Chapter 4

Hospitals are one of the places that I try to avoid at all costs. Though it is a safe place to heal and recover, it's also an eerie place that makes me uncomfortable thinking about people who weren't so lucky. I do feel fortunate that my case wasn't that serious.

Jackson and I spent another hour with Dr. Torres running a few more tests on me. I follow directions in patience meanwhile Jackson sticks by my side in silence throughout the whole process, aside from answering to the Dr. of course. Soon after the tests were complete, Dr. Torres comes back in the private room with the results saying that

"Well miss Stephens, the good news is that the drug substance is completely out of your system. So you're going to be fine".

Jackson and I let out a sigh of relief, although he was more relieved than I was. The poor guy looked like he was being eaten up by his guilt from all this.

"Well that's good to hear." I add.

"However, due to how long you have been out for, the substance combined with the liquor has left you slightly malnourished and a bit dehydrated. But luckily all you need is a well-balanced diet for the next few days and drink plenty of water and you'll be back in great shape." Dr. Torres directs.

"That won't be a problem, I'll see to it that she is well fed right away" Replies Jackson.

I slightly jolt and tense up at the touch of his large hand resting on the midst of my back and lightly rubs his thumb in little circles. While Jackson filled in Dr. Torres on the incident that occured my whole attention was on his hand and the words he had spoken of.

The sensation of the tiny rub was like small waves of electric tingles surging across my back downwards. It was beginning to make me feel a bit sqeamish. I stare down at my feet and try my hardest to ignore the feeling his touch was strangely giving me. His touch was giving me comfort bliss and was putting my body at ease, I wanted more.

But my slight concern were the words that Jackson had mentioned about how he would "see to it" that I was fed. When he did that to me earlier today had sent so many confusing signals and red flags, I wasn't sure why my body reacted so vulnerable and weak to his assertive actions. If he didn't hesitate to do it his own way, then there's no doubt that he would do it again.

Thinking about the way he firmly held onto me while he ravaged me was making me feel bothered from down between. And I knew that he could tell by the way his hand on my back slowly began to grip onto my shirt.

"Miss Stephens." Dr. Torres grabs my attention.

"Yes?" I maintain my composure as to not seem skeptical to him.

"If there is any other medical concern that you have, feel free to reach out. My team and I will make sure you're in good hands, so please don't hesitate to call or walk in if you'd like."

"Thank you doctor." I politely smile.

"Well that's all I have to say. Are there any other questions that the two of you have for me?" He looks to us both in professional courtesy.

I shake my head in response after looking to Jackson before he answered. "That'll be everything for now doc. Thank you so much for everything."

He and Dr. Torres shake hands as well as I did with him out of gratitude.

"It was my pleasure to serve. Stay well my Alpha and Luna." He lightly bows to us before excusing himself.

Jackson then takes me by my hand, and we walk out the room. I silently observe the hallways and the staff walking around. Each one we passed acknowledges us before continuing their jobs to assist their patients and tasks.

'So they're all his peers, just great. Isn't there anyone who I could reach out to for help?'

It was vexing to be around so many people around who act under one man. It made me wonder if there were any normal people in this area who had no idea such creatures exist from right under their nose.

We make our way out of the hospital, and we walk to his black Ford truck. He opens the door for me to get in, but I don't move. I was hesitant to go in the vehicle since I was already out of the house he kept me at. My instincts were to break free and run while calling out for help. This would be my chance, but the questions was how far would I get?

"I know what you're thinking angel. I'm sorry but it's not going to work." Jackson reminds since he knew what I was thinking just by witnessing my hesitation.

I did want to get away, but another part of me wanted to stay at his side. There was no point in trying. Even if I broke free and ran, I wouldn't get far from him since he was much larger and would most likely hatch up to me in a second, scoop me up, and carry me into the truck effortlessly.

Without answering or looking at him, I hop into the large truck and buckle myself while Jackson got in and started the truck.

Seeing that it would be futile to resist after everything, I get in.

The drive back was awkward and silent, I didn’t know what to say to him. I would catch glimpses of him looking like he wanted to say something, but I would avert my gaze toward the window instead all while my arms were crossed. At least it would give me a chance to see exactly where I was at.

It was a decent town with beautiful large houses and parks with people going about their day in this lovely sunshine weather. And tall trees of the forest stood everywhere glistening with the water from the mist as the birds fly freely in the sky.

