CHAPTER 5

POV

I stood by the window, letting the wind play with my hair. It was the only time I felt anything close to peace since arriving in my enemy's territory.

No pain.

No visits from the Alpha.

Nothing.

Just silence.

A knock came at the door.

Once.

Then again.

"Come in," I said.

An elderly woman walked in, carrying a tray of food.

"Take it away," I muttered. "I'm not hungry."

"Please, Miss. You haven't eaten in two days-"

"Where is your Alpha?"

She hesitated, her lips parting before any words came out.

Then she straightened slightly. "Should I inform him you wish to see him?"

I exhaled slowly. "Yes... then I'll eat."

A small smile crossed her face before she nodded and left.

I didn't have to wait long.

Barely a minute later, there was another knock. And then-He walked in. He paused at the door for a second before closing it gently behind him. And suddenly, regret settled in my chest.

Why did I call him? I turned back to the window, refusing to face him. Silence stretched between us. Then-

"How are you?"

I looked at him immediately, a scoff escaping my lips before I dropped my gaze to my hands.

"How do you think I am?" I asked quietly. Then, after a pause. "Why are you keeping me alive?"

His expression shifted, something unreadable flickering across his face.

"If I told you... you wouldn't believe me." His voice was low. "Sometimes, I don't even believe it myself."

My fingers curled slightly.

"What is it?"

He sighed and stepped closer, stopping beside the window.

"You are my mate, Mia."

The world went silent.

The air...gone. It felt like something slammed into my chest, knocking the breath out of me.

"What... did you say?"

"I wasn't sure how to tell you," he continued, more carefully now. "You might reject me. And I wouldn't blame you. But this... it's not something we can choose."

My ears rang.

This had to be a joke.

A sick, twisted joke.

"Was that why you bit me?" I whispered. "You marked me?"

He nodded slowly.

"When a werewolf finds their mate... the pull becomes impossible to ignore. The need to mark them, it takes over. That's how we know."

I looked away from him, my chest tightening. This couldn't be real. A hunter...And a werewolf? It was wrong.

It was disgusting. Impossible.

"Take your time," he said softly. "There's no rush. I've already spoken to the pack... and the council. They'll accept you. Eventually."

I let out a sharp laugh. "They'll accept me?" I turned to him, anger rising fast. "I don't accept you. Or them."

My fists clenched.

"What gave you the right to mark me?" I snapped. "Who do you think you are?"

Before I could stop myself, I struck his chest. Once. Twice. But it barely affected him. Pain shot through my hands instead. He grabbed my wrist suddenly, and the pain vanished. I froze.

Then frowned, quickly pulling my hand away.

"I don't accept you. I could never be a mate to a werewolf. " His jaw clenched, and he lowered his eyes. "Let me go," I added through clenched teeth.

"I'm sorry, Mia," He responded quietly. " I can not do that,"

My voice hitched. "What?-"

"I searched for you for years," He continued. "I can not lose you now,"

He pushed away from the window, turning toward the door.

"Are you insane?" I snapped

"This is wrong! You and I together...it's an abomination!"

He stopped and turned. "Do you know what an abomination is?" He asked, his voice low. My anger faltered. "A rejected Alpha"

The words hit hard. My lips parted, but no words came out. Then he left, and the door closed softly behind him.

Silence.

Heavy.

Suffocating.

I turned to the window, my heart pounding. I would break my legs if I jumped. But staying here? That was worse. I rushed to the wardrobe, grabbing thick clothing with shaking hands.

A werewolf's mate.

The thought made my stomach twist.

"No...." I muttered. "No, I won't accept this. I can't"

I grabbed a small mirror from the drawer and smashed it against the floor. The sharp crack echoed through the room. Breathing hard, I picked up the largest shard, wrapping one end with cloth. Then I got to work.

Ripping.

Tearing.

Tying.

My fingers burned as I pulled the fabric tight, knot after knot, testing each one with force.

Minutes passed. Finally, a rope. It's not perfect, but it would have to do.

I stuffed a few of my clothes into a bag, my movements quick and frantic. I tied one end of the rope tightly to the door handle, pulling hard to test it.

Once.

Twice.

It held.

I tossed the rest out the window and climbed up, my heart hammering violently in my chest. For a brief second, I glanced back at the door.

The next time I'm here... I won't be your prisoner. My grip tightened.

Then-I jumped. The rope burned against my palms as I slid down too fast, my breath catching in my throat.

"Ah-!"

My feet hit the ground harder than expected, pain shooting up my legs as I stumbled forward and rolled onto the grass. I lay there for a second, staring up at the sky, my chest rising and falling rapidly.

I scrambled to my feet, pressing myself against the wall, every sense on high alert. I peeked around the corner, scanning the courtyard. The guards were moving about, unaware of my escape.

This is going to be harder than I thought. I muttered under my breath.

I waited until the nearest guard's back was turned, then darted past him, ducking low and slipping behind an old truck. My heart pounded in my chest.

"Well, well, well... if it isn't our precious werewolf hunter."

I froze. Slowly, I turned-and my eyes met those of a stranger. Blond hair, sharp eyes, and a grin that didn't reach his eyes.