17. Hello Rhettie

Rhett

Savannah is already fast asleep beside me, snoring softly as she’s snuggled deep under the covers. The room is completely dark, save for the pale moonlight filtering through the window. I stare at the ceiling, my mind running in a million different directions aa it feels impossible to sleep despite the fact that I am exhausted. It’s even more difficult because I am trying not to turn around too much so as not to wake Savanah.

When I can’t hold the position I am in any longer and I turn my head to find a better position, my eyes travel toward the floor and catch a glimpse of her jacket on the rug. Suddenly I remember the way she had quickly slid that little object into her cloth pocket when she thought I wasn’t looking.

Very quietly, I slip out from the bed, making sure the mattress doesn't move or make a single sound. Savannah doesn't even stir. She just shifts slightly and continues sleeping.

I tiptoe across the floor until I am kneeling right next to the jacket, my heart puding a little too fast against my ribs as I reach out and slide my hand into the right pocket.

Theres nothing.

I frown, switching to the left one. My fingers brush against some old lint and a small piece of candy wrap, but that’s it. There is absolutely nothing inside. I check the inner linings, feeling all over it, but it is completely empty.

I let out a breath, running a hand through my hair. I feel relieved that there was nothing suspicious, an my guess is that I really was just being paranoid. The constant stress from my dad, the hockey team, and Cassian must be finally getting to me, making me see things that aren’t even there. I shake my head at my own stupidity, drop the jacket back onto the rug, and climb back into bed.

I close my eyes, trying to force my body to relax and finally get some sleep.

But sleep doesn't come.

About twenty minutes pass, and just as I am finally starting to drift off, I hear a strange sound of something creaking.

I freeze instantly, my eyes snapping open becayse I knkw fkt certain someone is stepping on one of the loose floorboards somewhere down the hallway. I hold my breath, listening intently, hoping it’s just the house settling in the cold night air even though ng gut tells me other wise.

Then, there’s a scratching sound against the outer wall, Makw ng my blood turns cold. That isn’t the house settling, it is the distinct sound of something, or someone, moving right outside.

Panic surges through me as We are deep in the woods, miles away from campus, and my father's warnings about rival territories immediately flash in my mind.

I glance at Savannah, but she is still out cold. I can’t risk waking her up and causing a scene if there really is an intruder out there.

Slowly and cautiously, I get out of bed again and look around the dark bedroom, searching for something I can use to defend myself. My eyes land on a metal flashlight sitting on the nightstand. It’s not much, but it’s hard enough to do some damage if I need to swing it.

I grab it ss I slip out of the bedroom and walk down the dark hallway.

Another scratching sound comes from the backyard aftee a few minutes, right near the side door leading to the trees. I swallow the lump in my throat, wondering if there is more than one intruder, and what they evn wajt from ab abandoned cottage in the woods.

The only thing of value is probably ng car.

My wolf, Rook, starting to pace restlessly inside my head. He is sensing something, but his signals are completely scrambled by my own fear. I undo the latch on the side door, moving as quietly as possible, and slip out into the freezing night air. making me ro shiver. I step off the porch, my bare feet sinking into the damp dirt as I scour the dark area.

“Who’s there?” I call out. “Show yourself.”

Theres silence.

I take another step forward, turning around to check behind the water tank when suddenly, a rough clothe is slammed over my face, plunging me into complete I darkness.

Before I can even process what is happening, strong arms wrap around my chest from behind, pinning my arms down to my sides and trapping the flashlight against my body. I begin to struggle violently, throwing my body backward and kicking out with my feet, trying to dislodge the person holding me. But the person is strong, refusing to let go no matter how hard I thrash.

For some odd reason, I am weak, too weak to break this hold, and the humiliation of being captured on my own property makes my blood boil.

Do something! I scream at my wolf internally needing his strength but took doesnt even growl in anger or try to force a transformation to fight off an enemy. Instead, he lets out a sudden, frantic whine and practically wags his tail in the back of my mind. I stop struggling instantly, my body going completely limp in the intruder's grasp.

“Cassian, what the hell?” I choke out.

The grip around my chest loosens immediately and the bag is ripped off my head. I blink rapidly gasping for breath as I whirl around to face my attacker.

Cassian is standing right there with a huge, amused grin etched onto his face. He is wearing a dark hoodie, so unbothered by the fact that he just tried to abduct or kill me in the middle of the woods.

“Hello, Rhettie,” he says sweetly.