Beyond the Pack’s Law: My stepsister or nobody else

Aiden’s POV “Alessa, release me,” I groaned, pushing against her tight embrace. Every time I moved, my head pounded with pain. “You could barely support yourself on your own two feet.” “I can walk; I need to get to Hayley.” “She’s okay,” Alessa replied, with tension in her voice. “She is with your dad.” My chest felt the pounding of my heart. “What for?” “Hey Aiden, take a seat. You need to take a break.” “I want answers, not rest.” The suffocating darkness reverberated with the sound of my voice. “Ok, ok,” she breathed out. “There is much to clarify.” “First, let’s just find a place with light for you.” She searched clumsily, locating a switch, and a faint bulb illuminated. The room had nothing but concrete and a lone mattress on the floor. “It doesn’t matter,” Alessa said as she kneeled beside me. “Tell me, are you alright?” “Are you kidding me? Alessa, they abducted me! How would I feel better?” She muttered, avoiding my eyes, “This wasn’t how it was meant to happen.” Aunt Jada requested a different item. “What is it that you are saying?” She simply wished for you to break things off with Hayley. I let out a laugh filled with bitterness. “And were you expected to be the tool she used?” She twitched. “I was unaware. I believed it was simply a method to retaliate against you, Aiden. Please come back to me.” “Alessa,” I softly said. “I can’t.” “But you’re my mate,” she murmured, tears forming in her eyes. The anguish in her tone clenched my stomach. “Alessa, can you please stop this? You should be with someone who recognizes and desires you. I can’t give that to you.” She looked away as she let out a muffled cry. Awkward and dense silence hung over us. “How did you manage to remove me from that place in the first place?” I inquired at last. “I listened in on their conversation. They were concerned about the possibility of you getting hurt. I secretly left and discovered the location.” “Did you put yourself in danger for me?” She gave a nod in response. “I still have feelings for you, Aiden. Even if you don’t share the same feeling.” “I care about you, Alessa, but not in the way you want me to.” She whispered, wiping her tears, “I know. Now, what’s the plan?” “I must reach Hayley. My father is probably panicked.” “I must admit, he does appear concerned,” Alessa acknowledged. “Can you help us meet up?” “That wouldn’t be easy. At least not directly.” I balled my fist. “Why not?” “My aunt is having people keep an eye on me. If they catch me assisting you, it could have negative consequences for the both of us.” “Fantastic,” I whispered, falling back on the bed. “I’m definitely trapped in here.” “No,” Alessa stated, her eyes showing a strong resolve. “I will call someone. A person who is willing to assist you, someone who is dedicated to your family.” “Who are you talking about?” “Trust me,” she said, while taking out her phone. The following was an anxious period of waiting, with the only sounds being the soft beeps coming from her phone. At last, a rough voice responded. “Is that you, Uncle Ethan? It’s me, Alessa. I need assistance from you.” I caught my breath. Is Ethan not the one in charge of enforcing the pack? This might be successful. Alessa ended the brief, mysterious conversation with a content smile. She mentioned that he would arrive shortly. “He is aware of a secret entrance to your territory.” A wave of relief came over me. “Thanks, Alessa. I truly appreciate it.” “Simply assure me of one thing,” she whispered softly. “What’s that?” “Keep believing in her. If that’s your desire, then stand up for Hayley and defend her.” I gazed at her, feeling the gravity of her words sink in. “I will.” The both of us jumped when there was a knock on the door. Alessa went to respond to the knock on the door, and a tall, commanding presence stood in the entrance. Ethan was greeted with nervousness by Alessa. Alessa nodded. ”Aiden,” he said.

He nodded, his eyes pausing on me briefly before returning to Alessa. “Did you mention that you needed my assistance?” “Yes,” Alessa whispered softly in response. “Aiden.” Ethan squinted his eyes. “What happened?” Inhaling deeply, I felt the pounding in my head increase with each word spoken. “I was taken against my will. I was bound and placed in confinement by a rogue. I am unaware of the identity of the person.” Ethan’s teeth gritted together. “Have you been injured by them?” “I just hit my head; it’s nothing to be concerned about,” I fibbed, trying to avoid causing him more anxiety. “Regardless, we must ensure you see a doctor,” he insisted, his tone indicating there was no room for debate. “First, we will take you back to your house.” Alessa interrupted me with a problem before I could say anything. “I am being watched by them. If they catch me bringing Aiden back, there will be problems.” Ethan made a grunting sound while he thoughtfully stroked his beard. “Then, we use our creativity.” His eyes locked onto mine as he shifted his attention towards me. “Are you ready for a short stroll, Aiden?” “Definitely,” I replied, rising from the bed. I felt a slight wobble in my legs, but I was able to stand independently. He nodded briefly in approval toward me. “Okay, let’s get moving.” We walked behind Ethan as he led us through a labyrinth of dim corridors. The atmosphere became musty as we strolled, with only the sound of our footsteps disturbing the silence. “Where are we headed to?” After a period of time, I observed as the cramped darkness started to affect me. “There’s a historic service entrance located a short distance away. It goes into the remote forests on your land. We can utilize that to sneak you in unnoticed.” Ethan emphasized. “That sounds good,” I muttered, attempting to concentrate on moving forward step by step. A dull throbbing in my head and exhaustion slowly consumed me. All of a sudden, Ethan came to a halt. He raised his hand, gesturing for us to remain silent. “What is that?” Alessa spoke in a quiet voice. Ethan put his ear up to the wall, his expression serious. Speech sounds can be heard. It seems like they are approaching from this direction. I felt a prickling sensation of fear on my skin. “Who is that?” Ethan shook his head, his expression showing a frown. He motioned for us to come with him, guiding us through a new hallway. We proceeded quietly, each sound from the floor making me shiver. The voices became louder, muffled yet clear. My chest throbbed with my heart racing, and I felt a sense of dread consume me. Ethan paused once more, gazing around a corner. His complexion paled. “Damn it,” he whispered quietly to himself. “What is that?” Alessa made a hissing sound. “It’s them,” he murmured quietly. Aunt Jada and her henchmen. “They are coming in this direction.” We were unable to escape. The sole pathway to safety was barricaded, and given my present state, resorting to combat was not an option. I searched frantically in my mind for an answer but found nothing. “What should we do?” Alessa inquired, her voice quivering. Ethan looked at both of us, his face showing no emotion. “We conceal,” he eventually mentioned. “And pray they do not locate us.” He pushed us into a cramped nook, just about large enough for the three of us to line up next to each other. We anxiously stayed silent as the voices approached, the noise of footsteps reverberating around us. In the stifling quiet, my heart beat rapidly against my chest like a frenzied drum solo. I caught bits and pieces of their discussion. “It’s unfortunate that we had to turn to such actions.” “The boy will face consequences.” “… ensure that Hayley stays at home.” I felt a chill in my blood. Hayley. What was going to happen to her? Fear clawed at me, almost engulfing me whole.

I needed to reach her; I needed to figure out what was going on.

Stuck in the shadows, all I could do was wait as the sound of footsteps drawing near sent shivers of fear through me.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.