Chapter 5 Shadows In The Storage Room

• Sarah -
• As the day of the moon ritual began, there was a lot going on. The work load was heavy on my shoulders because most of the unmated staff were at the party. I was off to run chores, do other things, and help out in the kitchen as soon as the sun came up.
• It was tiring. But there was no time to rest. So I had to move faster. I barely had time to catch my breath, let alone think about going to the party. Even when Dave tried to get me to come, I stood my ground and pushed him out of the kitchen. I didn't want any trouble from the alpha.
• That being said, even though the day was crazy, I felt a strange calmness come over me. While everyone else was busy with the party, I went unseen and unbothered. It was nice to not be a punching bag for a few days.
• "Oh dear, we've run out of cheese and ham," Bertha sighed, her voice tinged with frustration.
• "Shall I get them from the storehouse ?"
• "Oh, thank you, dear, but be quick; we have to send out the appetisers."
• I quickly nodded and scurried off to the storehouse. As I made my way towards the storage building, the distant strains of music and laughter drifted in the breeze. But for now, I embraced the quiet solitude. The night was beautiful, with a sky full of twinkling stars and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. It was a rare moment of peace and contentment that I planned to savour before returning to the chaos of the kitchen.
• The storage building loomed before me, its dimly lit interior casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls. The air was thick with the scent of musty cardboard and stale air, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere outside. My eyes scanned the shelves, searching for the ham and cheese that Bertha had requested. They were kept towards the back, nestled amidst the frozen goods in the freezer section. I made my way towards them, my footsteps echoing in the empty space.
• But as I reached for the supplies, a sound—a soft rustle—caused me to freeze in place. My senses heightened, and I turned slowly, the hairs on the back of my neck prickling with unease.
• There, leaning against the wall in the shadows, was Rory. His presence sent a shiver of dread coursing through me; his gaze was dark and predatory.
• I swallowed hard, my heart hammering in my chest as I backed away slowly. "Rory," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, "what are you doing here?"
• He moved slowly and deliberately towards me, but he said nothing, his eyes glinting with lust. I felt panic set in, my thoughts racing as I tried to think of a way out. The storage room's walls, which surrounded me like a cage , seemed to close in as Rory's footsteps echoed ominously against the concrete floor.
• I was trapped. I realised I had a sick sensation in the pit of my stomach.
• A feeling of imminent doom overcame me as Rory got closer, drowning out the sound of my heartbeat's rapid beat and engulfing me in a blackness from which there may be no way out.
• "Just who I was looking for," he said.
• The thick scent of alcohol wafted from him.
• "I need to go, my alpha." I stuttered.
• Rory's eyes narrowed.
• "You're not going anywhere," he growled, taking a step closer.
• "Please," I said, looking up at him.
• The dim light from the single bulb above cast eerie shadows on his face, making him appear even more menacing.
• "What have I ever done to you ?"
• "You resist me," he replied with a smirk, and he grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. "Chasing after you is much more thrilling than banging on those willing sluts."
• His grip tightened on my chin, causing me to wince in pain. "You will learn to appreciate my attention," he whispered menacingly.
• With a sudden burst of courage, I pushed him away and ran towards the door, knowing that my only chance at escape was now. He grabbed the back of my dress and pulled me. I heard a tear as he ripped the fabric. I screamed for help as I struggled to break free from his grasp, feeling a surge of fear and desperation. He attacked my neck with his mouth , leaving painful marks as I continued to fight back with all my strength. Feeling a rush of adrenaline made me more determined to get through this terrifying ordeal. With one final push, I managed to break free and sprint towards the door, never looking back as I raced towards safety.
• "Get back here, you bitch !" He ran away from me.
• but I kept running, determined to get away from him. I could hear footsteps and the door opening; someone was here ! I ran faster, my heart pounding in my chest. I bumped into a wall of muscles and strong arms wrapped around me. His scent a mix of musk and cologne overwhelmed my senses. It was a scent so intoxicating, so irresistible, that it sent a jolt of excitement coursing through me. My wolf stirred within me.
• "Mate," my wolf whispered, its voice echoing in the depths of my mind.
• I looked up at the tall man. His features were chiselled, like a sculpture crafted by the gods themselves, with each angle perfectly balanced and symmetrical.
• His eyes were a mesmerising shade of piercing blue, sharp, and penetrating. His hair was a tousled mane of dark curls, swept back from his forehead in a careless yet deliberate style. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen, and he was my mate !
• " I am here to help you," his deep baritone voice rumbled.
• The several minutes were in a blur, and I watched in horror as the man beat the crap out of Rory. Jemma, who had followed after, screamed in horror, and more people arrived, trying to pull the man off of Rory.
• Finally, both were restrained. As the chaos settled, I wondered about the identity of my mate. And how could he attack an Alpha ? Wouldn't he get into trouble ?
• "Sarah, are you alright ?" Dave rushed towards me and grabbed me in a hug.
• "Dave ! I am ok. Just shaken up."
• "Thank goodness you're okay," Dave said, relief evident in his voice. I nodded, grateful for his comforting presence amidst the chaos.
• He was swiftly ripped from me. Dave was on the floor, and my mate was standing over him, a look of pure rage in his eyes.
• "How dare you touch my mate ?"
• Dave's eyes bulged with surprise.
• "Your mate?" Dave stammered, confusion evident on his face.
• "Don't hurt him?!" I shouted and grabbed my friend's hand before he could hurt Dave. "Stop this madness before someone gets seriously hurt. Dave is my friend; he would never hurt me."
• My mate's expression softened as he looked at me. "I'm sorry, I let my anger get the best of me," he said, releasing Dave.
• Dave stood up slowly, still in shock from the sudden turn of events.
• "Alpha Ashton, are you sure she is your mate ?" Jemma asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
• "Yes, I am sure," Ashton replied firmly, his gaze never leaving mine.
• "Alpha…..…" I mumbled. My throat had gone dry. How was this possible ? How could my mate be an Alpha?
• "Chris, take care of her. Make sure no one harms her," Ashton commanded, his voice filled with authority. The man, who seemed to be his beta, nodded in understanding.
• "Pack your things; we are leaving immediately," Ashton said to me, his tone leaving no room for argument. My mind was racing with questions and confusion.