Page 54 of Curvy Alpha Bride
If I stay here, I could end up locked in this cabin for the rest of my life. I have to make an attempt to escape. Even if I die, at least I tried.
I get up and head towards the door, looking out the windows to see if I’m still being watched. I can’t see anyone, but they might be hidden, so I don’t assume I’m safe.
Just get the fucking door open, then run like hell!
As I approach the door, someone knocks on it, almost making me jump out of my skin. Cursing softly, I walk over to it,wondering if whoever is out there is psychic, appearing the very moment I gathered the courage to try to leave.
“Who is it?” I ask, sounding braver than I feel.
“It’s me, dear,” a soft voice calls, and I recognize it as Finnah.
“What do you want?” I snap.
“I have some of the girls from the village with me, and we’d like to stay here with you, if you’ll let us.”
“Why?” I ask, glaring at the door and hoping she picks up on my suspicion.
“Because it’s a safehouse. The creature can’t get in, and we’re worried about the integrity of the other bunkers. These few girls with me are very vulnerable, and we think the beast will try very hard to get them.”
I stare at the door, coming close enough to it to touch the wood. I don’t want to open it and let them in—especially Finnah.
It’s a trick, it has to be. Xavier’s waiting out there, and I’ll have to look into his traitorous eyes and listen to his excuses again!
“Please?” a very soft voice calls. “We’re scared, Luna. It took Dove right out of her bed. It will be coming for us next. Please let us stay with you.”
A groan of defeat rattles through my chest. The image of Dove holding my hand, hugging me, looking up at me with her big, innocent eyes, pushes all other thoughts from my mind.
She trusted me. She said that I saved them all, and I let her down. I can’t let that happen again.
Reluctantly, I turn the deadbolt and swing the door open. There are three young girls on the porch, with Finnah behind them.
“Thank you, Mabel,” Finnah says with what sounds like genuine relief. “The town is locking itself down, but we don’t know if the bunkers will even be of any use now.”
“What makes you think the cabin is safe?” I ask.
“My brother survived here for twenty years,” she answers. “And the thing was right on top of him the whole time. If it could have gotten in, it would have.”
“The cabin is protected by old magics,” one of the girls says. “Among our first settlers were witches and wizards, and one of those wizards mixed his blood with the mortar. The witch cannot breach the bounds.”
“Lyssa,” Finnah replies, shaking her head. “That’s just a story.”
“Stories are all we have,” Lyssa says, a serious look on her face.
“Ain’t that the truth,” I mutter, stepping back from the doorway. “Come in, girls, and ah… make yourself at home, I guess?”
“Would you like to go outside for a while?” Finnah asks as the other girls head into the living area. “We should get some wood in while the sun is high, and if you need to stretch your legs, now would be the time.”
“I thought I was confined to these walls,” I say, arching an eyebrow.
“We’ve heard nothing all day,” Finnah says. “I believe we are safe for now, and you might not get another chance.”
The impact of her words slowly sinks into me. She didn’t add a time frame.
She’s implying I’ll never get another chance... ever.
“Okay,” I say, stepping onto the porch. “I’ll go for a walk.”
“I’ll be keeping an eye on you,” Finnah says. Even though it could be taken as a threat, it really sounds like she wants to keep me safe.