This place has a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere to it compared to the busy streets and the loud commotion of people, cars, boats, and trains in Portland. Everything was always fast paced and gloomy at times growing up there. But this place seems like a nice change of pace.

I spot a huge sign on the side entrance of what looks like an old fashioned downtown area for tourists. I get a chance to read what it says as we drive past it.

“Mt. Hood Village?” I unconsciously say aloud enough for Jackson to hear.

“Yes.” He answers without taking his eyes off the road. “That’s the name of this town.”

The name did sound familiar. It took the name of the mountain known as Mt. Hood that was nearly two hours away from Portland. I believe it was popular for its skiing during the winter. I've never been there, but I have always wanted to go. I couldn't believe that Jackson lives this far away from my home, he was right when I had asked, this wasn't that far away. 

“So this place is where your pack lives?” I ask Jackson.

”Our pack babe.” He emphasizes. “And yes, this small town is our territory, but you'll love it here.” He answers.

I give him a look of uncertainty at the way he said that. 'Okay, don't get ahead of yourself there buddy.' 

"Is everyone residing here a werewolf?"

"Not everyone. We have some humans living here which is not a big deal, I’m okay with it. But we have a private area for us deeper in the woods that’s away from the townsfolk and tourists, where we can be free as wolves and humans. We like to keep our territory as private and secured the most we can from the humans. Some like to come by to visit for skiing near the winter and for the festivities. I'm okay with it all so we don’t look suspicious when visitors do come. We blend into society well. And at the same time, we protect them and our pack."

I nod as I listen on to his explanation, I was intrigued at how things worked here and how they were able to carry on the secret for so long.

"Based to your knowledge, what percentage is this town made up of your pack?" Curiosity was getting the best of me. For someone who reads about werewolf love stories, I had to know.

"I'd say 97%." He answers.

“So, no one here knows that they’re living in a town with a society of werewolves? No one at all?”

Jackson makes a face of bitterness; he shakes and nods his head at the same time. “Yes and no. There have been some, but they don’t reside here anymore. Because of Ian, they were either killed, or we relocated them in time before the rogues could get to them.”

My stomach drops from his answer. “What?! Why?”

“Because Ian doesn’t like humans being aware of our existence. And trust me when I say that he intends to keep it that way so long as he’s around.” His grip on the wheel tightens, I could almost see a vein pop out and his knuckles whiten.

I was baffled. The thought of being someone who knew something so spectacular, only to have your safety or life taken away.

Jackson makes a turn into the dirt roadway that leads us two minutes in until we see the large house that was still totaled from this morning’s attack. We step out of the truck and make our way inside.

I stare at the large home and it’s wrecked state. The window and door were still the same at it was left. Furniture from the living room to the kitchen was broken or shattered. Spots of blood were splattered around the floor, walls, and window. It was a horrendous sight to witness.

“Your home.” I didn’t know where to begin about it. “What a wreck.”

I place my hand on the wall as I kept looking around, unaware that I accidentally touch the wet blood that stained the walls red. I jolt back in panic as I stare at the blood on my hand. I didn’t like blood one bit. Just looking at it gives me deep panic and anxiety, now feeling it was unbearable.

Jackson sees my panic and quickly wipes it off with his black shirt as he tells me to calm down. Jackson turns me to him and hugs me so I wouldn’t have to face the damage anymore.

“I’m sorry you had to witness this Lily. I shouldn’t have left you here.”

I grip his shirt tightly and relax. “It's okay, I’ll be fine.”

Jackson leads me back outside for me to ease my tension.

“I’m having this place cleaned up immediately and have everything replaced. I always prepare for situations like this. The repairers will be here soon, and they’ll have everything finished as soon as possible.”

I stop and gaze back to the house, wondering of what’s to become of the situation I was in. Uncertainty circles in my mind that residing here wouldn’t be a good idea if I was going to stay here.

“So where are we going to stay for the meantime?” I ask.

“Here in our home. The upstairs is still in good condition, so we won’t have to worry for sleep.” He answers.

“Excuse me. ‘Our’?” I narrowly look to him. “There’s no way that you’ll be this accepting to someone you just met yesterday.”

“You heard me. This is your home now, and I want you to be comfortable here. I’ll make sure that this place is more secure for your sake.” Jackson comes up and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close to his toned chest.

