THE ALPHA'S UNWANTED MATE

Chapter 22: Imprisoned

The knocking started again. Louder this time.

Damien grabbed my wrist. "We can't stay here."

"Where do we go?" I whispered, clutching Leo to my chest.

"There's a passage. Behind the bookshelf." Selena was already moving.

My heart pounded. A passage? In my house?

She pressed a hidden button. The bookcase slid open with a soft click.

Cold air rushed out. Darkness.

"Go." Selena shoved us forward. "I'll hold them."

"No." Damien blocked the entrance. "We go together. Or not at all."

The door slammed. Wood splintered.

"Open up! By order of the Council!"

Boots. Many boots.

Selena looked at me, eyes wet. "I'm sorry, Selena. I should've told you sooner."

"Told me what?"

"That your mate is the real heir to the Alpha throne. And they will kill him to take it."

My blood went cold.

Damien pulled me into the passage. The door closed behind us just as the front door crashed open.

We ran.

The tunnel was narrow. Wet. It smelled like earth and fear.

Leo was crying again.

Behind us, shouting. Footsteps.

"They went this way!"

Damien stopped suddenly. Pulled me against the wall.

Shadows moved past the tunnel entrance. 3 wolves. Armed.

We held our breath.

Leo hiccupped but didn't cry.

When they passed, Damien exhaled. "Keep moving."

After 5 minutes, we reached another door. Iron. Old.

Selena took out a key. Her hands were shaking.

"This leads to the safe house. But..."

"But what?" I asked.

"Once we go in, we can't come out. Not until it's safe."

Imprisoned.

The word hit me.

To save my son, to save Damien... we had to lock ourselves away.

Damien cupped my face. "I know you're scared. But I promise you. I will get you out of here. And I will claim what's mine."

I nodded. Tears falling.

Selena turned the key.

*Click.*

The door opened.

Inside was dark. One bed. One table. No windows.

A prison. To keep us safe.

As the door closed behind us, I heard Selena whisper from the other side:

"Survive. For Leo."

And then... silence.

The darkness swallowed us whole.

**THE END OF CHAPTER 22**

**TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 23: THE SAFE HOUSE**