Chapter 263
Selina
Two days had passed since Frost's visit, and every muscle in my body was coiled with anticipation. I pressed my face against the small reinforced window, watching the hallway for any sign of movement.
Tonight.
Frost wanted Liam's position, his Alpha status, his territory. And I wanted Freya and Bella to suffer for destroying my life.
The perfect alliance.
My fingers traced the lock mechanism on my door for the hundredth time today. Frost had said it would malfunction due to "facility maintenance issues." I trusted him – because we both had everything to gain from this partnership.
As evening approached, I could feel my wolf stirring restlessly beneath my skin. The silver treatments had weakened me, but my Beta instincts were still sharp enough to sense the shift change approaching. Soon, the night staff would take over, and there would be fewer guards patrolling the corridors.
The lock clicked.
I slowly pushed the door open. The hallway stretched empty before me, dimly lit by emergency lighting. I slipped out of my room, bare feet silent against the cold linoleum floor. Every shadow could hide a guard, every sound could mean discovery.
I held my breath.
I made my way through the maze of corridors, following the path I'd memorized during my brief trips to the medical wing. Left at the nurses' station, down the maintenance corridor, through the service area.
My pulse spiked when I heard footsteps echoing from around a corner. I pressed myself against the wall, squeezing into the narrow space behind a utility cart. An orderly walked past, his scent carrying the tired resignation of a night shift worker. He never looked in my direction.
Keep moving.
The rear exit came into view, and I nearly sobbed with relief when I saw the door standing slightly ajar. Frost had kept his word. I slipped through the gap and found myself in the facility's back courtyard, surrounded by a high chain-link fence topped with razor wire.
But Frost had prepared for this too. Near a large oak tree at the perimeter, I spotted a dark bundle hidden behind the trunk. My hands shook as I unwrapped it – civilian clothes and cash.
I stripped off the hospital gown and pulled on the jeans and hoodie Frost had provided.
The fence was the final obstacle. I found the section – several links had been carefully cut and bent back, creating a gap just large enough for someone my size to squeeze through. The razor wire scraped against my back as I crawled under it, but I bit back any sound of pain.
Once on the other side, I called for a rideshare. Within minutes, I was in the back of a stranger's car, heading toward the city as my golden wolf eyes reflected in the rearview mirror.
Phase one complete.
---
The Sunset Motor Lodge was exactly the kind of place where no one asked questions as long as you paid in cash. The clerk barely glanced at me as he handed over a room key.
Room 247 reeked of stale cigarettes and industrial disinfectant, but it was better than a padded cell.
For three days, I remained hidden in that room, surviving on delivery food and bottled water while I suppressed my wolf's restless energy with the suppressants Frost had thoughtfully included. The chemical taste made me nauseous, but I couldn't risk exposure. Not yet.
My laptop – another gift from my new ally – became my lifeline to the outside world. I spent hours researching, planning, preparing for what came next.
Finding the right contact took time, but eventually I located what I was looking for on the dark web. The seller went by "Shadow Web," and his reputation for acquiring information about high-profile targets was exactly what I needed.
I sent a message: [Want intel on celebrity movements. Specifically interested in actress Bella. Need real-time location data and upcoming public appearances.]
The response came within hours: [This target has protection from Wilson pack and associates. Price is doubled due to risk factor. Payment in cryptocurrency only.]
I transferred the requested amount without hesitation.
[Shadow Web: Target will be filming reality show at Wonderland Park. Main attraction: haunted house experience. Multiple entry/exit points. Suggest caution – subject has Beta-level security detail.]
My heart hammered against my ribs as a surge of excitement mixed with terror coursed through my veins. I was standing on the edge of a cliff, facing enormous risks, but I also understood this was my only chance for revenge.
I hated Bella. Of course I had to get back at her! So I absolutely couldn't retreat now!
---
My preparations were meticulous. The blonde wig and colored contacts would disguise my appearance.
I studied the layout of Wonderland Park obsessively, memorizing every entrance, exit, and hiding spot. The haunted house was perfect – multiple rooms, controlled lighting, lots of places where an "accident" could occur.
When I arrived at the spot, I slipped a bribe to one of the checkpoint staff and then hid inside the haunted house, waiting to catch Bella.
My heart pounded as I crouched behind a fake coffin. Every footstep echoed through the attraction's speakers, making it impossible to distinguish between actors, crew members, and my target.
Then something was wrong. My wolf screamed warnings as heavy footsteps approached my hiding spot.
I pressed myself deeper into the shadows, but it was too late. Powerful hands seized my arms, and I found myself face-to-face with three enormous men.
Professional werewolf security.
"Let me go!" I struggled and shouted, but the only response was merciless silence.
Bella wouldn't be this cautious.
Freya. It had to be Freya.
My entire body began trembling uncontrollably at the thought of her name. Whenever I thought of Freya, I felt an inexplicable terror that seemed to seep into my very bones. It wasn't just the rational fear of facing a powerful opponent – it was something deeper, more primal.
And I was no longer sure I would make it out alive.