Good thief

Emily’s POV

The smell of campfire and fresh coffee filled the room, stirring a warmth in my chest. I breathed it in, opened my eyes, and looked around, comforted by the familiar scents.

Nolan wasn’t in the room. Don’t panic, I told myself. I washed my face and changed my T-shirt.  

He appeared in the doorway, looking stern. "Emily, grab your breakfast, do your chores, and leave the building when you're done. I will wait for you outside," he instructed, his voice firm. I could tell he didn't want me lingering, probably because he was worried someone might see us together after everything that had happened. He avoided meeting my gaze, as if not wanting to discuss it any further.

Yeah, I got it, Nolan, I mumbled between my teeth, gripping a hair tie. I fixed my hair and took a deep breath. I would get some food, and Nolan, please find the ointment needed for his cuts.

Emily, you want me dead? He said, making a frustrated face.

"Of course not. What would I possibly do without you?" I shot back, my voice tight with worry. "Nolan, you and Jalen are the only two people I can truly rely on."

He cursed and opened the door. Kaden was standing there.

"Emily, Emily... should we walk together for breakfast?" Kaden asked, stepping closer.

"Alpha Kaden, I’m sure you have more important things to do," I replied.

"I do," he said, moving closer. Nolan growled. "I suggest you leave before I decide to kill you, Nolan." Kaden's eyes never left mine.

"Kaden!" Isabella’s screeching voice came through. "What are you doing here?"

"Nothing. Just making sure she’ll do her duties," Kaden said. "Go on, human. Leave."

He was afraid of Isabella. That could be useful. But what is she after? Kaden became alpha because of her, but she pushes for more. She watches everyone, lips tight and calculating. Maybe it’s revenge, maybe an old grudge. Whatever it is, it makes my skin crawl.

Bolted to the dining room and ate everything they gave me for breakfast. I was hoping to get kitchen duty so I can get some more scraps for Hunter.

You come and clean the dining tables first, Ana said, then come and see me. I nodded. That was my chance to get scraps. Went into the kitchen to get wet towels and a trash container.

I stole a clean towel and saw half a loaf of bread. I wrapped it and placed it in the trash container. I cleaned the dining tables; there were a lot of them. I walked back into the kitchen to clean the towel and found half an apple. I took that too. Then I walked outside with the trash container, passing the dungeon. I wondered which cell Hunter was in. The rectangular windows with bars were on floor level.

Hunter, I whispered as I got closer to the wall. The guard saw me, and I pretended to fix my shoe.

You, what are you doing here?

I said, " Sorry, I had something inside my shoe, and I'll take the trash now. Then I heard Hunter, and I realized he was in the small bar window, the second from the left. Great.

I dumped the trash, keeping the bread and apple wrapped in a towel. As I passed the window and the guard turned away, I dropped the food between the bars, took the towel, and walked back to the kitchen.

She gave me more chores. Afterward, I had lunch and set out looking for Nolan. I didn’t have to because he was waiting for me.

“Let’s take a walk, he said, and we bolted into the thick forest.

Tonight is Ted's shift; he is my best friend, so he can let you in. I lunged at his neck.

Nolan, you’re the best I said. I pulled back, sorry, I’m just so happy to see him again.

Now let’s…

I smelled them; it was weird. " Berries, " I said, and ran in that direction. We ate until we both almost puked. Then I collected some for Hunter. I wondered if he liked them.

When we got back, I tucked the berries in the room like a secret offering and resumed my chores. After dinner, I hurried out, hoping to outrun Kaden’s shadow, my heart pounding, cursing every time our paths crossed. Just as I convinced myself I’d escaped him, Isabella emerged, her presence chilling me.

Human, stay away from Kaden if you know what's good for you.

You can have him; I have no interest in warming his bed.

"Oh, yeah, you liked Hunter. Sorry, honey, but he just couldn't seem to rise to the occasion for you..." Isabella taunted.

"For you, he didn’t," I replied coolly. "He had no issue with me."

She slapped me, but I laughed. Nolan ran to my side and dragged me away.

Can you not get into trouble for once? He shouted at me.

I’m sorry, she insulted Hunter, and reacted. I try to stay out of her way.

Go stay in the room, lock the door. I will come and pick you up when it's time. In a couple of hours, everyone will go to bed.

I went into the room, locked the door, and dropped on the bed. I miss Hunter. Everything about him.

Two hours later, Nolan knocked on the door. I gathered the berries and followed him. Ted, his friend, got us inside, and I dropped to my knees in front of Hunter. I kissed him as I held his face.

You taste like wild berries. I laughed. Then I put a few in his mouth, and my fingers were stuck in it. His eyes glowed amber. He growled.

I’m chained, I would’ve taken you right here, and my thighs clenched. Hunter, please. It's enough that I suffer until I get to see you and …his lips crashed on mine, and he dragged the chains to be able to hug me.

My body was pressed close to him, and sitting there in his lap was enough to hold me over until I saw him free again. I let my head fall on his shoulder and kiss his cheek. Now he had a beard.

I kind of like this, the beard. Good thing it’s dark, he can’t see how red my face is. My thoughts are… not innocent.

Oh, I smell it, Emily, and I will keep it in mind for next time I will get to ravish you. I giggled. He was petting my hair and kept kissing me.

You ate what I dropped this morning?

I didn’t know you were such a good thief, he chuckled.

It was for a good cause. You need to get strong and be my alpha again. Ever since Isabella pushed Kaden to power, the pack has been divided. Most of them are restless and angry with how things are being run now, and they blame Kaden for getting you locked up. Only a handful of the old loyal wolves stand with you, but the rest either keep quiet out of fear or secretly wish you would come back. The tension is thick, and nobody knows who to trust anymore.

Ted walked into the cell, and I groaned. He kissed me desperately, and I left, but not before thanking him for letting me see him.

Nolan escorted me back to the room and urged me to lock myself in. I collapsed onto my bed, utterly spent, Hunter’s taste still lingering on my lips, a bittersweet ache that throbbed with every breath. His scent clung to me as if daring me to hope.