Alpha’s Angel

The Hidden Escape

The day passed in a haze of tension and careful steps. By the time Sage finally climbed the stairs to her small room on the farthest edge of the estate, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the house into shadows. She closed the door softly behind her, pressing her back against it as she let out a shaky breath from her sore body.

She believed it was some form of control and punishment that she was given the farthest room with the most stairs.

Although her room was modest; a narrow bed, a single dresser, and a small window that overlooked the forest. It was nothing like the luxury of the Alpha’s chambers, but it was hers. At least here, she felt a semblance of control.

The silence was heavy, broken only by the faint creaks of the old house settling and the occasional howl of wind outside. Sage moved carefully, her footsteps soft as she crossed the room. She reached the wall beside her bed, running her fingers along the uneven wood paneling until they found the faint groove she was looking for.

With a quiet click, the panel slid aside, revealing a hollow space in the wall. Inside was a worn canvas bag, small but sturdy. She pulled it out gently, cradling it in her hands as though it were made of glass.

Sage sat on the edge of her bed, placing the bag in her lap. She untied the frayed string holding it shut, her fingers trembling slightly. Inside was everything she’d been quietly saving for months; a few changes of clothes, a bundle of carefully folded cash, and a small, battered notebook with scribbled plans for escape.

She ran her fingers over the money, each bill a reminder of the stolen moments she’d spent working odd jobs for the pack without anyone noticing. Cleaning extra rooms, mending clothes, running errands—small, invisible tasks that added up over time. She’d been careful to hide the money in places no one would think to look until she could safely bring it back to her room.

And now it was all here, waiting.

Sage stared at the bag, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn’t ready yet, but the thought of leaving had become her only solace. Every lingering glance from Kael, every icy remark from Astrid—it all pushed her closer to the edge.

Her fingers tightened around the bag as her mind raced. She’d have to leave at night, slip into the forest and follow the river north until she reached sanctuary. From there, she’d be free. At least, that’s what she told herself.

A sudden creak from the hallway outside froze her in place.

Her breath hitched as she stared at the door, her pulse thundering in her ears. She held the bag close, her muscles tensing as she listened.

Another creak. Slow, deliberate footsteps.

Sage’s throat tightened. She shoved the bag back into the wall, sliding the panel shut with a soft click. She stood quickly, smoothing her skirt and forcing herself to look calm even as panic clawed at her insides.

The footsteps stopped just outside her door.

She stared at the doorknob, willing it not to turn. The silence was deafening, stretching on for what felt like an eternity.

Then, a knock.

“Angel.”

Kael’s voice was unmistakable, smooth and commanding even through the heavy wood.

Sage’s heart dropped, her fingers gripping the edge of her bed for support. “Yes, Alpha?” she called, keeping her voice steady.

There was a pause, as though he were savoring the sound of her trembling voice. “I wanted to check on you. You left so quickly earlier. I hope my presence wasn’t…overwhelming.”

Her stomach twisted at his words. “I’m fine,” she replied, forcing calmness into her tone. “Just tired.”

Another pause. She could feel his presence through the door, oppressive and unyielding.

“Rest well, Angel,” he said at last, his voice soft but carrying an edge she couldn’t quite place. “You’ll need your strength.” She could practically hear the grin on his face.

His footsteps retreated, each one sending a small wave of relief through her until they faded completely.

Sage exhaled shakily, her knees threatening to give way beneath her. She sat back down on the bed, her hands trembling as she stared at the hidden compartment in the wall.

Kael’s words replayed in her mind, his tone more a promise than a well-wish. She didn’t know what he meant, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that time was running out.

She had to leave.

And soon.

Because he always demonstrate another way he owned her. At any point in time he could bleed into her peace.