Trapped By The Predator

"Mom, are you scared?" I looked at my mom. She was staring out into the woods from our window.

She was silent for a minute before she spoke up. "I'm worried," I heard her let out a sigh. "I'm worried about what would happen to you when I'm gone," 

"Mom…" I closed my eyes. "You're not going anywhere," 

"We both know that's not the truth, Ivy,"

"I'm going to find a way. If Alpha Cassian could live, then you could too."

"Is that why you decided to join this pack?" My mother turned to me. I stayed silent, causing her to let out a frustrated sigh. 

"Ivy, you're going to be eighteen soon. You need a pack to protect you and I think the dark wood pack could do that. Alpha Cassian seems strict but I think there's nowhere else safer than under his wings. He'll protect you and if you're lucky, you'll meet your mate. I want you to live comfortably and live a life your father and I couldn't give you. I want you to be happy. Stop worrying about me," 

"Stop talking like you're going to leave me," I snapped, my eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I was happy with you and dad. I don't care about anything else. Dad left us and now my priority is you. I'll do anything to make you live," I said, determined.

"You have to think from my position too, Ivy…" My mother shook her head. "Without your father, I feel so empty. I won't ever feel peace until I become one with him again," She smiled sadly. "I know you're scared of thinking about a world without both of us here and that's my pain too. I hope I'll get to see you finding your mate before I go."

"Mom, please stop," I begged, wiping away the tears that streamed down my face.

Can't she see how I'm hurting? 

Can't she see how hard I'm trying? 

Why is she talking about leaving me? 

I sat down on the bed. "You're not allowed to say things like this from now on," I warned her sternly. "I risked it all and came here to this pack to save you. And I'm going to do everything I could to find a way to make you live."

My mother smiled. "You're just like your father," She came closer to caress my cheek. "He never gave up. No matter whatever obstacles he faced. It's really fascinating how similar you are to him,"

A small smile twitched on my lips. "I'm his daughter, mom. What else do you expect?" 

She only chuckled before turning towards the window again. "It's a beautiful pack, don't you think?" She asked while looking outside.

"Place? Yes. People? No. I don't like anyone in this pack except for Alpha Cassian's mother. Everyone else seems cocky and arrogant."

"I'm sure that is going to change when you get to know them. Don't judge them from a few minutes of interaction," 

I rolled my eyes at her words. "Whatever," I muttered before I flopped back on the bed. I desperately needed a nap.

*

*

* 

We went down for dinner at night. It was the same table with the same people. I quietly ate while observing everyone. 

My eyes were on Alpha Cassian for most of the time. I examined his physique and overall look. He looked healthy and perfectly fit. No one would believe he was someone who'd lost his mate. It's impossible for a mateless person to look like that. 

What did he do to recover?

I think my stare was too obvious because I saw him glance at me a few times. I quickly looked back at my plate and gobbled up the rest of my food.

After dinner, everyone sat down to drink some wine. Mom retreated to our room because she was tired. I stayed there to listen to Luna Evelyn and Alpha Cassian's mother tell some of their funny experiences. It felt refreshing to listen to those two ladies talk.

I've heard from someone that Luna Evelyn is extremely powerful. You wouldn't be able to tell that at first glance because she's very soft spoken and looks like an angel. But when you talk to her, you'll know that she's not someone ordinary. Her posture, words, and action, everything radiates power. 

I sat there listening to them for about an hour before I decided to go back to my room. I was getting tired and besides, Alpha Cassian was nowhere to be seen. There's no point in staying there when I can't get any more information about him.

I stood up and excused myself. Luna Evelyn told me good night before I walked away to my room.

I was terrified about the next day. If the interrogation doesn't go well, we won't be accepted into this pack and on top of that, I don't even know what the predator would do to us.

I guess I was too focused on my thoughts while climbing the stairs because the next thing I knew my head had collided against something hard. I yelped and looked up in surprise and let me tell you, my soul almost left my body when I locked eyes with the predator. 

I gasped and instinctively took a step back only to realize that I was on the stairs and I'd miscalculated my steps. "Oh shit," I shouted as I fell back but before I could tumble down the stairs, a muscly hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer to flush against Alpha Cassian's chest.

I looked up to meet his eyes again. The predator stared down at me with an uninterested look. Even though there wasn't any emotion on his face, he looked intimidating as hell. I couldn't breathe being so close to him.

He smelled like wild herbs. It reminded me of my days in the forest. It strangely felt good. 

"Don't you know to look ahead of you while walking, kid?" Alpha Cassian raised a brow. His deep voice sent a shiver down my spine. That's when I realized how close we were. I quickly pushed him away and stepped to the side.

"I'm not a kid," I said, then instantly regretted my words.

Really, Ivy? You really had to talk back to him? That guy could eat you alive if he wants to. 

"A-And I'm sorry for bumping into you, Alpha Cassian," I added. 

I looked up at him to find him looking back at me with an amused expression. He turned towards me and took a step closer, making me step back in surprise. 

I let out a yelp when he suddenly trapped me against the wall and himself. I couldn't even move because his hands were on either side of me, restricting me to go anywhere.

Alpha Cassian leaned down to make his face parallel to mine. He stared into my eyes with a serious look. I couldn't help but gulp nervously.

"Why were you staring at me during dinner?" He asked, making his voice low and deep like the ocean.

I did everything to avoid looking into his eyes. "W-What?" I turned my face to the side as I spoke.

But then I felt his hand on my face. He gripped my chin and made me look at him forcibly. I took in a shaky breath as I came face to face with him.

His predatory eyes pinned me down, making me unable to move. I could feel his hot breath fanning against me as he spoke. "Why did you stare at me?" 

I gulped in fear. It seems like I miscalculated.

The predator is always more observant than the prey.