ONE

Cassa's POV

The ache stabbing through my side jolted me awake, and I groaned, my hand instinctively seeking the source of the pain. Every movement sent searing waves of agony rippling through me, and a feverish heat consumed my body.

Struggling to open my eyes, I squinted at the unfamiliar room. Where was I? My head pounded as if a hammer relentlessly hammered against it. Closing my eyes again, the memory of the red-eyed wolf and its silver fur streak flashed in my mind. Had they taken me?

My brows furrowed, remembering that the mayor in town had saved me before the ravising werwolf killed me.

But where was I?

Forcing my eyes open once more, I took in the gray walls, the glass window draped with lilac curtains, and the expensive-looking furniture filling the space. The soothing scent of lavender hung in the air, calming me as I lay upon a plush mattress covered by a soft purple comforter.

Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself upright, the pain in my side a constant reminder of my predicament. My mouth dry, I spotted a glass of water on the nightstand. Trembling hands reached for it, and I downed its contents in one gulp. Just then, the door creaked open, and my heart leaped into my throat.

How could I defend myself? I tensed, ready to hurl the glass, but stopped short when a nurse entered, clad in her uniform.

A warm smile graced her round face as she approached, carrying a tray. "You're awake, Miss Hansen. You should really lie back down; you're not quite well yet," she said gently, reaching my side.

"I'm fine. Where am I?" I set the glass back on the nightstand, concealing a wince as I straightened up on the edge of the bed. I needed answers.

The nurse shook her head, placing a tray laden with food and medicine on the bed. "You're in the mayor's house. Luckily, you only suffered some fractures, bruises, and swelling wounds," she explained, inspecting my injuries.

"In the mayor's house?" I muttered, blinking in disbelief.

She handed me the medicine and a glass of orange juice. "Take this, you must be hungry after sleeping for two days."

"Two days?" I repeated incredulously, though I obediently took the tablet and the juice.

"You heard correctly. It's best for you to lie down; I'll just check on you," the nurse suggested.

I shook my head quickly. "Thank you, but I'll eat on my own." I flashed her a smile, swallowing the medicine with the juice.

"If that's what you prefer, Miss. But what happened to you exactly?" The nurse's questioning gaze bore into me.

"It was a cab accident," I lied, knowing she wouldn't believe the truth if I told her tha I almost got killed by the three werwolf who suddenly attacked the cab I was riding, killing the driver on that horrible event. She was part of the mayor's staff, a werewolf like him. I couldn't risk my life by revealing what I knew.

If only I hadn't taken that picture, then I wouldn't be in this predicament.

The nurse assisted me in getting the plate of food. "It's beef, I cooked it. Don't you eat beef? I can change it."

"No, thank you." I began to eat, feeling embarrassed having someone watch me, but too ashamed to ask her to leave.

"It's delicious," I admitted, inhaling the aroma of the dish. But where were my belongings? And how would I escape this town?

"I see," the nurse responded, her smile oddly cryptic. "Are you and the mayor... involved?"

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Are you two related?" she pressed on.

"No, why would you think that?"

The nurse crossed her arms, tapping her chin with her pointer finger. "If you're not related, are you romantically involved?" Her gaze bore into me, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Am I right?"

I stared at her as if she had grown two heads and shook my head. "No."

The nurse gasped. "Then why are you here in his house? I've known Julius for years, and no woman besides his family or the cleaners has ever been here. It's my first time here, nursing you."

"Why don't you ask him? It seems like you two know each other," I said coolly, the throbbing pain slowly fading. But my mind was troubled by the reason for my presence here and how I could escape.

"We're not friends. He's been my crush since fifth grade. I wouldn't know how to talk to such a perfect, handsome man," the nurse confessed with a sigh. "I'm glad you're not his wife. It gives me hope I might have a chance with him."

"I'll leave you once you're finished eating. If you need anything, just press the button on the summoning device by the left side of the bed's headboard," she added, pointing to a small device behind me.

"Okay." I continued eating, and a heavy silence settled between us.

"It's Sabrina by the way," The nurse finally broke the silence as I finished my meal.

"I'm leaving, and if you need anything, just push the call button," Sabrina reminded before she left.

I remained seated for a few seconds, then attempted to stand up. A sudden pain shot through my face, forcing me to sit back down. "I'm alive but nearly disabled," I grunted, clenching my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, and sighed.

Suddenly, the door opened, and I thought it was Sabrina. My mouth fell open when I saw who it was.

