Page 1 of Seen Knot Heard

Chapter One

Chloe

Asteady throb pulses through my skull as consciousness returns, my senses dulled by the thick fog of sedatives.

I pry open my heavy eyelids, and confusion swirls through my muddled mind.

Fluffy pillows cradle my aching head and silky sheets caress my bare legs. My hands clench around the plush, down comforter as I struggle to sit up, my muscles weak and uncoordinated.

My head spins with grogginess, and when I lift my hand to my forehead, I almost knock myself in the face with a bright pink cast.

Confused, I struggle to remember how I broke my arm. When that fails, I take in the opulent furnishings of polished wood and rich velvet surrounding me, bathed in warm light from the lamp on the nightstand.

None of it looks familiar, and wisps of memory dance out of reach.

Dominic’s terrified expression.

Terror as I fell.

Pain.

Then lights, the sound of a chopper, and a paramedic telling me I was injured.

How did I get from the hospital to this strange, luxurious bedroom?

“Hello?” My voice comes out raspy, my throat dry from disuse. “Is anyone there?”

Only silence greets me.

Balance unsteady, I slide my legs over the side of the bed, pausing as the room spins. I need to find someone who can give me answers. My bare feet sink into the plush carpet as I stumble toward the door, grasping the handle for support.

It doesn’t budge.

Locked.

My heart rate spikes as I jiggle it. “Hey! Let me out!”

Muffled footsteps approach, and I step back as the door swings open. A large woman—an Alpha—steps into the room in a crisp uniform.

She regards me with indifference. “Ms. Richardson, what may I get for you?”

“Where am I?” I take in the luxurious room again in confusion. “Is this still the hospital?”

“No, you’re in your room at Pack Santaro.” She grips my arm and half-carries me back to bed. “You were in an accident, and your Alpha brought you home to recover.”

“My Alpha…” The rest of my memory comes flooding back.

My mother and Louie, coming to collect me. Being sedated when I fought them taking me away.

I struggle against her hold. “No, I can’t stay here.”

“You’re not permitted to leave the penthouse.” Her tone leaves no room for argument.

“No, you can’t keep me here!” Panic threatens to choke me. “I need to go. My friends will be worried.”

“Sorry, but those are my orders.” She appears almost bored by my distress as she shoves me back under the covers. “If you require anything, use the call button. Excuse me.”

Turning on her heel, she strides away, closing the door behind her, and the lock clicks with finality.

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