Free Web NovelChapter 29: Prison Bunks
Sammy
Samuel groaned as he shifted on the narrow, unforgiving bunk in the pack’s prison cell. The stone walls radiated cold, and the air reeked of damp earth and old fear - a stench that seemed to have seeped into the very mortar between the stones. The doctor had told him he needed at least a week of rest to heal properly. At times like this, not having a wolf to accelerate the process really sucked. He touched his aching jaw gingerly, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through his face. Whatever they served for dinner, he hoped it would be soft enough to chew without making him want to scream.
That thought brought Trishelle to mind, sharp and painful as a knife between his ribs. He knew she’d been there when he threw the first punch - a flash of yellow in the crowd, bright as sunshine against the drab sea of bodies. After that, chaos had swallowed everything. He’d been so busy trying not to get killed that he hadn’t noticed when she disappeared. If it weren’t for that yellow dress, the only splash of color in that writhing mass of spectators, he wouldn’t have known she’d been there at all.
Sammy replayed the fight in his mind, a brutal loop of memory that wouldn’t stop. James had held back - he must have. The Alpha could have ended him with one solid blow, crushed his skull or broken his spine, but he hadn’t. Sammy just prayed James wouldn’t redirect that restrained anger toward Trishelle. The thought made his stomach clench with fear more potent than any physical pain. Shaking his head, he raised his uninjured arm and draped it over his eyes, blocking out the single weak lightbulb that flickered overhead like a dying star. Would he be banished? At the moment, he wasn’t sure whether that outcome would be blessing or curse.
On one hand, banishment would grant him freedom - the ability to make plans, to set up a life somewhere far from prying eyes, somewhere no one would know their business. He could create a safe haven for Trishelle, a place where she could finally breathe without fear. On the other hand, exile would sever every connection. He wouldn’t be able to communicate with anyone inside the pack, wouldn’t know if she was safe or suffering. She’d never left the pack boundaries, and he would be killed on sight if found anywhere near the borders. The thought of that distance, that helplessness, terrified him more than James’s fists ever could.
Still, even if they kicked him out, he had resources. Money and connections carefully stashed away over the years, hidden from the pack’s knowledge. He could secure a place to live, even find a job for Trishelle first, then orchestrate her escape. His mind turned to a hacker on the dark web who went by ’Shadow.’ From what he’d learned through careful research, they were suspected of being a werewolf and were considered the best in their field. From recovering deleted text messages to conducting full-scale surveillance operations, they did it all - for a price, of course. Sammy shifted again, searching for a position that didn’t make his broken ribs scream in protest. If circumstances forced his hand, he’d reach out to Shadow. For Trishelle, he would do anything. Sacrifice anything. Even himself.
Alexa
The Goldmoon Beta, a warrior named Liam, stared at the Councilwoman’s granddaughter standing in his doorway. He found himself torn between standing there like an awkward idiot and inviting her into his room. He harbored no romantic interest in her - he was patiently waiting for his fated mate, as tradition dictated - but from what he’d observed during his security detail, the Bloodmoon pack didn’t seem to share that reverence for the mate bond. They didn’t appear to care much about waiting for fate to intervene. He’d heard of packs like that, places where desire trumped destiny, but actually witnessing it firsthand left him unsettled.
Their Alpha didn’t seem to discourage the practice either, which spoke volumes about the pack’s culture. Liam heard shuffling in the hallway and made a split-second decision. Reaching out, he gently pulled Alexa into the room, her surprise evident in her widened eyes. He closed the door with a soft click, then placed a finger to his lips, silencing her before she could voice the question forming on her face.
Pressing his ear against the cool wood of the door, he listened intently as footsteps passed - a patrol making their rounds. Once he was certain the coast was clear, he turned back to her, noting the confusion and curiosity warring in her expression. "From what I heard," he said, keeping his voice low and measured, "he was carried off to the cells. Soon after, the doctor was seen heading in that direction. It appears they’re holding him for attacking his Alpha, but he did receive medical treatment." He paused, weighing his next words carefully. "I’m not certain why, but my guess is that if we weren’t here as witnesses, that omega could have been punished far more severely. Maybe even banished or executed."
Seeing the raw concern etched across her delicate features, concern that seemed far too intense for a stranger, he asked gently, "Why do you want to know?"
