Caras pov
My mind was in complete chaos. Every part of me tried to convince myself that I was just overreacting, that I was just being paranoid. But the truth stood there in front of me, undeniable. That sinking feeling of being hunted, of being found, was pricking my skin like needles, refusing to let go.
The figures moved with a slow, deliberate pace, as if they wanted everyone to feel their power. As they reached the front, Alexander turned to face the crowd, his voice calm but loud enough to echo through the gathering. “Welcome, everyone. Tonight, we are honored to have some very special guests. Please show them the respect they deserve.”
The crowd fell into a hushed silence, all eyes glued to the three figures. One by one, they stepped forward, pulling back their hoods.
My heart nearly stopped when I recognized the first figure, a warrior from Brian’s pack. I’d seen him many times during my time there, and my stomach twisted at the sight of him. The second was a woman with sharp, calculating eyes, her expression giving away nothing but coldness.
But it was the third figure that sent ice through my veins. He was taller, more imposing than the others, and when he pulled back his hood, I felt as if the world had stopped.
Garreth, the loyal dog of Brian.
I sucked in a sharp breath, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. My heart felt like it was trying to beat its way out of my chest, and every muscle in my body locked up in terror. He looked just the way I remembered, with that smirk always playing on his lips, his eyes as sharp as ever. But there was something else, something darker, more threatening.
He scanned the crowd, his gaze moving slowly, as if he were searching for something. My blood ran cold, and I quickly looked down, hoping, praying that he wouldn’t see me. Every instinct screamed at me to hide, to run, but I couldn’t move. I was frozen, trapped in my own fear.
For a moment, I thought his eyes landed on me. It was like a heavy weight pressing down on my shoulders, making it hard to breathe. But then, just as quickly as it came, the feeling disappeared.
“Cara?” Emily’s voice snapped me back to reality. She squeezed my arm, her eyes wide with worry. “What’s wrong? Do you know him?”
I wanted to answer, to say something, anything. But my throat felt like it had closed up. My mind was racing, my heart pounding so loudly that I could barely hear anything else. How had he found me? What was he doing here?
Garreth’s lips curved into a slow, chilling smile, his eyes like hawks peering round the party hall, nodding his head at Alexander and all the park members who were running up and down like headless chicken. Alexander, who for no reason has turned from a mighty Alpha to an MC. The sight made my stomach churn.
Looking at Garreth, the warnings of Debby echoed in my mind.
And I knew, without a doubt, he wasn’t here by accident or for a stupid party. He had found where I was hiding. And everything was about to change.
The party Kickstarted following the arrival of the special guests, which was Garreth, and his fellow companions. and people tried to go back to their conversations, but the mood was different now. Everyone was more shocked as to the guest identity is to make their alpha to serve him like servants.
I couldn’t focus on anything. My mind was still reeling, and every time I glanced in Garreth’s direction, I felt that same fear creeping up on me.
What if he had seen me? What if he already knew I was here? I could barely breathe, the panic threatening to overwhelm me.
“Are you alright?” Emily asked, frowning at me. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I… I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile. “I’m just a little tired.”
“Awww, Cara can’t handle a little training”
“Maybe you should rest,” Emma suggested. “You don’t look well.”
I nodded, grateful for the excuse. “Yeah, I think I’ll go back to my room for a bit. I just need some air.”
Emily looked like she wanted to say more, but she just nodded. “Okay, but if you need anything, let us know.”
I forced another smile and turned to leave, hoping to slip away unnoticed. My heart was beating hard. Just a little more… I was halfway across the room when I heard his voice.
“Excuse me, everyone!” Garreth’s voice rang out, commanding everyone’s attention. My heart stopped, and I froze in place, my back still turned to him. “Before you all continue with your celebration, I have a few words to say.”
I could feel everyone’s eyes shift towards him, and I dared not move. I didn’t want to draw any attention to myself, but I couldn’t leave now.
“First of all,” Garreth began, his tone smooth and calm, “I’d like to thank Alpha Alexander and his pack for their generous hospitality. The master will be very pleased, and you all will be greatly rewarded for your hard work.”
I chanced a glance towards Alexander, and my heart sank when I saw the look on his face. He was biting his lips, his expression twisted into something complicated, guilt, regret, and fear. He looked like a man who was battling with his morals.
“But,” Garreth continued, and his voice took on a darker, more dangerous edge. “We are here on more important business.” He paused, letting his words hang in the air.
“The wife of my Alpha has gone missing. After betraying him, she ran away and has been hiding ever since. We’ve searched everywhere, and now, finally, we have reached the end of our search.”
The room went deathly quiet, murmurs of people around cursing the damn wife reached my ears. even though Garreth hadn’t said my name. I could feel the blood drain from my face, my heart pounding so hard it hurt.
Garreth turned to Alexander, patting him on the shoulder. “Thank you for your hard work, Alpha. You’ve been a great help in tracking her down.”
Alexander looked like he wanted to say something, but his mouth just opened and closed, no words coming out.
“You all have done well in holding the master’s wife until we come and take her back to her home”.
“And now,” Garreth’s voice boomed, “it’s time to welcome my Alpha’s wife. Behold Cara, my dear,”
“why don’t you come up to the stage and take your right place as the queen?”