Melina POV
I woke up. It was already two in the morning, but everyone in the pack house would still be asleep. Perfect. The quiet halls, the shadows stretching across the floors… it was exactly what I needed. Tonight, I would take another step toward freedom.
I slipped out of bed, careful not to make a sound, and pressed the map and book to my chest. My eyes flicked around the room, taking in every corner, every shadow. The house was massive, far bigger than I had imagined. I had no idea where anything was, but that only made the hunt more thrilling.
Step by careful step, I crept into the hall. Every creak of the floor made me flinch, every shadow seemed to move. I told myself I was just stretching my legs, getting some fresh air but really, I was looking for anything that might lead me to his money, his secrets, anything that could help me escape.
Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me. My heart skipped a beat. I froze, holding my breath, hoping it was just my imagination.
"Looking for something, little human?"
The voice was calm, low… but it made my blood run cold. I whipped around. There he was Alpha Mason standing in the shadows like he had appeared from nowhere. My stomach dropped. How long had he been there? Watching me?
"I… I was just… getting some air," I stammered, pressing the book and map tighter against me. My voice sounded weaker than I intended.
He stepped closer, eyes glinting in the dim light. "Air, huh? At two in the morning?"
"Y-yes… air," I stammered, trying to sound casual. "And… I was hungry. I came to grab some snacks, but… I can't find my way." My stomach fluttered, though I tried to keep my voice steady.
He tilted his head, eyes narrowing as if reading every thought in my mind. My heart thumped painfully against my ribs. I could feel his energy powerful, dangerous, and… impossibly intense. I wanted to run, but my legs refused.
"Snacks," he repeated slowly, a dark chuckle slipping past his lips. "At two in the morning? In my house?"
"I… I just… I didn't know where to go," I admitted, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "I didn't mean to… bother anyone."
He stepped even closer, and I could see every sharp detail of his face in the dim light the strong jaw, the piercing eyes, the slight curve of a smirk tugging at his lips. My stomach twisted. Narrow escape, I thought. If he wanted to, he could stop me before I even thought of moving.
"Follow me," he said finally, his voice calm but commanding. "I'll take you to your room… and you'll tell me exactly where you're sneaking off to."
I swallowed hard, relief and dread mixing into one. I had survived for now, but I knew this wasn't over. My mind raced with plans how I could still study the map, figure out the house, and maybe… maybe find a way out before he realized what I was up to.