Page 7 of Lycan Prey
“How could you do this?” I sob out, the question more pleading than angry.
Rhett pulls away from me, standing straight and smoothing out his suit jacket. He glares down at me with cold disdain in his eyes. “It’s just business, sweetheart.”
Rhett’s grip tightens, and I struggle against him until Nathan speaks up. “Alpha, I think your guests have arrived.”
Rhett stops. I can hear my heartbeat pounding in my ears like a drum. He shoves me, and I hastily stand, rushing toward the doors. I would rather take my chances with the guard.
“Send them in,” Rhett rumbles. Nathan nods, seizing my arm. “I’ll see you later, Aubrey. After all, I now have to punish you for thinking you can put your hands on me.”
I gulp as Nathan yanks me out the door, only to realize Nathan has lied about anyone waiting to see Rhett.
I glance up at him.
“What were you thinking?” he hisses at me, leading me to the elevator. I wasn’t thinking clearly.
Anxiety courses through me fiercely the closer we draw to the elevator, and I must act fast if I want to escape my guards. As security officers drag me into the elevator, I know this is my only chance. I did not throw away my Alpha title to be pimped out by my mate and sold off like some rogue whore.
I keep my eyes ahead as I slip my hand into my bag and grasp my deodorant can. I bide my time until the elevator doors open.
As soon as the elevator dings, signaling we’ve reached the foyer floor, my finger slips over the plunger. I spray Nathan in the face, temporarily blinding him.
I hastily close my eyes to avoid getting any in them. The smell of the artificial lavender assaults my nose. I ignore it, focusing on freeing myself from Nathan’s grip. He stumbles back, yelling in surprise and pain. Using that to my advantage, I knee the other officer in the groin, causing him to crumble to the floor.
Nathan lunges at me; however, my years of training as an Alpha’s daughter kick in, and I see it coming. I sidestep Nathan’s attack, giving me the opportunity to kick him in the stomach, causing him to double over. I then knee him in the face. The other officer, still clutching his groin, tries to grab me.
I quickly react by gripping his hair and slamming his head into the elevator wall. With the two of them incapacitated, I step over their slumped bodies and scoop up my handbag. Taking a deep breath, I straighten my posture and calmly walk out of the elevator. I can feel the eyes of the people in the lobby on me as I saunter out as if nothing happened. I lift my chin and keep my gaze ahead, not stopping until I reach the glass sliding doors. The moment I step outside, I run.
Chapter 4
• Aubrey •
With adrenaline pumping through my veins, I sprint to my car, fumbling with my keys as I open the door. I toss my bag on the back seat before pulling out into traffic to make my escape.
Unsure of where to go, I keep driving, knowing I can’t return to my parents after taking Rhett’s side when he challenged my father for me. My mother will never forgive me for the harm Rhett caused my father.
I drive for what feels like hours, far away from the city and into the countryside. Sprawling fields and quaint farms replace the familiar sights of skyscrapers and city lights. The roads become narrower and less crowded, with only the occasional car passing by.
What am I going to do? Where am I going to go? I can’t stay on the run forever, and I also can’t return home, not after what’s happened.
A sudden thought strikes me—my grandmother, a rogue, lives in a small town a few hours away. It’s not much, but it’s a place to start. With my grandmother in mind, I steer my car toward the small town, desperately hoping to find refuge with her.
The long drive weighs heavily on me as I travel to my grandmother’s place. My gas tank is running low, so I refuel at agas station. My heart sinks when I hand over my credit card to the cashier, only for it to decline.
“Can you please try again?” I ask, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. The cashier shakes his head, informing me the card has a hold on it and he can’t process the payment.
I try to figure out how to pay for the gas. Then it hits me: I still have the venue deposit in my glove box. I rush out to my car, grab enough cash to cover the gas and hurry back inside to settle the bill. All the while, I worry. I’m sure Rhett is behind my card getting declined. What else does he have in store for me?
I continue the long drive to my grandmother’s with a full tank. After hours on the road, I finally arrive in the sleepy town where she lives. As I pull up in front of the rundown house, I wonder if my grandmother will even remember me. It has been years since we last saw each other, back when I was just a child. What if she doesn’t want to see me?
Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I climb out of my car and start toward the house. The paint is peeling, and the once-green lawn is overgrown with weeds. As I approach the front door, a mixture of sadness and nostalgia hits me. Seeking refuge with my grandmother is a long shot, but it’s the only chance I have to escape the nightmare I’ve been living in. With each step, I hope my grandmother will recognize me and take me in, offering a safe haven from the betrayal that has left my world in tatters.
I quickly cover the car, placing hay bales in front of it and covering it over with a tarp. Once done, I take a deep breath before stepping out of the gate and onto the street. My heart races with nerves as I stride up to her front door and knock.
I wait anxiously for what feels like an eternity, listening for any sounds of movement inside. Finally, I hear shuffling, and the door creaks open. My grandmother’s frail figure appears inthe doorway, her once-sparkling eyes now clouded with age. She squints at me, and for a moment, I fear she won’t recognize me.
“Aubrey?” she whispers, her voice cracking with emotion. “Is that you?”
A wave of relief washes over me as I nod, tears pricking my eyes. “Yes, Grandma, it’s me,” I reply, my voice shaking.
