Zara’s POV
“Get dressed,” Levi demanded, and then he handed me a pair of shoes.
As I peered at my shoes in his hands, I narrowed my eyes in confusion at him. I had no intention of leaving the house. I was still quite angry with my dad.
“Why?” I folded my arms across my chest and mumbled.
“I am planning something special,” he said, arching an eyebrow and turning his head slightly to the side.
“Is it a surprise?” I inquired as my annoyance intensified within me. I had experienced enough surprises; I was not in the mood for anymore.
“You’ll see,” he said as he lowered my shoes to the floor. “Now put your shoes on, else we will be late.”
“What if I decide not to go?” I tested the waters. Even though he’s still not very good at it, Levi is getting better at keeping secrets.
Then I’ll have to drag you out of here like a caveman, slinging you over my shoulder. That sounds perfect for you, doesn’t it?”
Levi smiled teasingly. He seemed to be serious. Can he possibly go to such lengths?
“I view that as kidnapping,” I scoffed. “The guards will-”
“Even when it’s your mate,” Levi cut in, his grin growing wider. “In any case, nobody is going to attempt to stop me… It will appear as though I’m simply taking my mate out for a quick stroll…”
Levi swiftly raised his eyebrows twice before winking.
My jaw literally fell to the floor in shock. The nerve! How dare he!
What the hell was wrong with him? He never acted like that! What an unexpected turn of events!
Besides, what the hell was so important that he would drag my ass out of here like that?
When I finally overcame my disbelief, I muttered, “You’re being ridiculous.”
“Do you want to test me?” He asked, getting closer.
Levi took a threatening step towards me, and I quickly jumped to my feet.
“You can come with me willingly, or-”
“Fine!” I gave him a sidelong glance. “I’ll go with you.”
I drew my shoes closer and slid back into the chair.
With Levi in sight, I put on my shoes and stood up.
Levi nodded in approval.
“I am glad you are making it easy for yourself,” he said, motioning for me to go first.
I rolled my eyes, released a breath I didn’t know I was holding, lifted my chin, and made my way to the exit.
As soon as we were outside, Levi locked the door, grabbed my hand, and pulled me toward the stairs.
“What the hell-”
“I would prefer that no one saw us,” he remarked quickly.
“Why?” I abruptly withdrew my hand from his.
“Your father has instructed the guards to monitor you closely. The pack is on lockdown. Only authorized individuals can enter and exit the pack.”
“Seriously, you lied to me!” My anger was so intense that I let out a low growl. “And now, are you also attempting to kidnap me?”
As he halted at the staircase, Levi pivoted to confront me.
“You have known me your whole life, Zara,” he continued, his voice betraying his irritation. “By now, you should have a decent idea of whether you can trust me or not! I needed to take some action to get you out of the room.”
Levi moved in closer, looking into my eyes.
“Please, don’t be angry with me,” he mumbled. “This,” he remarked as he grasped my hands. “This is important to me. Trust me. Please.”
I simply scowled. Levi was someone I could trust and count on no matter what. I know he wouldn’t hurt me in any way.
I was reluctant to accompany him due to my ongoing anger toward my father. By venting my anger onto Levi, I was unfair to him.
“Tell me where you are planning to take me,” I said. The secrecy was now stoking my curiosity.
Levi hesitated for a while, his eyes flashing with excitement. I suppose he was trying to keep the surprise he had planned for me a secret.
“We are going to town,” he said with a serious expression.
“Seriously? Is it really worth all the secrecy and trouble to go into town?” I hissed. “What’s so important?”
“I guarantee you will enjoy it,” he said, all the while using his signature puppy eyes to trick me.
“Okay,” I said as I surrendered. I didn’t want to ruin the surprise, and there was no way he would just tell me. “Let’s go. With what strategy do you intend to avoid the guards?”
As he grinned, Levi’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Come on, this way,” he urged, re-grasping my hand.
Levi made sure it was safe to descend to the bottom level as we hurriedly went down the steps. Two guards stood watch at the entrance.
Levi’s eyes gazed over, and a moment later, a smile emerged.
Whoever he had mind linked was helping him.
“We can leave through the back door,” he said, and we both dashed down the hallway.
Even though the back entrance didn’t have any guards stationed, Levi motioned for me to remain where I was and swiftly see if anyone was waiting outside.
My adrenaline levels had risen to dangerously high levels. This was so f*cking exciting!
After a short absence, Levi reappeared, grinning widely, and motioned for me to come after him.
“Are we going by foot?” I asked, “Is it hot outside?
“No,” he firmly stated as he dragged me by the hand toward the garage. “We are taking my truck.”
In a flash, Levi unlocked the passenger door, pushed me inside, and then went around and got into the driver’s side.
“Levi, your plan is not going to work; the guards will see me leave.”
“Look in the bag,” he said, and proceeded to start and reverse the truck.
My eyes landed on the concealed gym bag beneath the seat, prompting me to pull it out, unzip it, and retrieve what appeared to be a wig.
“What is this?” I inquired, catching Levi’s gaze in the rearview mirror.
“Put it on!” he said.
“But the guards-”
“Trust me,” he said. “They will not notice!”
While putting on the wig, my heart was racing. Can Levi deceive the guards? Or will we both find ourselves in significant trouble?
****