I can’t live like this".

"Then make him need you" Evelyne said her voice low and serious I frowned "what"