I flush from the response and action, growing a bit still as I held my breath to refrain from making any embarrassing noises.

The moment was interrupted by a white car pulling in with two large trucks following behind. They park and out comes Alice and Sean from the white car.

“Hey you two!” Alice greets as they approach us. “Were we interrupting something?”

I quickly move out of Jackson’s hold. “Nope! You weren’t.” I blurt out feeling flustered, to which Alice smirks with a giggle. “Okay, let’s continue our where we left off on our little talk. I need more answers on this whole werewolf war."

”Lily before anything else, I need to say something.” Sean steps up before he continues. “I just want to apologize to you. I was the one who gave the drug to Jackson that would help bring you here. And after he told me what happened when you were at the hospital, I feel guilty and ashamed of myself. I would’ve never suggested him to use it if I knew what it would do.... Can you ever forgive me my Luna?” He had such a look of regret when he confessed.

After listening to his apology, I was taken back. I may not know these people well, but Sean didn't look like he would be capable of being in possession of such a thing. And to think that I blamed Jackson for it.

I couldn’t hold a grudge towards Sean, he was so deep in guilt that it was eating him alive.

“Oh Sean it’s alright, I forgive you. I understand that you really meant no harm by it.” I give him a reassuring smile. “Just do me a favor and don’t ever do something like this again.”

He nods with a sigh of relief. “I promise. Thank you Luna.” He bows, which throws me off.

“Okay Sean, no need to go out of your way and do that now.” I motion him back up.

“Alpha Jackson.” A man in his thirties approaches us and bows to him. It was one of the people that came in the large trucks. “We’ve come as soon as possible. My team and I are ready to restore your home.”

“Perfect timing. We’ll let you and your men handle this. Meanwhile we’ll reside in my study upstairs. Let me know if you guys need anything.”

“Yes Alpha. We should be finished by the end of the day.” He bows to him, then at me as he acknowledged me as Luna before leaving to his group.

Then the four of us head back inside and upstairs to Jackson’s rather large study room. There were polished oakwood bookshelves against the walls and file cabinets alongside them, all neatly organized. There was a small fireplace on across the room with a small couch and coffee table right across from that. Everything looked very neat from his polished wooden floor to his leather chair and large desk with stacks of papers and laptop.

We all get comfortable to out satisfaction with me sitting on a chair, Jackson at his desk, and Sean leaning against the desk with Alice leaning against him; both lightly cuddling. There was no doubt that they are mates.

An hour goes by of Jackson explaining in detail what had been going on the past few years, describing of the ongoing battle between them and the rogues and talking about them and their demands.

“So, this Ian guy is the leader of the rogue wolves and Marcus is his right hand. And their goal is to kill me because I am Jackson’s mate, who is one of the three most powerful Alphas in Oregon state. Which also makes me one of the most powerful Luna's in Oregon state.”

“That’s correct.” Jackson nods with Sean and Alice nodding with him.

“Okay.” I rub my tired eyes as I think of what to say next.

“So this fight has been going on since your parents were Alpha and Luna, that’s so long. Why couldn’t they have stopped this before it went out of hand?”

“It was complicated at the time, by the time they figured out it was him, it was too late. Ian already had an army of rogues to help him overthrow them. Luckily my parents won, but Ian got away before they could stop him. Since then, he’s launched many attacks in our territory when I became Alpha, and my parents temporarily retired to Idaho to get away from it. They’ve been fighting for so long, I wanted them to get away from it for a while and regain their strength.”

I nod in understanding. But I was curious to ask.

“So then… What would happen if I do get killed?”

“I WON’T LET THAT HAPPEN!” A loud growl comes out of Jackson with such power as he slams both fists on the desk causing it to shake and me cause me to jump back in my seat from the scare. I could see the color in his eyes turn black in a split second.

“Calm down Jackson, you’re startling her.” Alice steps in. The second Jackson had calmed down, Alice brings her attention back to me before filling me in with more details.

“Lily, the way mates work is that once you find your mate, you become protective of one another. And once you are marked, you both become one. Mind, body, and soul. You two will be bound together forever, like Sean and I."

Sean takes Alice by the hand as they look at each other in sweet adoration. It was all very touching seeing the love in their eyes. But Alice's demeanor slightly shifts.

