Chapter 17
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Nana moves quietly through the packhouse, her heart hammering in her chest. Every step feels too loud, and the creaking floorboards seem to betray her. She knows what she’s about to do is reckless–stupid even–but Lowell needs her help, and she can’t just sit back and let Marco’s men find him.
The storeroom is just ahead, where the guards keep their spare uniforms and supplies. She steals a look around, making sure that no one is there, before slipping inside the place. The room was dimly lit, smells like leather and sweat, Her movement is quick, fingers trembling as she picks up a set of clothes from the shelves.
She freezes just before she’s about to turn and walk away. Voices echo from the hallway.
“Patrol shifts are doubling tonight,” one voice says. “We need to find that bastard before Alpha loses his shit completely.”
“Yeah, but do you think we’ll actually catch him? He’s a fucking Lycan,” another guard replies.
Nana’s breath catches in her throat. Shit. She ducks behind a stack of crates, clutching the clothes to her chest as the guards enter the storeroom.
“Grab some extra gear,” the first guard says. “The Alpha wants us prepared for anything.”
Nana presses herself against the crates, willing her body to disappear. Her heart pounds so loudly she’s sure they can hear it.
One of the guards moves closer, his boots echoing against the floor. She holds her breath, every muscle in her body tensed.
“You hear that?” the second guard asks, his tone suspicious.
The first guard pauses. “Hear what?”
“I don’t know… thought I heard something.”
“Stop being paranoid. Let’s just grab this shit and get back out there.”
Nana doesn’t move until the sound of their footsteps fades completely. She exhales shakily, her hands damp with sweat as she clutches the stolen clothes. She has to get out of here–fast.
Outside, the cool night air greets her, but it does little to calm her racing heart. The packhouse is surrounded by patrol teams, their heightened vigilance a clear sign of Marco’s growing impatience. Nana scans the area, looking for an opening.
Two guards are stationed near the edge of the forest, their eyes scanning the darkness. She bites her lip, trying to think. How the hell am I supposed to get past them?
Her gaze falls on a pile of discarded crates near the side of the packhouse. If she can create a distraction, maybe she can slip by unnoticed,
Taking a deep breath, she crouches low and moves toward the crates. She grabs a loose rock from the ground and hurls it at the stack. The crash is loud, echoing through the quiet night.
“What was that?” one of the guards asks, immediately turning toward the noise.
“Probably just some animal,” the other replies, but they both move toward the crates to investigate.
tfter
Nana seizes her chance, darting toward the forest. Her bare feet hardly make a sound on the soft ground as she moves quickly but silently. She continues until the trees enclose her, their ominous shadows offering a fleeting sensation of security.
“My Prince,” she says in a scarcely discernible whisper. As she makes her way more into the woods and near the little Hut Lowell is, she searches the shadows. “My Prince, it’s me.”
Her heart soars when she hears a deep growl in response. A second later, Lowell emerges from the darkness, the moonlight shining on his imposing figure.
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16:03 Thu, 8 May
Chapter 17
He says, “You shouldn’t be here,” in a voice that is both relieved and irritated.
“Neither should you” she retorts, holding out the bundle of clothes. “Here. Put these on. Marco’s men are everywhere. They’re closing in on you.”
Lowell takes the clothes, his expression softening slightly. “You risked a lot to bring me these.”
“You are my….mate,” she replies simply. “I owe you.”
He shakes his head, his sharp features hardening. “You don’t owe me anything, Nana. If anything, I’m putting you in more danger by being here.”
CAST
“Marco already treats me like shit,” she says, her voice tinged with bitterness. “Nothing’s going to change that. But you… you can’t stay here, you’re a threat to him. You need to leave before they find you.”
Lowell hesitates, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. “And go where? This is my pack”
“Anywhere,” she says, her voice trembling. “Find another pack, or go rogue if you have to. Just… stay alive.”
Lowell steps closer, his large hand reaching out to gently brush her cheek. “You’re trembling,” he murmurs, his voice softer now.
Nana swallows hard, her throat tight. “I’m fine,” she lies.
“You’re not,” he says, his tone firm. “And I can’t just leave you here to deal with that bastard.”
“You don’t have a choice,” she replies, her voice barely audible.
For a moment, silence stretches between them. Then Lowell pulls her into his arms, his touch surprisingly gentle. Nana freezes, her body stiff, but slowly
she relaxes against him.
“I’ll go,” he says finally, his deep voice rumbling in her ear. “But I swear I’ll come back for you.”
Nana closes her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks. “Just… don’t get caught,” she whispers.
Lowell pulls back slightly, his gaze intense. Without warning, he leans down and presses his lips to hers. The kiss is both tender and desperate, filled with unspoken promises and raw emotion.
Nana opens her mouth to receive his tongue as he slowly and dominantly kisses her till they are both out of breath.
When they finally pull apart, Nana’s cheeks are flushed, her breath shallow. “You should go,” she says, her voice shaky.
Lowell nods, his expression unreadable. “Stay safe, Mate.”
With that, he disappears into the shadows, leaving Nana alone in the forest. She inhaled deeply, hoping to gather herself before she returned to the house.
Thoughts racing in her mind as she traces her steps back; thoughts lost in the memory of Lowell’s touches and the danger she’s putting him in. She knows that she is playing a dangerous game; however, there is no turning back. Her body is shaking from fear and adrenaline all at once. She knows the night is far from over.
They’ll find him if he doesn’t get far enough.
She clenches her fists, silently praying to the Mood Goddess to keep Lowell sale.
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