Mesmerised by the Alpha

Chapter 35. Red Dress, Red Flags

Jasmine’s POV

I woke after yet another restless sleep, the kind where your dreams aren’t dreams at all but half-formed worries dressed in shadows. The door was still barricaded—chair wedged beneath the handle, my travel bag propped up against it. I stared at it for a few long seconds.

Was I paranoid? Or smart?

The thought of someone entering my room in the night had become more than a passing fear. I had the master key. But was there another?

I’d have to ask Daryl at breakfast.

Slipping into my running gear—leggings, hoodie, old trainers—I headed down, hoping to find Dana before the bar filled with the usual early risers. I didn’t fancy awkward silences or half-hearted small talk this morning. I just needed Dana’s calm energy. Reassurance that things hadn’t completely gone off the rails.

But when I stepped into the bar, it was empty—well, people-wise at least. The noise of clinking glass and thudding cupboard doors filled the air, echoing oddly in the open space. I frowned, stepping further in.

Paul was behind the bar, practically vibrating with stress. He was dusting and wiping every surface like the Queen herself was due for breakfast.

“You alright?” I asked.

He jumped, then gave me a tired, frazzled smile. “Oh, yeah. Totally fine. Just got roped into everything this morning—Dana’s off, she didn’t show, so now I’m making breakfast and fresh juice and trying to keep the bar clean. I’ve not even had a coffee yet.”

Something in my gut tightened. “Dana’s missing?”

“I mean, not missing-missing,” he replied quickly, as though realising how that sounded. “She rang in, said she was visiting family. Bit odd she didn’t tell us before, but whatever. I’m just drowning.”

I smiled tightly. “You’re doing a great job. Really.”

He gave me a weary nod, and I grabbed a juice from the counter.

“I’ll be out for a run,” I said. “See you soon.”

“Yeah—have fun or whatever people say to runners,” Paul muttered, returning to polishing cutlery like it had personally offended him.

Outside, the cold air slapped against my skin like a warning. It was raining—fine, misty drops clinging to my face and hair—mixed with a biting wind that cut through my hoodie. The sky hung heavy and grey, like a curtain that hadn’t yet decided whether to fall or stay drawn. In the distance, the clouds looked black as charcoal. A storm was definitely brewing.

I kept to my usual route, sticking to familiar trees and worn paths. Eyes scanning for traps, ears twitching at every unusual sound. It was almost muscle memory now—paranoia woven into every step.

I rounded a bend and came to an abrupt halt.

Another deer. Dead. Massive. Its body was torn open, belly ripped, throat shredded. Flies buzzed despite the cold, and the metallic scent of blood hit the back of my throat. I gagged.

Whatever had done this was strong. Fast. And angry.

I turned back without a second glance, pulse hammering in my ears.

The warmth of the bar was a welcome embrace when I returned. I was soaked through—hair plastered to my head, water trickling down my back. I made a beeline for the breakfast spread and grabbed a bowl of cereal and a banana, already spotting Daryl and Jordan tucked into a booth near the window.

“Alright, you look like a drowned rat!” Jordan greeted with a grin as I approached.

I laughed, flopping down beside them. “Fine rain. The worst kind.”

“Supposed to clear up later,” he said between bites of toast. “Which is good ‘cos it’s our last night at St Amstein, and we’re planning on hitting up a local club near Elmridge. Bit of a send-off.”

Daryl nodded. “Pretty much everyone’s coming. You should too.”

I hesitated, spoon halfway to my mouth. My logical side whispered that tonight might be the perfect distraction to explore the lab again—everyone would be gone or drunk. But another part of me... the tired, worn-down, human part... wanted to dance. Drink. Laugh. Forget.

“Alright,” I said, smiling. “Guess I’ve got an excuse to wear that red dress I bought.”

Jordan whooped. “That’s the spirit!”

Kaci entered then, sliding in beside us, looking freshly blow-dried and far too chipper.

“You’re coming too, Jasmine? That’s great! I only just found out about this outing five minutes ago.”

Jordan chuckled. “We thought it up last night in the games room. Last hurrah before winter hits.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” I told Kaci, grinning. “St Amstein’s been drama central since the pool party. I need some fun.”

Kaci squealed and clasped my hand. “Then we have to get ready together. Come to my room after work?”

“Deal,” I said.

And that’s when Stella walked in.

She made a beeline for the bar, grabbing a juice and giving me a pointed glance. “Ah, you’re coming too, then?”

I smiled sweetly. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

She gave me a once-over, eyes narrowed, before muttering just loud enough for me to hear, “I don’t know why you’re bothering. You’re boring and no fun anyway.”

I smirked. “By the way, Stella. How’s Theo doing?”

Her eyes flashed.

“He’s doing just fine,” she purred. “And my oh my, the things that boy can do with his hands—”

I turned to her, voice low. “Really? Because when I last saw him, he said you followed him around like a little puppy. Told you he wasn’t interested... in anyone but me.”

Her mouth opened, but I didn’t stop.

“So back off, Stella. I’m not interested in your games. Just like Theo’s not interested in you. Just like none of us are interested in you.”

I smiled, placed my empty bowl on the bar, and walked out.

Back in my room, I showered, wrapping my damp hair in a towel and pulling on a soft pink button-down shirt and a black pencil skirt. I needed to feel powerful today—needed a boost. Confidence like armour.

As I buttoned the shirt, a thought crept in: if everyone got drunk enough tonight, maybe I could slip away. Sneak into the lab undetected. A win-win.

I headed down to the security office, finding Daryl talking animatedly into a walkie-talkie.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

He sighed, rocking in his chair. “Fence is broken again. Jordan’s out there now, trying to fix it.”

Now was my chance.

“Daryl... is there another master key? Other than the one you gave me?”

He nodded. “Only one. Nate has it.”

The air thinned.

Nate.

Had he been entering my room?

I swallowed my unease. If he had a few drinks tonight, maybe I could get the truth out of him. Alcohol loosened lips.

The day passed in a haze of distractions and half-focus. Everyone was buzzing with excitement. I kept myself busy in the archives, sifting through old boxes hoping for something—anything—useful. Nothing yet.

Between trips, I popped into the bar to see if Dana had returned. Paul said she’d called late, said she was visiting family in town and would be back in the morning. Odd. She never mentioned leaving. And she’d definitely want to be here tonight.

In my mind’s eye, I pictured her dancing with a drink in hand, laughing, mothering everyone and making them promise to stay safe. Dana was like the heartbeat of this place—kind eyes, warm hugs, and advice you didn’t know you needed.

I missed her already.

After work, I showered again, wrapping myself in loungewear and twisting my damp hair in a towel. I stared at the red dress hanging in my wardrobe.

Was it too much?

Maybe Kaci would know.

I grabbed it and my heels, heading to her room.

Before I could even knock, the door burst open. Kaci’s beaming face filled the frame.

“There you are! Come in, come in!”

She pulled me inside, eyes gleaming. “I’m so ready to get out of here tonight. We need this, Jas.”

“I agree,” I laughed, showing her the dress. “What do you think?”

She squealed. “Stunning. Just enough boob and leg. You’re going to break hearts.”

An hour passed in a blur of makeup, hairpins, and perfume. Kaci worked with military precision—curling my hair into a half-up, half-down masterpiece, lining my eyes with charcoal smoke and giving my lips a bold red finish.

I barely recognised myself.

I felt... amazing.

She wore a white halterneck dress that hugged her curves like it was stitched for her, silver heels catching the light as she moved. Her lips were dark, eyes glittering silver.

“You look beautiful,” I told her honestly.

She blushed. “So do you. Ready for tonight?”

I nodded.

“You bet.”