Page 28 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

The cage is cramped and uncomfortable, the metal bars cold against my skin. I huddle in the corner, trying to make myself as small as possible. The werewolves barely acknowledge my presence, except to toss me scraps of food and water. I'm starving with what they have given me to eat. It seems as if they are trying to keep me as weak as possible. Smart move on their part, I guess. A weak prisoner is less likely to cause trouble.

I strain to overhear their conversations, desperate for any information that might help me understand my situation and escape. They talk of a power struggle within their pack, of members challenging the authority of their Alpha. Is Axel one of them? The thought is both terrifying and oddly comforting. If he is, maybe he has a better chance of finding me.

As the hours turn into days, the loneliness and desperation threaten to overwhelm me. I've never felt so helpless, so utterly alone. And I have no clue as to why they want me. Am I just a random victim? Or is there something more to this?

But even in my darkest moments, I cling to the hope that Axel is out there, searching for me. He's my only lifeline in this nightmare, the one person who might be able to save me from this hell. Come on, Axel. I need you now more than ever.

Time blurs as I sit in this cage, feeling helpless and alone. The werewolves, my captors, move about their business, seemingly unconcerned with my presence. I watch them, trying to understand their patterns and routines, desperate for any advantage that might aid in my escape. If there's one thing I've learned from all those crime shows I used to binge-watch, it's that knowledge is power. And right now, knowledge might be my only weapon.

I begin to notice a rhythm to their movements. The guards rotate on a schedule, some more attentive than others. I learn their faces, their mannerisms, searching for any weakness I canexploit. I'm playing the world's most terrifying game of chess, where one wrong move could cost me my life.

It's during one of these long hours of observation that I spot it - the key to my cage, hanging on a hook just out of reach. My heart races at the sight, a flicker of hope igniting within me. If I could just get my hands on that key... It's tantalizingly close, yet might as well be on the moon for all the good it does me right now.

I glance down at the paper clips I managed to snag off the floor during a moment of inattention from my captors. They're not much, but they're all I have. As one of the guards dozes off in a chair nearby, I seize my chance. With trembling fingers, I reach through the bars and carefully undo his shoelace, slipping it free without waking him.

This isn't the first time I've stolen a shoelace from this particular guard. A few days ago, I noticed him nodding off during his shift, his shoelaces dangling temptingly close to my cage. In a moment of desperation, I managed to snag one, holding my breath as I slowly pulled it free. Miraculously, he didn't stir, and I tucked my prize away, hoping it might come in handy.

I was lucky then, and I pray that my luck holds now. This second shoelace could be the difference between escape and captivity, between life and death.

The next guard arrives to relieve his sleeping companion, and I watch with bated breath as they exchange positions. The guardsdon't seem to notice the missing shoelace, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Small victories, Lila. That's what's going to get you through this.

Under the thin bedding provided in my cage, I hide the new shoelace with the other supplies. The paper clips will become a crude hook, the shoelace a length of string. It's not much, but it's a start. MacGyver would be proud, I think with a grim smile. I tuck them away, waiting for the right moment to make my move.

As the hours stretch on, I find myself alternating between anger and determination. How dare they keep me locked up like an animal? What gives them the right to tear me away from my life, from the people I love? The rage simmers within me, fueling my resolve to escape. I'm not just some damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. I'm Lila fucking Taylor, and I'm going to get myself out of this mess. I can’t keep waiting to be rescued.

But beneath the anger, fear lurks. I've seen what these creatures are capable of, the raw power and savagery they possess. If I fail, if they catch me... I shudder to think of the consequences. It would be like being trapped in a cage with a tiger - one wrong move, and I'm toast.

I close my eyes, taking deep breaths to calm my racing heart. I picture Axel, his strong presence and reassuring smile. He's out there somewhere, looking for me. I have to believe that. I have to hold onto the hope that he'll find me, that he'll save me from this nightmare. But I can't rely on hope alone. I have to be ready to save myself.

With grim determination, I begin to mentally prepare for my escape attempt. I go over the plan again and again in my mind, visualizing each step, each movement.

The key glints in the dim light, taunting me with the promise of freedom. I know the risks, know the likelihood of failure. But I refuse to spend another day in this cage, at the mercy of these monsters. I will escape. I will survive. And when I do, I'm going to need the biggest, strongest drink I can find.

My heart pounds in my chest as I watch the werewolf guards arguing, their voices rising in anger. I can't make out the specifics of their dispute, but I know this is my chance. As they storm off, called away by some unseen summons, I spring into action. It's now or never, Lila.

With shaking hands, I retrieve my makeshift hook and shoelace from beneath the bedding. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "You can do this, Lila," I whisper, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

Chapter 10

The Alpha's Claim

Axel

I burst through the pack house doors, the scent of my own panicked sweat mixing with the lingering traces of Lila's vanilla and cinnamon aroma. My heart pounds against my ribs as I shout, "Lila's been kidnapped!" My voice echoes off the wooden walls, and I watch as the pack members lounging on plush sofas or gathered around the stone fireplace turn to face me, their expressions morphing from relaxed to concerned in an instant.

Ethan steps forward from the crowd, his brow furrowing as he takes in my disheveled appearance. I know I look a mess - my usually impeccable hair is wild, my clothes are rumpled, and I can feel the panic in my own eyes.

"What happened?" Ethan asks, his calm tone a stark contrast to the chaos in my mind.

I take a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. The memory of Lila's terrified eyes as she was dragged away flashes through my mind, causing my wolf to howl in anguish. I clench my fists, willing myself to focus.

"I was driving back from the lodge," I begin, my words tumbling out in a rush, “out of nowhere, a strong sense of unease washed over me, leaving me unsettled. My wolf was restless, urging me to find Lila. It was... intense, like nothing I've ever experiencedbefore." I pause, swallowing hard, the memory of that moment still vivid. "Moments before that I received a text of Lila in front of the Cozy Bean’s, but by the time I got there, it was too late. She was being forced into a car by unknown assailants. I couldn't reach her in time."

The pack members exchange uneasy glances. Whispers break out among the group, a mix of concern and confusion. Marcus, one of the older pack members steps forward, his expression grave.

"Axel," he says, his tone cautious but firm, "we understand your concern. But we have to prioritize the rogue threat. They've been causing chaos in our territory for weeks now. We need to focus on protecting the pack."

A low growl rises in my throat, my wolf bristling at the idea of abandoning Lila.Find mate. Protect mate.

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