"You're awake," his rich baritone filled the room as he closed the door behind him and approached me. The mayor was dressed in a powder blue long-sleeved polo shirt, with two buttons undone at the front, his marble gray eyes fixed on me. He was tall, 6'2 and had that athletic body and he had a fair, porcelain-like skin that complements his athletic build, accentuating his handsome features.

“It's time we had a talk,” he continued.

I gulped, my breaths coming in shallow gasps as my hair stood on end. Coldness crept up my spine. His expression hinted that our conversation would revolve around the item I had taken, and the impossible prospect of escaping him in my current condition. No one would know what it could do to him. I dreaded the consequences, foreseeing my own demise.

The loud pounding of my heart ceased as he stopped in front of me. I seemed to have forgotten how to breathe, unable to meet his gaze. The scent of vanilla musk emanating from him was both pleasant and comforting.

"Are you going to say something?" Julius asked, his lips curving into a smile that sent a chill down my spine. It wasn't a kind smile; it was the type that instilled fear rather than comfort.

I drew in a breath, swallowing hard. "I..."

Before I could finish, Julius retrieved something from his pocket and held up a picture, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You're shocked."

"How did you get that? Where's my DSLR? My laptop?" I demanded, my voice quivering with a mixture of disbelief and anger.

"Down in the garbage of my office. Useless," Julius replied casually.

Horror flooded my senses, and my eyes widened in disbelief. "You didn't break it..." I mumbled, my breath catching in my throat. Tears threatened to spill as my vision blurred. The DSLR had belonged to my mother; it may have been old, but it held countless memories.

"Yes, I did, Miss Hansen. Along with your plan of showing this photo to your friend, and then your journalist best friend Irene Sandoval posting it with your statement. That won't be happening," he said firmly, crumpling the photo in his hand.

"You're lucky I saved you from those werwolves that wanting you dead. But I won't let you ruin this town because of your actions," he added

sternly.

"How could you break my DSLR? You don't understand what that meant to me. You could have taken what was on it, why destroy it?" I cried tearfully, my heart shattering like fragile porcelain. I had cherished that camera, and its destruction was a blow I couldn't bear. It was the only thing I had left of my mother, a reminder of the woman I had lost when I was twelve.

What Julius had done was more painful than any physical injury I had endured. I wasn't one to cry or show my emotions easily, but the loss of something so dear tore down all my defenses.

"It's pathetic that you're crying over a thing. You should be crying of your situation woman!" Julius's words cut through the air in a harsh tone. "You disobeyed me by holding onto this picture. You lied, thinking you could deceive me. Be thankful I hold Sullivan in high regard, and be grateful you're a part of that family. Otherwise, you'd be long dead."

I stared at the Mayor, feeling a surge of anger rising within me. I wanted to slap him, to confront him, to do anything to vent my frustration at his actions. "I don't need your saving. I'd rather face death than remain here, alive and tormented."

His eyebrows raised at my words, and he smirked, his eyes devoid of any emotion, empty. He mocked me effortlessly with just the expression on his face. I despised this creature that resembled a human but a malevolent werewolf.

"Perhaps you're right. You're alive, but you'll be living a life you'll despise forever. A life you've sealed for yourself. A life that robs you of your freedom."

I wiped away my tears and paused at his statement, meeting his gaze. "What do you mean?"

He crossed his arms, looming over me, making me feel small in his presence. If only I could stand up, at least I wouldn't feel so inferior.

"Your life is indebted to this town," he clarified.

I couldn't comprehend his words. "How do I owe my life to this town? I've done nothing to them," I protested.

"Don't you understand the danger of your actions? Our secret must be protected, and anyone who knows it must remain silent," he explained. "With one mistake, you've not only endangered your own life but also the fate of this town. You've crossed the wrong pack, the wrong man. In order to preserve what this town stands for, you'll live according to my terms. Whether you like it or not. That way, you'll be safe, and so will this town."

My gaze fell to the floor, and the realization of my predicament settled over me like a suffocating blanket. My life was no longer my own; it was held in the grasp of Julius, subject to his desires. It was a horrifying and unacceptable truth to comprehend.

"Do you understand what you're getting yourself into, Miss Hansen? You can't leave this town, and I won't let you. You'll be by my side until your last breath, ensuring you don't ruin this place and my life after I saved you. Do you understand?" His voice carried a tinge of anger as he spoke.

I was at a loss for words. I had no intention of acquiescing to his demands, yet I couldn't find the strength to voice my dissent. My head throbbed, and I longed for nothing more than to retreat into sleep. Perhaps then, I could muster the clarity to devise a solution to this dire situation. Confusion clouded my mind, only exacerbating the pain in my head.