Chapter 3
1345 Words
-Ava-
“More wine!” someone shouted.
Out of instinct, I tried to rise, but a hand clasped around my wrist. I let out a shocked sound, turning to see Zachery gripping me. He pulled me down roughly, making the chair screech.
“Not you. Not this time,” he said.
I watched as someone else—a lower-ranking wolf—walked up to one of the warriors and poured him wine.
“I-I usually help,” I whispered.
“You’re pregnant now. You will not exhaust yourself anymore.”
Though it would be nice if that were true, I wasn’t sure it would last. Still, I remained in my seat, watching the celebration unfold around me. Everyone was in high spirits, especially the warriors, shouting and demanding more food and drink. Wolves stormed back and forth between the dining room and the kitchen.
“Eat.” Zachery shoved a full plate in front of me, stacked to the brim with meat. I felt sick just looking at it.
“Um…”
“Eat!” he hissed.
Too scared to deny him, I began eating, chewing slowly to keep myself from vomiting from the amount he was forcing down my throat. I should have been enjoying this moment, but sitting beside him left me too on edge. I glanced at him, seeing him lean toward one of his most trusted men, speaking quietly, smiling as he did. That smile made me shiver.
“Eat more,” Zachery insisted when he noticed me slowing.
I forced down more meat, feeling like it wouldn’t go down no matter how many times I swallowed. I searched for a discreet way to spit it out when the joyous laugh of a woman suddenly reached my ears. I turned, shock hitting me in the gut. Another female wolf now sat on Zachery’s lap, smiling as she caressed his cheek, while his hand slid up her skirt. His interest in others didn’t shock me, but doing it right beside me did. That was new.
I stared, stunned, nausea twisting my stomach. Fixing my gaze straight ahead, I tried to shut it out, but their flirting and teasing were too loud to ignore. What do I do? My eyes landed on his empty water glass. Looking ahead, I noticed the jug nearby. An idea sparked, the laughter urging me on. I reached for the jug, only to “accidentally” tip it over.
“Goddess be damned, Ava!” Zachery snarled, glaring at the water spilling across the table.
“S-Sorry. I-I’ll get you more,” I promised.
“Then be quick about it!”
“Y-Yes.” I grabbed the jug and hurried into the kitchen.
At the sink, my heart pounded. I turned on the water, then glanced over my shoulder. Everyone was distracted, the cook barking orders like it was a high-end restaurant. No one paid me any attention. I stared at the jug beside the running water.
It is now or never, my wolf whispered in my head.
I… can’t.
I can.
Then, as if someone took control of me, my hand slipped into my pocket. I pulled out the small bag, but I just stood there.
Do it, my wolf urged. Put it in.
My hand trembled as I held the pills, but my wolf took over again, pushing my hand forward. The pills dropped in. I slid the jug under the water, watching them dissolve. I didn’t fill it much. Spending too much time on this would only anger him more. Turning off the tap, I hurried back to the dining room. Zachery was still enjoying himself with the other woman—someone whose name I couldn’t even remember.
Reaching my place, I poured him water. I doubted he’d drink it, distracted as he was, but without looking, he lifted the glass and drained it completely. I clutched the jug like a lifeline, unsure what to do next.
“What are you doing?” he snapped.
“Huh?” I asked.
“Put it on the table and return to your meal,” he ordered.
“O-Okay.” I set the jug down, worried someone else might drink from it, but the warriors nearby were far more interested in alcohol. I returned to my food, eating slowly. But I hadn’t made it far when Zachery suddenly shoved the woman off his lap. He leaned forward, clutching his head.
“Are you all right, Alpha?” his beta asked.
“Yes… just… dizzy.”
“M-Maybe it’s the festivities. Maybe you just need a break,” I stammered, rising and rushing to his side, gripping his arm.
Zachery shot me a glare that said: how dare I make assumptions? But another wave of dizziness hit him before he could speak.
“Ava!” He reached for me, and I took his hand, guiding him away.
I glanced around, checking if anyone noticed anything suspicious, but food and alcohol kept their attention elsewhere. I led Zachery from the dining room as his legs began to fail him.
“W-What’s happening?” he murmured.
“Come on. It’s not far to the bedroom.”
Zachery groaned, then tilted into the wall. I followed him, struggling because of how massive he was. I could barely support his weight.
“It’s… not that far,” I promised.
“I… can’t.”
Suddenly, all his weight gave out, and he collapsed, hitting the ground headfirst. I stared at his large body for a moment, then glanced over my shoulder, hearing the party still raging nearby.
“Alpha!” I hissed, shaking him.
He groaned in response but didn’t move.
“Come on. You can’t sleep here!”
When he still didn’t stir, panic set in.
“Oh, what do I do?”
We run, my wolf said.
“Where to?”
Remember the plan?
I paused. “Yes.”
Then go. Leave everything behind. Run now.
I hesitated only a second before taking off, knowing I had no other choice. I sprinted toward the entrance of the massive pack house and out into the night. The moon was my only guide as I ran across the wide grassy area. A small stretch of trees separated the pack house from the mini hospital. Though the distance wasn’t far, I kept glancing over my shoulder, certain I’d be chased or hunted down at any moment.
Just keep going. Don’t look back!
It was easier said than done. Panic clutched me, tears blurring my vision.
“Ah!”
A root snagged my foot, sending me crashing to the ground, the air knocked from my lungs. I lay there coughing, pain flaring through my ankle.
Get up!
“I… can’t!”
Yes, you can. We’re almost there!
Knowing I had to keep going, I pushed myself up, still coughing. Limping now, I forced myself forward through the trees, spotting lights ahead.
That’s it! Hurry!
I pressed on, bursting out of the forest and scanning for Rina. When I didn’t see her, uncertainty flooded me until the hospital doors swung open and Rina stepped out, her coat secured around her.
“Rina!” I called.
“Luna?”
I limped toward her, and she rushed to my side.
“Are you hurt?”
“I-I just tripped. W-What do I do now?”
“Come.” She guided me around the building, gripping my arm. In the shadows, a car waited.
“Here,” she said, holding out the keys. “I’ve put the folder in the backseat. There’s also a bag with clothes and necessities.”
“B-But what about you?”
“I’m going to my mate’s former pack. We’re already prepared to leave. But you need to go first.”
I nodded, then remembered something. “I-I left him in the hallway. The pills worked too fast.”
“Then you’d better go.” She urged me forward.
I limped toward the driver’s side when Rina called out. I turned back.
“Whatever happens,” she said quietly, “don’t come back.”
- Writer
