The Hybrid Alpha's Mate

Chapter 7: Run.

As soon as Kael disappears behind the corner of a building, I stand. Slowly at first, pretending I’m just stretching my legs. No one pays attention. The dining area is busy, full of voices and clattering dishes. People weave between tables, laughing and talking.

I glance toward the trees. They’re not far. Maybe a hundred yards. If I can reach them, I might have a chance.

I take a few steps. No one stops me.

I walk faster.

Still nothing.

My pulse climbs into my throat.

Then I run.

I sprint across the grass, legs burning, breath sharp in my chest. Someone shouts behind me. It sounds like the waitress, but I don’t look back. I don’t slow down. I don’t think.

The trees rush toward me. I dive into the forest, branches scraping my arms, leaves crunching under my feet. I keep going until the pack grounds are far behind me and the only sound is my own breathing.

I can’t believe it. I actually made it.

I slow down, gasping for air. My lungs burn. My legs ache. But I’m still moving, weaving between trees, ducking under branches, pushing through bushes. The forest is huge, but if I keep going straight, I’ll hit something eventually. A road. A town. A person.

Anything.

Minutes pass. Maybe more. My heartbeat is loud in my ears. Sweat drips down my back. My breath comes in sharp, painful bursts.

But I’m still free.

Or so I think.

A shadow drops in front of me.

I skid to a stop.

Kael stands there, he’s furious, eyes blazing with anger. He looks like he appeared out of thin air.

My stomach sinks.

“Are you out of your mind?” His voice is low and sharp. “Running into the woods alone?”

“You— how did you even know I left? You weren’t anywhere near me.”

“My guard patrol mind linked me,” he says. “They saw you run.”

Mind linked. The words hit me like a slap.

“You mean they told you in your head?”

“Yes.”

I stare at him, stunned. “So this forest… this is still your land?”

“All of it,” he says. “For miles.”

Heat rushes to my face. I feel stupid. I didn’t escape. I didn’t even get close.

Kael steps toward me. I back up until my shoulders hit a tree. He stops a few feet away, breathing hard. The anger is still there, but underneath it, I see something else. Worry, maybe.

“You could have been hurt,” he says. “Or worse.”

“I was trying to go home.”

“Your home is with me now,” he says quietly, anger still lacing his voice.

I shiver. Suddenly fully realizing the permanence of my situation.

“I thought I could find a town,” I whisper. “Or people. Or something.”

"And what if you didn't? What if I didn't know you were out here until it was too late?"

"I... I don't know..." I reply.

“You would have gotten lost,” he says. “Or found by rogues. Or wandered into another pack’s territory.”

He’s right, and I hate that he’s right.

I feel helpless, and defeated. Tears begin streaming down my face.

Kael exhales, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. He brushes his fingers gently through my wavy hair, staring intently into my wet, fearful blue eyes.

At first, I think he might forgive me, and let this whole thing go.

“You’re not leaving the house again. Not for a while.” He says firmly.

My chest tightens. I knew this would happen. I knew he’d lock me down even harder.

I’m never going to be allowed outside again.