"And if a mate were to die suddenly or killed in battle, then the other will be devastated and heartbroken with unspeakable pain. It's as if a part of them has died, and it will make them lose their sanity and their inner wolf known as our Dominance go on a rampage. Their Dominance will keep them from eating or sleeping until they eventually die of heartbreak.”

I wasn’t prepared for that answer, not from what I’ve read in the fiction novels about them. “Oh my gosh. So this has happened very often?”

She looks down with a saddened and angered expression. “It happened to my parents when I was little, by the hands of Ian.”

Sean hugs her tightly from behind to comfort her.

“I’m so sorry Alice.” I didn’t know what else to say, I felt terrible for bringing back painful memories.

Alice looks back up at me and continues. “We lost many great fighters because of Ian and his rogues. And they won’t stop until our pack falls and is under his control.”

There was silence for a moment, I’ve been slowly processing all this incredible information. But there was one question that stuck with me, not even the books could answer this.

“Why me?” I look to them. “I just don't understand, why was I chosen to be Jackson's mate? I'm human, why couldn't it be one of your own or one from another pack? What use would I be to this pack if I can't change into a wolf, or have incredible supernatural powers that you might have? I'm practically nothing.”

I prop my elbows on the desk and hold my head in between my hands out of frustration. Of course I was scared for myself, who knows when the rogues would attack again. I wouldn’t be prepared to protect myself; I probably wouldn’t last a week.

“You’re my mate Lily.” Jackson gets up from his chair and walks around his desk to kneel town next to me, grabbing my full attention. Taking my hands in his, he looks me dead in the eye before he proceeds to speak. “I don't care if you're human or if you don't have powers like us. Everything happens for a reason. You were called to be my mate, and I'm going to protect you to my last dying breath Lily. Don't say that you're nothing because to me, you're everything. And I’ll keep reminding you every time you’re feeling like this until you don’t anymore.”

I was moved by his words. Compared to my ex-boyfriend Liam, Jackson beat him by a landslide when it comes to romance. I had never felt that type of love and admiration from Liam in my life, and Jackson basically poured it all out. It made me believe that I was missing something like this in my life, it felt emotionally refreshing.

I look into his determined and passionate brown eyes and nod with a smile, thanking him whole heartedly from his kind true words. In that moment, it felt like the world froze around us.

“So what are we going to do?” I look to the three. “What do I need to do with the whole 'Ian and Marcus' situation?”

Jackson gets back up and walks back around to his desk. ”For now, I'll have more scouts on high alert and on lookout to make sure no rogue gets through. We can't have what happened today to  happen again.”

”What don’t I get is how they knew that Lily was here within a few hours of bringing her here? And how were they able to get through our defenses undetected up until the last second?” Sean speaks up.

The three go into deep thought, me included. But it just felt like they were missing the obvious answer.

”A spy, maybe?” I openly suggest. “It only makes sense if you didn’t see them breaking in the first place. But sneaking past your guards without getting caught is beyond me.”

I only stuck to what I knew about plots like these. In your typical mystery thriller genre, if an enemy was able to get the upper hand at a full proof plan set to defeat them, most likely it would be a traitor in your group secretly working for them for their personal gain or by blackmail. What didn’t help me understand was them being completely clueless into how the rogues got into their territory without them realizing it right away.

If there was anything that I knew about wolves, it was that they can track each other by scent. But these are grand majestic supernatural creatures with stronger sense of smell, sight, and hearing than that of a regular wolf. How were they not able to track their enemy’s scent?

”Well however they did it, we need to be on the lookout as well. Which means that you Lily, will have to be careful starting from here on out. I'll have each of my best wolves along with Alice to look after you. And until further notice, you cannot leave the house without my permission.”

”Woah, hold on.” I stand up. This was so sudden. “What do you mean ‘I can’t leave’? You’re putting me on house arrest?”

“Don't think of it like that, it’s for your own safety Lily. Please understand.” He spoke with firm assurance.

“So I can't even step out of the house for fresh air at least?”

“Geez Jackson, aren't you overdoing this a bit?” Alice calls him out. “I get that it’s for her own good, but she’s not a prisoner.”

“My decision is final.” He speaks in a more stern tone, ending the discussion. Alice and Sean hold their tongues and hesitantly nod in agreement to their Alpha, not wanting to further question him.

I however was very bothered by this. Not even twenty-four hours here and I’m feeling like a house pet for an animal. Yes I’m scared, my life is at stake, but keeping me here would just make me a sitting duck.

