Chapter 266

Chapter 266

Mia's POV

Consciousness returned to me slowly, like swimming up from the bottom of a deep, dark pool. The first thing I noticed was that I wasn't in pain. The drugs they'd injected me with should have left me groggy and disoriented for hours, but instead, I felt surprisingly clear-headed.

My healing abilities must have processed the sedative faster than they expected.

I kept my eyes closed and my breathing steady, listening carefully to my surroundings. The room I was in felt different from what I'd expected - there was no damp concrete smell of a typical warehouse or basement. Instead, I detected the scent of expensive leather, polished wood, and high-quality fabrics.

This isn't some makeshift prison. This is someone's private space. Someone with money and taste.

The bed beneath me was comfortable, with what felt like silk sheets and down pillows. Wherever I was, whoever had brought me here had resources far beyond what I'd expected from a rogue organization.

Footsteps approached the room, and I forced my body to remain limp as the door opened.

"She's still out," a voice said - male, probably middle-aged, with an educated accent. "That sedative really knocked her down."

"Good," another voice replied, this one younger but equally refined. "The boss wants her completely compliant when he questions her."

The boss again. Everyone keeps referring to someone else in charge.

"Hard to believe she's the famous Supreme Luna," the first voice continued. "She looks so... ordinary."

"Don't let appearances fool you," the second voice warned. "She's more dangerous than she looks. The boss has been planning this operation for months just to get his hands on her."

"What's so special about her anyway? I mean, besides the whole Supreme Luna thing."

"Her blood, for one. They say it can enhance any werewolf's abilities beyond imagination. And her healing powers - if we could harness those, replicate them somehow..."

So that's what this is about. They want to use me as some kind of supernatural battery.

"Plus, she's the key to controlling those three Alphas," the younger voice added. "As long as we have her, they'll do whatever we want."

Wait. Three Alphas? But there are four brothers.

A chill ran down my spine as I realized what that might mean. Had something happened to one of them? Was someone injured or worse?

The conversation was interrupted by new footsteps - heavier, more authoritative. Both men immediately fell silent, and I could sense their nervous energy.

"Is she awake yet?" a new voice asked, and this one made my blood freeze. It was distorted, artificial - the same kind of voice modulation device Liam had used when he was pretending to be the rogue leader.

No. It can't be. Please don't let it be him.

"Still unconscious, sir," the first man reported. "She should be out for several more hours."

There was a moment of silence, then a low chuckle that sent shivers down my spine.

"She's been awake for at least ten minutes," the masked voice said with amusement. "Her breathing pattern changed, her heart rate is elevated, and she's been listening to every word you've said."

Damn. He's observant.

"But sir, the sedative-"

"Clearly wasn't as effective as you thought. The Supreme Luna has abilities that go far beyond what most people understand."

I could feel eyes on me, studying me with uncomfortable intensity.

"You can stop pretending now, my dear," the voice continued. "I know you're awake."

Since my cover was blown anyway, I slowly opened my eyes and took in my surroundings. The room was indeed luxurious - dark wood paneling, expensive artwork, a massive four-poster bed that I was currently lying on. It looked more like a high-end hotel suite than a prison.

The two men from earlier were standing near the door, both looking embarrassed at having been fooled. But my attention was focused on the figure standing beside the bed.

He was wearing the same kind of black mask and voice modulator that Liam had used, but his build was different. Taller, broader, with an entirely different presence.

So it's not Liam. But then who?

"Impressive," I said, sitting up slowly and swinging my legs over the side of the bed. "You're clearly more intelligent than your subordinates."

"Am I?" he asked, his distorted voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Please, enlighten me."

" Though. I try to surround myself with competent people," he replied. "Though as you can see, I don't always succeed."

The two men shifted uncomfortably but didn't respond to the insult.

"Since you were smart enough to figure out I was awake," I continued, standing up and testing my balance, "you're probably smart enough to know what kind of person you're dealing with. So I have to ask - what exactly did you think would happen when you brought me here?"

"I think you'll be very cooperative," he said confidently.

"Really? And why would I be cooperative with someone who kidnapped me?"

"Because, my dear Supreme Luna, cooperation is the only way to ensure the safety of the people you care about."

The casual way he said it made my stomach drop. "What are you talking about?"

"Your mates, of course. All three of them are currently guests in my facility."

Three. He said three again.

"Where's the fourth?" I demanded, my voice sharper than I'd intended.

"Ah, so you did notice that. Very perceptive." He tilted his head, clearly enjoying my distress. "Xavier managed to escape during transport. Quite resourceful, actually. But don't worry - we'll find him soon enough."

The shock hit me like a physical blow. They had been following me to protect me, and now they were captured because of it. Because of me. But at the same time, relief flooded through me knowing that one of them - probably Xavier based on the footage - had gotten away.

"You see," the masked figure continued, "I've been watching you and your... complicated relationship... for quite some time. It's fascinating, really. Four powerful Alphas, all obsessed with the same woman. All willing to do anything to protect her."