The Alpha’s Contract (Contract by Alpha’s #3)

Chapter 0149

Raven

The moment Neah’s voice echoed through the hall, Damien pulled away, as if nothing had just happened.

My heart pounded violently in my chest as he stepped into her room, leaving me breathless and frustrated in the hallway, his taste still lingering on my lips.

What the hell was that? Midnight gasped, equally annoyed.

I need to get out of here.

Backing away slowly, I reached the stairs, my vision blurring as tears threatened to spill.

"No, not happening," I muttered, shaking my head as I bolted down the staircase, wiping my eyes. Crying wasn’t something I did, and I sure as hell wasn’t going to start now.

Desperate for escape, I hurried across the grounds and entered the hospital—my sanctuary. The one place where I had control, where the pack depended on me.

Sinking down behind the station, I sat in silence, letting Midnight soothe me.

Why had I let myself get pulled into that moment? Why had I allowed the bond to cloud my judgment?

We can’t help it, Midnight whispered. He stirs feelings we haven’t felt in a long time.

He’s not Salem.

No, he’s not. Salem betrayed us. Midnight’s voice was laced with bitterness, though she would never admit it outright.

Frustrated, I smacked my palm against the cold tile floor.

"Angry?" A deep voice rumbled from the other side of the station, freezing me in place.

I thought I was alone.

Yet, I couldn’t smell another wolf. Which could only mean one thing.

Dane. I linked my brother immediately. It’s here. In my hospital.

What are you talking about?

The Rogue. My voice trembled.

We’re coming!

"I’d prefer if you came out," the voice continued, calm yet menacing. "I just want to talk."

We should shift, Midnight urged.

No, that’ll trigger an attack.

Moving carefully, I rose to my feet, keeping my back to the creature. I had no weapons, nothing within reach that could do any real damage.

Turning slowly, my breath caught in my throat.

I hadn’t gotten a clear look before, but now, standing in front of me, it was even worse than the Lycans we had fought. Damien had been right—they truly were monsters.

Its piercing gaze locked onto mine, nostrils flaring as it tilted its grotesque head. Dried blood clung to its jagged teeth and snout. Had it killed someone to get inside?

"You reek of the traitor," it growled.

I held its stare, refusing to blink, refusing to show fear. A part of me had believed Damien was lying when he said they could talk.

"How...how did you get in here?" My voice wavered. I always locked up when I left.

"Is that really what you’ll be worrying about when you’re dying, Raven?"

"You know my name?" I whispered, my eyes darting toward the door. Where was Dane? Where was anyone?

The creature let out a low, eerie chuckle. "Looking for someone? Your new mate? Your big brother? Maybe even the female Alpha?" It leaned forward, voice dripping with malice. "None of them can save you."

Keep him talking, Midnight advised. Buy yourself time.

"You’ve been watching me?" I asked, grasping at any distraction.

"If that’s what makes you feel better," it sneered.

It hadn’t moved since we started talking. Was it trying to intimidate me?

"Your eyes keep flicking to the door." Its voice was smug, its clawed fingers flexing. "I assume you linked one of them."

Then, in a flash, it lunged.

Before I could react, it vaulted over the counter, grabbing me in a crushing grip.

A cloth pressed over my mouth.

I thrashed and fought with everything I had, but each breath I took made my limbs heavier. My strength faded my vision blurred.

This wasn’t like fighting one of the turned ones, who attacked with reckless aggression. No—this one was precise, calculated. I knew exactly what I was going to do before I did it.

My body finally gave out, slumping against its solid chest.

"Time for sleep," it murmured.