“Wait.” I call Jackson’s attention. “What about my family? I want them to know that I’m at least alright.”

To my disappointment, Jackson shakes his head in disapproval. “I’m sorry Lily, but you can’t let your relatives know about your whereabouts. They could come look for you, and that will only cause more problems not only for us, but for them as well.”

“But what if we show them what you are? We could convince them to move here, and we can have them protected by your pack. I want my family to be safe too.”

“I think the best thing we can do for them is to keep them out of this. Ian doesn’t know that much about you or your family, which is a good thing. He won’t be able to find them if he doesn’t know who they are. You don’t want to bring you family into danger like you are, do you Lily?” Sean speaks up, Alice nods in agreement.

“But I don’t want them to think that I’m gone forever. They could be thinking the worst that I’m probably sold to the black market or even dead. And I don’t want to cut my family out of my life just like that.”

“Lily. As much as it guilts me to say this, but I agree with Sean. By making sure they know nothing about our world, you’d be protecting them. It may have taken you a while to completely understand our secret, but we don’t know how they will react. They would probably run terrified or do something drastic. It could complicate the situation by adding more people to protect.” Alice points out with concern and sympathy.

I turn back to Jackson in desperation with tears forming. “Jackson please.” My voice slowly breaks, the lump in the back of my throat slowly grew to the point where it hurt to swallow. “I’m begging you, please reconsider. I want to see that my family is safe.”

Confliction was clear in his face. Jackson switches glances between me and Alice and Sean. After a moment of thinking, he heavily sighs. He had that look for when delivering bad news. I had lost.

“I’m sorry Lily, but we’re not going to bring your family here. You heard it from them, it’s too dangerous. So in order to assure their safety, you can’t have any contact with them.”

There was a short pause after his displeasing answer, guilt took over him along with concern as he lances back at me with Sean and Alice doing the same. I was silent, I didn’t dare look back at them, I just glare at the floor in defeat and despair.

Without another word I run out of the study and into Jackson’s bedroom. Knowing that it was already pointless to run for the exit since he and his pack members were already in the house and could easily stop me from leaving. I slam the door shut with such force of anger that welled up inside me. I lean back against the door when I hear Jackson calling out for me and attempting to open the door, denying him access inside.

"Lily. Open the door, please." His words of concern seep through the door.

“Just go away Jackson! Leave me alone! I don’t want to look at you!” I yell through the door in anguish. I was beyond upset, irritated, frustrated, angry. All these negative emotions overpowered my common sense.

“I said I’m sorry Lily, but my decision still stands. Whether you like it or not, this is for your own good. You need to understand-“

“I DON’T WANT TO UNDERSTAND!” I yell in outrage and devastation as I keep putting all my weight against the door to prevent Jackson from coming through.

I could hear Alice and Sean’s footsteps come to Jackson’s side; I could see both their shadows peering through the bottom crack of the door. I could hear Alice's slightly muffled voice talk with Jackson.

“Jackson give her some space. She’s been through enough for one day and needs time to think. She’ll come around eventually.”

After a moment of the two cousins arguing, Jackson gives in and backs away from the door.

“Alright fine. I’ll wait until she calms down.”

“Good. Now let’s leave and give her time to cope.”

I hear the three leaving, but not before I hear a lock of the bedroom door once again from the outside, leaving me trapped in the same room all over again.

I jiggle the handle and bang on the door, yelling at him to unlock it, but to no avail. They were already gone. I wasn’t sure if they went back to the study or went somewhere else to further discuss the situation.

I stop entirely and lean against the door again, cursing and bang my head lightly. Frustrated, I drop to the floor and hug my knees as I burry my face in them.

“Not again. I need to call mom, dad, or Cesar.”

I didn’t want my family to think I was missing; I at least want them to know that I’m alive.

I look back up and notice my bag and suitcase at the side of the bed. And then it hit.

“My phone!” I whisper loudly in excitement and shut my mouth before Jackson or Alice could hear. With them as wolves, they could probably hear a pin drop from a mile away.

I get back up and quickly grab my bag, rummaging through it to grab my phone. The thrill hit me like a shot of energy when I pulled it out, my heart raced with anticipation and joy. Jackson had forgotten to take my phone away. And I felt like an idiot for thinking of this sooner.

