CHAPTER THREE

Hermosa POV

I covered my mouth with both hands, afraid that if I screamed, people would gather outside.

Every step I took, I felt my heart tearing—not just from fear, but from knowing the man I loved was a murderer.

Cammy lay in a pool of her own blood. Whether dead or alive, he didn’t care. All that bothered him was the stain on his shirt.

Rapheal always loved appearances in public—a clean image, the perfect Alpha. That was how I fell for him, without knowing he owned the very club I worked at.

“Hey! What are you doing out here?” a security guard asked, walking up to me.

I was so lost in what had happened that I hadn’t noticed my surroundings. My eyes gave me away—they were filled with fear, the kind of fear that comes from seeing something you should never witness.

It took forever to respond. The security man looked at me with stern suspicion.

“I was… looking for the—ehmm…” My mind went blank.

If Rapheal caught me outside, he’d kill me. If he could harm Cammy, then what was I to him?

Without thinking, I ran.

The security guard shouted after me. I knew it wouldn’t take long for them to catch up, but I still ran.

Fear, hurt, and confusion spread across my face. Where could I go? Who would even believe my story?

My thoughts raced as I navigated through the crowd, the sound of footsteps thundering behind me—a constant reminder I wasn’t alone.

I wanted to rush back to the changing room to switch into something decent, but they’d catch me.

So I did what I knew best—I ran, blindly, on heels, wearing only my bra and panties. Cold sweat stuck my hair to my forehead.

I had to get help.

But from whom? Rapheal wasn’t an ordinary Alpha. He commanded other Alphas—they all listened to him.

Except for the Alpha King.

He had banned strip clubs after several she-wolves were reported missing, most of them Omegas.

But where could I find him?

My heart pounded violently in my chest as I ran. Their boots echoed behind me, closing in.

“Stop running, whoever you are!” My mate’s voice pierced the night. Cold chills ran across my skin.

We were outside now, but he didn’t stop chasing me like an animal. I knew he would do anything to protect his image.

The night was dark, the streets empty and deserted. Around the corner, a flickering streetlight shone beside a large hotel.

I knew Rapheal wouldn’t dare hurt me in public, so I ran toward the light.

No—my mind screamed against the idea. That wasn’t just any hotel; it was a gathering place for elite members of the Blood Moon Pack.

Rapheal would find me easily after all, he was the Alpha of the pack.

This wasn’t the time to think. It was either go in there or die without anyone finding out about Cammy.

I braced myself as I heard his footsteps getting closer. I walked into the hotel calmly, pretending I was just looking for a room. Even I felt foolish walking in like this, half-naked.

“Hello?” the receptionist, a young-looking woman, said as I entered.

“Hi.” I faked a smile.

“You don’t have to come in dressed like that,” she said, scanning me from head to toe.

“I didn’t have time to change,” I lied, forcing a grin.

“You sure know how to make an entrance—for something that’s supposed to be discreet,” she muttered.

I didn’t know what she meant, but I played along.

“Ah, yes, I’m so sorry.”

“You girls always keep him waiting,” she pressed.

“It’s not my fault—I lost track of time,” I replied quickly.

“Yes, you always lose track of time.” Her eyes narrowed with disgust.

“Here, take the keys. He’s in Room 202.” She dropped them on the counter.

“Who?” I asked, glancing back just in time to see Rapheal entering the lobby, scanning the crowd for me. I turned quickly to the receptionist.

“You ask too many questions,” she snapped. “We all know what you do in there with him.”

“I’m sure you do,” I muttered, snatching the keys. I didn’t want to draw attention.

“Hey!” Rapheal’s voice echoed behind me as I hurried down the hall, keys jingling in my trembling hands.

I scanned the corridor, searching for Room 202. My heart pounded harder with every step. I threw quick glances behind me to see if he was near.

Finally, I gasped when I saw Room 202 engraved on the door to my left. I slipped inside, clutching my heaving chest.

“At last,” I muttered under my breath, scanning the room.

The room was dark. I couldn’t see anything. I groped around for the light switch. Everything felt strange—yet strangely comforting.

“Have you forgotten the rules?” a deep male voice rang out across the room.

I froze. “No, I haven’t. I just…” I stammered, my heart hammering against my ribs.

*Whose room is this?* I whispered to myself.

“You just what?” Footsteps approached.

“Nothing. I’m sorry,” I said, my voice shaking.

“The rules were—you’re not allowed to see my face,” he whispered near my ear.

“Yes, I understand,” I replied, trembling.

“You know exactly what you came here to do,” he continued, his warm breath brushing my skin.

I swallowed hard. I wasn’t a whore like the rest.