Alexa jumped, startled. She’d been so lost in thought, imagining what that poor omega might be enduring, that she’d completely zoned out. "Why?" The word came out sharper than intended. "I’m... just concerned about the fight and what consequences might follow. That’s all." She pasted on a smile that felt brittle and false even to her. "Well, thank you for answering my question. Now, if you’ll excuse me." She reached for the doorknob, eager to escape his penetrating gaze, but stopped short when the warrior leaned back against the door, effectively blocking her exit. His presence felt overwhelming - a solid wall of muscle and quiet authority that made her feel small and transparent.
"Nice try, Ms. Alexa," he said, a hint of amusement coloring his tone. "Why don’t you try again? The truth this time."
"Fine," she huffed, crossing her arms defensively. "I’ll tell you, but only if you promise not to say anything to anyone. Deal?" She stretched out her hand for a shake, but all he did was arch one dark eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by her attempt at negotiation. Her hand fell limp at her side, defeat washing through her. "Alright. As long as it doesn’t bring harm to you, the Alpha, or the pack, you’ll keep quiet."
"Deal," he agreed, though his expression remained carefully unreadable.
Alexa clasped her hands together, her fingers twisting nervously as she searched for the right words. "It won’t cause harm. At least, I don’t think it will." She turned and sat on the edge of his neatly made bed, suddenly exhausted by the weight of her confusion. "Actually, I’m not entirely sure about anything right now. There was just something about that omega - something I can’t explain. I can’t stop thinking about him, wondering if he’s okay." The words tumbled out faster now, as if a dam had broken. "How bad are his injuries? Is he being cared for properly, or did they deny him adequate medical attention because he dared to strike his Alpha? I don’t even know his name, and yet I feel this... this pull."
"Sammy."
"What?" She looked up, startled.
"I heard some of the Bloodmoon members refer to him as ’Sammy,’" the warrior said with a slight shrug. "I believe that’s his name." He had a growing suspicion about what was happening here, but he needed to be certain before voicing it. Besides, it would be better - safer - if she came to the realization herself. Some truths needed to be discovered, not delivered.
"Sammy," Alexa whispered, testing the name on her tongue like a prayer. She liked how it felt, how it seemed to resonate somewhere deep in her chest. "Thank you, Liam. Truly."
"Anytime, Ms. Alexa. Now I think it’s time you returned to your room before your grandmother raises hell in this place searching for you." With that gentle dismissal, he opened the door. After confirming the hallway was empty, he waved her out with a small, knowing smile. freewebnøvel.coɱ
Alexa walked back to her room, feeling oddly lighter despite her confusion. She was relieved to know Sammy had received treatment, though she didn’t understand why it mattered to her so profoundly. Why did the fate of a stranger - an omega from a pack she’d never visited before - occupy so much space in her thoughts? She was able to take a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the day’s tension, and got ready just in time for dinner. They’d been informed they would dine with the Alpha and his top-ranking wolves in the formal dining room. Tomorrow, they could have breakfast in their rooms or join the rest of the pack in the communal hall.
Bradley
Dinner proved to be a surprisingly pleasant affair, despite their chaotic first impression of the Bloodmoon pack. James’s Beta, a sharp-minded man named Juda, was impressively well-informed. He answered many of Bradley’s questions about the surrounding area with ease, as well as providing insights into some of the other packs Bradley was scheduled to visit on this diplomatic tour. Councilwoman Seers also expressed her interest in exploring the pack grounds, finally explaining the true reason she’d insisted on accompanying them. Alpha James seemed genuinely happy to accommodate the older woman’s request, assuring her that his Gamma would be available to escort her in the morning.
Bradley found himself hard-pressed to concentrate on the conversation flowing around him. The meal was absolutely divine - each dish prepared with such care and bursting with flavors that triggered an unexpected wave of homesick comfort, the same feeling he’d experienced earlier in the day. It reminded him of meals from his childhood, of warmth and safety and belonging. Thank goodness Sam was so skilled at his diplomatic duties that he could carry the bulk of the conversation without Bradley’s full attention.
"Alpha James," Bradley said, setting down his fork with genuine appreciation. "This meal is absolutely divine. Please, give my compliments to your cook. I haven’t eaten this well in months."
"Yes, thank you," James replied, looking genuinely pleased by the praise. A rare, authentic smile softened his usually stern features. "I will certainly let them know. They’ve been with us for many years now - practically family at this point." He set down his own fork, his gaze growing thoughtful. "In fact, if you join us for breakfast tomorrow morning, there’s a strong possibility you can meet them personally. They usually oversee the morning meal."
"That sounds wonderful," Bradley said warmly, turning to his companions. "Would that work for everyone?" Hearing their enthusiastic agreement, he turned back to James with a smile. "We look forward to having breakfast with your pack, Alpha. And to meeting the talented person responsible for this incredible food."
