The Alpha Assassin novel Chapter 14

I stayed out there for what felt like hours, and it very well have could been. I thought I sensed something else out there, but I heard nothing out of the ordinary once my ears could make out anything besides my muffled crying and my heartbeat pumping too loudly.

I took one final shaky breath, wiping off the remnants of my tears, and settled into my mask, repairing the shattered pieces of it where I let emotion slip through tonight.

Tomorrow was a new day, and I would be ready for it. I would be ready for battle.

-

The next morning Alice rushed in and glanced over me with weary eyes. I forced myself to shower the night before, even though the inky black sky was softening by the time I made it back to my room. I was glad that I didn’t run into anyone and I didn’t have to explain. I hoped the nightmare brothers thought that I just panicked and ran straight to my room.

“You worried me when I didn’t see you after dinner.” Alice’s voice was soft.

“I’m sorry. I- I just needed some time.” I let my voice crack.

“That time of the month?” she asked sympathetically. I set my mouth in a thin line and nodded.

-

I spent days trying to study The Hunter’s movements. I knew he was staying with the warriors in the old part of the pack house, but I never had an in to find out where he was staying. I knew the floor they stayed on, but couldn’t risk being seen there.

He would just show up places at random times, seeming to aimlessly wander, but I knew he was searching. He didn’t speak to me again, and I had nothing to say to him.

After dinner, he would meet Nolan sometimes in the front hall, or sometimes Nolan would excuse himself early. I was never invited back to training, but I saw enough.

If I needed to, I was confident I could secure another invite or show up feigning curiosity and innocence since I was invited once. If anything, my display over holding a weapon only solidified my position as weak and fearful; I hoped The Hunter saw that too.

-

“May I be excused?” I asked Luna Natalie, clutching my stomach and making a face. She gave me a wary glance. “It’s, uh, it’s that time.” I lowered my voice. I don’t know why I didn’t use this excuse more frequently.

“Oh.” she waved me off. “Go on.”

I nodded to the Alpha; none of the brothers seemed to notice me stand; they were debating the merit of different weapons. Debate was a loose term. They were all yelling over each other about their weapon of choice.

“Enough!” Alpha Raymond’s voice boomed through the room. “Stop fighting about it. You’ll have your proof when the trials start.”

I made my way through the kitchens, making sure that Amelia wasn’t there, and walked to the open doors where the omegas and warriors ate. A place I rarely stepped in because I never needed to be; most of the gossip happened in the kitchen, and their meal times seemed to be the same as our own, besides the unfortunate omegas that were stationed to serve the ranked members.

I stood nervously at the door and wrung my hands while I carefully scanned the room. The Hunter sat in the back, alone, unmoving. I made eye contact with Amelia, who stood up and brushed her hands on her apron, bustling over to me.