Chapter 35

Rae

“Sorry!” I said as I bumped into someone.

“Can’t you see where you’re going?” She snapped, turning to look at me.

I noticed the girl looked like those ugly step-sisters in story books, with her long nose.

“I’m sorry!” I repeated stifling a laugh.

“You better be!” She spat, shooting me a glare and I flashed her an awkward smile.

She turned to face the man she was talking to before I hit her, and as I glanced at her one more time I wondered if she had a mate and if she didn’t if she was ever going to find one.

Pulling my gaze away, I quickly walked past her trying as much as possible not to bump into anyone else.

My focus returned to Von. I had been walking for a second but there was no sign of him. Wasn’t he at the party?

As I continued weaving through the crowd, I could feel eyes following me, lingering a bit too long.

I felt weird about the attention I was getting. It had been so long since I’d been around so many people.

The last time I’d gotten this kind of attention was back in my old pack, and that was a lifetime ago.

I tried my best to ignore the gazes that were flashing in my direction, scanning the sea of faces for any sign of Von.

I had to talk to him—had to make him understand that locking me up was a mistake.

“Hey!” I heard a voice and followed by it was a whistle.

I tilted my head to see who the voice belonged and I realized it was for an old-looking man.

I shrugged in disgust.

“Don’t act like you don’t want me!” He yelled and I saw people look in his direction before their gaze fell on me.

Then suddenly, he took some steps forward.

This was my cue to run.

I picked up my step, letting out a sigh. I felt like I was back in my old pack, back to dealing with men who wanted me for one thing.

“Hey, pretty lady,” came another voice.

‘Gosh!’ I exclaimed.

“I’m talking to!” He spoke up again and I

ignored him, pushing forward, refusing to slow down.

I was starting to regret coming out here. I was slowly becoming uncomfortable.

I tried to push that feeling away, reminding myself about what truly mattered—Von.

“You know you’re really beautiful, right?” the same voice that had spoken to me earlier persisted.

I paid less attention to him, but when I glanced back, the man was still following me.

“Can you just let me be?” I finally snapped, turning to face him.

He raised his hands, shooting me a calm look. “Whoa, calm down. Just trying to make some small talk. I don’t bite.”

I glared, hoping he’d take the hint. “I’m not interested.”

He tilted his head, studying me. “You look lost—like you’re looking for someone.”

I hesitated, considering my options. If this guy could help me find Von, maybe it was worth tolerating his company for a minute. “I am. I’m looking for Von.”

The man’s eyes lit up. “The Hybrid King? I saw him earlier. Come on, I’ll take you to him.”

Reluctantly, I followed him, ignoring the curious and judgmental stares from others.

“I’m Sam, by the way,” he said, throwing a grin over his shoulder.

I didn’t respond.

“Can you please just tell me your name,” he continued, smirking. “I would like to get to know you more.”

I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to tell him off.

It was during that moment, I spotted one of the guards that was chasing after me.

“Are you alright?” The man said looking in my direction. He seemed to have noticed the look on my face.

I didn’t know if I should tell him about the guard. But when I noticed the guard coming closer, I voiced out.

“I don’t want that man over there to see me!”

“Why?” He asked.

“Are you going to help me avoid him or not?” I questioned.

“Let’s mingle with the crowd.” He pointed out. “That’s the only way to stay hidden.”

I did as he said and soon the man glided past us without noticing me.

“See! I was right.” He said and I mouthed a ‘thank you.’

“So about the hybrid king?” I spoke up.

“Yeah,” he responded. “This way!”

We walked further away from the bustling courtyard, the noise fading into a soft hum.

My gut twisted as I realized we were heading into a more secluded part of the palace. The lights were dimmer here, shadows stretching across the stone walls.

I stopped short. “This isn’t where the party is. Where’s Von?”

Sam turned, his smile widening into something more sinister. “Oh, he’s not here. I just wanted to spend some time with you.”

My heart pounded as I saw him take a step closer. “Don’t come any closer,” I demanded, stepping back.

He grabbed my arm, pulling me closer. “Come on, don’t be like that. I’m just trying to have some fun.”

I twisted in his grasp, trying to pull free. “Get off me!”

He slammed me against the wall, pinning me there with his weight. I struggled, my breaths coming in short.

“Let me go!” I shouted, my voice echoing in the empty hallway.

His grip tightened. “Relax,” he hissed, pressing harder against me.

Panic flowed through me, and my mind began racing, looking for a way out.

I kicked, clawed, and fought with everything I had, but he was stronger, overpowering me and during that moment my heart pounded violently against my ribcage.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I realized how helpless I was.

My voice cracked as I screamed, “HELP! SOMEBODY—”

His hand clamped over my mouth, muffling my cries.

“Shut up,” he growled. “No one’s going to help you.”

I struggled harder, every muscle in my body straining against his weight.

I was fear, and at that point, it dawned on me that there was nothing I could do to put an end to this.

Then I heard it—a familiar voice echoing loudly.

“LET HER GO!”