Page 3 of Wolf Bitten

When my feet touched the floor, I paused to make sure I didn’t hear anyone coming.

Silence.

Each heartbeat rang in my ears.

I stood and wobbled but managed to catch my balance and stay upright. I had to get across the room to the window. If I was in a basement and the room had a window, the floor must be at ground level. It would be easier to sneak out that way than via the hallway.

Using the desk for support, I made my way across the room. By the time I reached the dresser, my eyes burned with unshed tears.

Almost there.

I had to keep going.

Then, I could find somewhere to call Raffe and get myself back into his loving arms.

That thought alone was enough to keep me going.

I reached across the dresser and grabbed the string to lift the blinds. My hands shook, and I had to grit my teeth to stop myself from raising the blinds too quickly and making noise. I couldn’t wait to get out of here.

When the blinds reached halfway, my heart sank.

It wasn’t a window.

It was a painting of a blue sky, sun, and flowers.

Acid inched up my throat. This was a cruel trick. I’d thought I was so damn close to heading home.

My vision blurred, and a tear trickled down my cheek.

No.

I wouldnotfall apart.

I refused, especially if that was what my captors hoped would happen. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of breaking me.

Releasing a shaky breath, I took a moment to pull myself together. I still had the door as an option, and I couldn’t hear anyone.

Carefully, I tiptoed over, nearly tripping over my own feet. I wanted to scream in frustration, but that would ruin my attempt at escape by alerting my captors.

I placed my ear against the wooden door and held my breath, listening one last time to ensure no one was out there or coming.

After several long seconds, silence continued to greet me.

Now or never.

I turned the knob and opened the door slowly. I winced, hoping like hell it didn’t creak. It hadn’t for my captors, but that could change with me.

Each inch was more excruciating than the last, and when it was partially open, I looked out the door.

My lungs seized.

This further confirmed my suspicions. I was either in a basement or an underground bunker. I feared the latter, but I couldn’t just sit here and give up. I had to do something.

No one was there. Fluorescent lights lit a long hallway, giving it a department store feel. Three doorways stood on either side of the hall, which ended in a well-lit open area.

I wouldn’t even have darkness to shroud me.

If Slade or one of the other coven members had been here, they could have camouflaged me, but I was on my own.

---