I quickly unlock it and go straight through my contacts list to call the first person I saw. I click on my mom’s name and put the phone to my ear. A smile grew on my face, ready to hear my mother’s beautiful Hispanic voice. I could almost hear the Spanish curse words coming from her, but I miss it.

But there was no ringing coming from the phone, just a flatline sound and then it automatically hung up.

“What the-?” I was stumped with confusion. I call my brother who was next to mom’s number, and the same thing happens. “The fuck? What’s going on?”

I examine the phone carefully to see if there was something wrong with the connection. Maybe I wasn’t getting a signal. But it was more than that, the top right of the phone said no chip.

“Oh no no no. Please no.”

I remove my phone case and the battery to check the phone chip. And to my great misfortune, the small chip wasn’t there.

“No….”

Jackson may have left the phone with me, but he took the one thing that was able to help me contact anyone from outside this prison of a house.

I stand there staring at the phone in defeat once again. It was just one bad luck after another. And for that small moment, that tiny glint of hope, was shot down immediately. And this broke me.

I grab a pillow and scream in it until my lungs gave out. When I was done, I throw it against the wall as hard as I could. “Damn it!” I yell in anger.

I sit on the bed in a pout with my arms tightly crossed.

'This can’t get worse.' I think to myself.

On cue, my stomach growls loudly. I groan loudly and I fling myself back, talk about bad timing.

I lay there in silence, starring up at the white ceiling as my mind drifts off to everything that’s happened today. And to when I ran into Jackson yesterday.

'Jackson…'

I couldn’t get is name or his image out of my head no matter how hard I tried. It kept bringing me bac to when we met at the mini bar. Even though it was yesterday, it felt like it was a lifetime ago. And this whole “mate” situation, I wasn’t sure about that.

'...once you are marked, you both become one. Mind, body, and soul. You two will be bound together forever...' Alice’s words replay in my head.

“Bound together forever…”

My heart instantly races again. This uncontrollable feeling will never go away until he and I are one. But I don’t feel ready for this, I shouldn’t. Alpha or not, he took me away from my life and I should hate him for that. So why don’t I really feel hate for him?

I take the pieces of my phone and put them back together. I turn it on and wait for it to load. I unlock it and open my gallery. Scrolling through the hundreds of picture and videos I took, I think back to all the good memories I had before I met Jackson.

From the time I made good friends at the university for years, going to games, engaging in fundraisers, it was a great experience.

I kept scrolling through them all until I reach to a photo of my family and I at Cannon Beach in Oregon. This triggered more memories, emotional ones. Remembering all their faces, mom, dad, my older brother Cesar and his pregnant girlfriend Megan, and my two younger siblings Nancy and Zack. I think back to the times we've spent together as a family, all the precious moments we shared when I was younger. Back when my life was normal.

But now, I’m not there with them. And who knows what they’re doing right now. Worried sick, our searching for me, maybe calling every friend and family we know to help search for me. It breaks my heart thinking of them out there, waiting for a phone call or of any news to where I could be. Heck, I’m not even sure where I am myself. Even if I did, what would I tell them?

‘Hi guys, don’t worry about me anymore. I’m safe and am under house arrest by a pack of werewolves because a pack of vicious rogues want me dead. Oh, and I’m the mate of their hot leader and I’m forced to live here now. Sorry I can’t bring you guys here to ensure your safety, I’ll send you a post card when its safe...?'

"What the heck. They’ll think I’ve gone completely mad. Who knows, maybe I have." I mumble. "Dear God I'm talking to myself. I'm really losing it."

I put the phone down and stare back at the ceiling. I chuckle lowly as tears pour down my face. My throat hurt from the swelling and my nose was runny. I wished that this was a crazy lucid dream, but sadly it wasn’t. This was real life, and they want me to accept my fate just like that? As much as a part of this was a fantasy come true, I didn’t want to risk my life for it. And to be with their Alpha that I knew nothing about? I’m almost certain that we have nothing in common other than the fact that we share a common enemy now.

And the fact that he doesn’t see me as an independent woman. All he sees is a weak human being, a damsel in distress. Typical. There was no way that Jackson’s keeping me in this house forever. Sooner or later I’m going to have to face Ian, the villain of my story. And if I’m going to get my happy ending, then I must fight. And I must win.

The only question is, will I live long enough to see that happy ending?