Sabrina pressed her back against the cold stone wall, her breath was shallow as she counted the seconds between the movements of the patrolling guards. The air was filled with humidity, and the glow of the moon barely cut through the dense foliage surrounding the compound. It had been three weeks since she was brought here, three weeks of feeling like a prisoner in a life she never chose.
But tonight, that was going to change.
Her fingers trembled as she gripped the stolen keycard, swiped from one of the guards who had gotten too comfortable around her. It was a small victory, but it gave her hope. The security surrounding Zuca's fortress was top notch… cameras at every entrance, armed wolves patrolling every few minutes, and motion sensors embedded in the walls. The Demon Pack didn't play games when it came to keeping people in or out.
She had studied them, memorized their routines and finally she had found a small window of opportunity.
Her heart pounded as she peered around the corner of the long hallway leading to the east wing's exit. Two guards stood at the far end, engaged in conversation. They laughed, exchanging crude jokes about the trainees they had to supervise.
Sabrina exhaled, steadying herself. She had one shot and she knew it had to count.
Silently she removed her sandals, feeling the cool marble against her bare feet. Stealth was key and one wrong move… one loud step, and it would be over. She crept forward, keeping her eyes fixed on the security door just a few feet away.
The keycard slid through the scanner with a soft beep. She held her breath as the small light turned green.
Yes!.
She pushed the door open just enough to slip through, careful not to let it slam shut behind her. Outside, the air was cool and filled with the scent of pine. The pack house was surrounded by a dense forest, and if she could make it past the perimeter, she had a chance… just a small one of reaching the main road.
The crunch of footsteps sent a bolt of panic through her. She ducked quickly behind a parked SUV, pressing herself against the metal as two guards walked past.
"You think the Alpha's gonna pick a Luna anytime soon?" one of them asked.
"Who knows? He doesn't seem interested in anyone, and the elders are already getting impatient. They want an heir." Replied the other.
Sabrina's stomach twisted. She knew she was here for a reason, but Zuca had yet to make it clear. The thought of being forced into a life with him made her skin crawl.
The guards moved further away, their conversation fading into the distance. She took the chance to move.
The perimeter fence was ahead… a towering structure lined with electric wiring and cameras. But she wasn't aiming for the main gate. There was a weak spot in the eastern part of the fence, a small gap where the wires didn't quite meet.
She sprinted, her legs burning as she ran across the open ground. The wind whipped through her long hair, the thrill of freedom igniting a spark in her chest.
Almost there.
She reached the fence, dropping to her knees as she located the gap. It was small… barely enough for her to squeeze through but she had tested it before. Her fingers dug into the dirt as she pushed her body forward, her heartbeat hammering in her ears.
Then…
A hand suddenly clamped down on her ankle, yanking her back with brutal force.
Sabrina screamed, her nails clawing at the ground, but it was useless. She was dragged backward, her body twisting as she kicked wildly.
"You sneaky little bitch," Valerie's voice growled from above her. "Did you really think you could escape that easily?"
Sabrina barely had time to react before she was slammed onto her back, the air rushing from her lungs. Valerie towered over her, a menacing figure of doom gloating at her.
"You've got some nerve kid," Valerie sneered, tightening her grip on Sabrina's wrist. "Did you really think Zuca would let you go that easily?"
Sabrina's chest heaved as she glared up at the woman. "I'd rather die than stay here."
Valerie laughed… a cold, mocking sound. "Oh sweetheart, you don't get to make that choice."
She yanked Sabrina to her feet, her nails digging into her arm. "You're coming back with me."
Sabrina struggled, but Valerie was too strong. The moment they entered the compound again, Sabrina's stomach sank. There was no going back now.
The room was small, windowless and suffocating. A single bulb offered vague lighting that only added to the spookiness of the room. Sabrina sat on the thin mattress, her wrists aching from the iron cuffs that had held her earlier.
The door creaked open, and she tensed.
Zuca stepped inside, his presence immediately sending a jolt of panic over her. He was tall, broad shouldered, with dark evil eyes that seemed to see right through her. His sharp jawline and the scar running down his cheek only added to his intimidating aura.
He studied her for a moment before speaking. "You're persistent, I'll give you that."
Sabrina said nothing, she kept her fists clenched.
"You've been here three weeks," he continued, keeping his voice even. "And already you've tried to run twice."
She met his gaze defiantly. "And I'll keep trying."
Zuca sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "You don't understand, do you?" He took a step closer, his tone dropping. "You're mine Sabrina, you were given to me and that means you don't leave unless I allow it."
She stood, her anger bubbling over. "You bought me like an object! I don't belong to you, and I never will."
A muscle ticked in Zuca's jaw. He took another step forward, closing the space between them. "You think you have a choice?"
Sabrina swallowed hard but refused to back down.
"You were thrown away, Sabrina," he said, his voice softer now. "Your stepfather sold you without hesitation. Your mother didn't fight for you and no one is going to come looking for you."
His words struck deep, but she refused to show weakness.
"I'm giving you a better life than what you had," he continued. "You should be grateful for that."
Sabrina let out a bitter laugh. "Grateful? You kidnapped me!"
Zuca sighed and rolled his eyes. "I saved you."
"You stole me!" she shot back again.
A tense silence filled the room.
"You'll learn," he finally said. "One way or another."
With that, he turned and left, locking the door behind him.
Sabrina sank onto the mattress, her hands trembling.
She wasn't giving up. She would find a way out.
No matter what it took.