Chapter 9

Ava’s POV

I could not stay in this house for one more day. I spent years of my life hiding from Damien, and now I was trapped under his roof. Every single minute here felt like a bad dream.

I was terrified that Damien would take Lucas away from me. I knew that if we stayed here any longer, he would find out the truth. He would figure out that Lucas is his son. If he found out, he would steal my baby, and I would lose Lucas forever. I could not let that happen.

Later that morning, I peeped out and realized none of the guard were present.

For a second, I was surprised but then I realized this could be my perfect oppprtunity. But I have to make sure the road is clear.

I walked further the hallway, two staff members were arranging the flower vase, I stood near the wall and listened to them talk.

"The boss left the house early," one staff member said. "He is not around today. He is very busy."

When I heard those words, my heartbeat increased. Damien was not around! The guard monitoring my room are properly in a short break, this was my only chance. I had to use this opportunity to run away with my son right now.

I ran back to the room and grabbed Lucas by the hand. "Come on, baby," I whispered to him. "We are going out."

I walked down the stairs and went straight to the main gate. But when I got there, two big guards stepped in front of me. They blocked the way the instant they noticed me.

"You cannot leave, Miss Ava," one guard said. His face was hard and strict. "The boss said you must stay inside the house."

I tried to keep my cool. I forced a small smile on my face and lied to them. "I just want to take my son for a short walk in the garden. He is very tired of staying inside the room. We will come back soon."

"No," the guard said, shaking his head. "We have strict orders. You cannot go out."

I did not give up. I pulled out my phone and held it up to my ear. I pretended to dialed some number and pressed it on my ear.

"Yes, Damien," I said out loud, looking straight at the guards. "I am at the gate right now. Can you tell your guards to open the door for me? Yes, okay. I will hand the phone to them."

I reached out and held the phone toward the guard. "Damien wants to talk to you. He said you should let me out."

The guard did not fall for my trick. He did not take the phone. He just crossed his arms over his chest and looked at me. "Nice try, Miss Ava. But the Alpha did not call us. You are not leaving."

My fake smile vanished. I lost my mind. I had no other options left, so I just started to scream as loud as I could.

"Help! Help me!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, looking toward the road outside. "Somebody help us! I am being held here against my will! They are keeping me like a prisoner! Let me go! Help!"

I screamed so hard that my neck began to hurt. I shook the gate, crying out for anyone to hear me. But the guards just stood there, watching me like I was crazy.

Suddenly, I felt a small tug on my shirt. I looked down and saw Lucas. His small face was pale, and tears were filling his big eyes. He was trembling with fear because of all my loud shouting.

My heart broke into a million pieces. My anger disappeared instantly. I dropped to my knees on the cold floor and pulled Lucas into a tight hug.

"Shh, baby," I whispered, wiping his tears with my thumb. "I am sorry. Mommy is sorry. Do not be scared, okay? Everything is fine. Mommy is right here."

I kissed his cheeks over and over until he stopped crying. I failed. We were trapped, and there was no way out.

I stood up, holding Lucas by his small hand. I turned around to go back inside the room in defeat. My head was down, and I felt like crying.

Just as I took my first step back toward the house, I heard a loud noise. The huge gates began to slowly swing open.

My heart jumped! I turned around quickly, my eyes wide with hope and happiness. Did someone hear my screams? Was someone coming to save us?

For one short second, I was filled with pure joy. But that joy died in an instant.

A large black car drove into the yard and stopped. The doors opened, and many heavily guarded men stepped out. Then, a beautiful woman walked out of the car. She wore nice clothes and moved like she owned the whole world.

The guards at the gate immediately bent their heads down, acknowledging her presence.

"Welcome back, Luna Selene," the guards said in unison.

Luna. The word hit me like a blow to the chest. My blood ran cold, and a wave of deep fear washed over me. This was Damien's woman. This was the future Luna of the pack.

I panicked. I quickly pulled Lucas behind my back, using my own body to hide him from her sight. I stood there, holding my breath.

Selene walked up the path, her high heels making clicking sounds on the floor. She did not look angry. Instead, she had a smooth, calm face.

She stopped right in front of me. Her sharp eyes looked at me, and then her eyes shifted down to my back, where Lucas was hiding behind my dress.

“Ava.” My name fell from her lips like a bitter prayer, I wonder where she heard it from. "Hiding your son is completely pointless, Ava," she continued. Her voice was very soft, but it sounded cold and mean. "I can already see him."

I gripped Lucas's hand tighter, but I could not speak a single word. My throat was completely dry.

Selene smiled at me, but her eyes were dark. She turned her head slightly toward the house.

"Let us go inside," Selene said softly, looking back into my eyes. "We have a lot of things to discuss."