ONE

 

Cassa's POV

 

A sharp ache in my side jolted me awake, and I groaned, clutching at the pain. Every little movement sent waves of agony through me, and a feverish heat spread over my skin.

Squinting against the light, I forced my eyes open and took in the unfamiliar room. Where was I? My head pounded like someone was hammering inside my skull. As I closed my eyes, a flash of the red-eyed, silver-furred wolf filled my mind. Had they taken me?

I remembered the mayor rescuing me before that ravaging werewolf could finish me off.

But… where was I?

I opened my eyes again, scanning the room—gray walls, lilac curtains over a glass window, and furniture that looked way too expensive. The scent of lavender hung in the air, calming me as I lay on the plush mattress, tangled in a soft purple comforter.

Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself upright, the ache in my side a constant reminder of my injuries. My throat was dry, and I spotted a glass of water on the nightstand. I reached for it with shaky hands and drained it in one gulp. Just then, the door creaked open, and my heart leaped.

I grabbed the glass, ready to throw it, but paused when a nurse walked in, her uniform crisp and her smile warm.

"You're awake, Miss Hansen. You should lie back down; you're not quite recovered," she said gently, setting a tray beside me.

"I'm fine. Where am I?" I asked, trying to mask a wince as I shifted to sit up on the bed’s edge.

The nurse placed a tray of food and medicine on the bed. "You're in the mayor's house. You’re lucky—it was mostly fractures, bruises, and a few deep wounds."

"In the mayor’s house?" I echoed, blinking.

She handed me a tablet and a glass of orange juice. "Yes, and you've been out for two days. Go ahead and take this—you must be starving."

"Two days?" I muttered, but took the pill and washed it down with juice.

The nurse gave a slight nod. "Now, try to rest while I check on you."

I shook my head quickly. "Thank you, but I’ll eat on my own." I managed a quick smile, ignoring the throbbing in my side.

She hesitated, then asked, "What exactly happened to you?"

"It was a cab accident," I lied, knowing she’d never believe the truth—that I’d nearly been killed by three werewolves who’d attacked my cab, leaving the driver dead. She was part of the mayor's staff, a werewolf herself. Revealing the truth could put me in even more danger.

If only I hadn’t taken that picture… none of this would’ve happened.

The nurse helped me with the plate of food. "It’s beef. I cooked it myself. If you don’t like it, I can get something else."

"No, thank you." I started eating, a bit embarrassed with her watching but unsure how to ask her to leave.

"It's delicious," I admitted, savoring the flavor. But where were my belongings? And how on earth would I get out of this town?

"I see," the nurse replied with a strange smile. "Are you and the mayor… involved?"

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Are you two related?"

"No. Why would you think that?"

The nurse crossed her arms, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "If you're not related, are you… romantically involved?" A smirk tugged at her lips. "Am I right?"

I stared at her like she'd lost it. "No."

She gasped. "Then why are you here in his house? I’ve known Julius for years, and no woman besides family or the cleaners has ever been here. It’s even my first time here, just to nurse you."

"Why don’t you ask him?" I shot back coolly, the throbbing pain in my side easing but my mind racing with questions of my own.

She sighed, almost dreamily. "We’re not friends; I’ve had a crush on him since fifth grade. I wouldn’t even know how to talk to someone like him. But hey, at least you’re not his wife—gives me a bit of hope," she added with a wistful smile.

"I’ll leave you to eat," she said, pointing to a button on the headboard. "If you need anything, just press that."

"Got it." I kept eating, feeling the awkwardness settle.

Finally, she broke the silence. "I'm Sabrina, by the way," she said as I finished my meal. "Just press the call button if you need anything." And with that, she left.

I sat there a moment before attempting to stand, only for a sharp pain to shoot through me, forcing me back down. "Alive but barely," I muttered, clenching my fists in frustration.

Suddenly, the door opened. I expected Sabrina, but froze when I saw who stepped in.

"You're awake," he said, his deep voice filling the room as he shut the door behind him. The mayor—Julius—stood there in a powder blue, long-sleeved shirt, the top two buttons undone, his marble-gray eyes fixed on me. He was tall, about 6'2", with a lean, athletic build and fair skin that highlighted his striking features.

“It’s time we had a talk,” he said, walking closer.

I swallowed hard, my breaths shallow as a chill ran down my spine. I knew what this was about: the item I’d taken and the slim chances of escaping in my condition. The thought sent dread spiraling through me.

My heart pounded as he stopped in front of me. I seemed to forget how to breathe, barely able to look up at him. The subtle scent of vanilla musk filled the space between us, both calming and unsettling.

"Are you going to say something?" Julius asked, a smile on his lips that sent a chill down my spine. It wasn't a kind smile; it was the kind that made you feel uneasy.

I took a breath, swallowing hard. "I..."

Before I could finish, Julius pulled something from his pocket and held up a picture, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You're shocked."

"How did you get that? Where’s my DSLR? My laptop?" I demanded, my voice trembling with disbelief and anger.

"They're down in the garbage in my office. Useless," he said casually.

Horror washed over me, and my eyes widened. "You didn’t break it..." I mumbled, my breath catching. Tears threatened to spill as my vision blurred. That camera had belonged to my mother; it was old but held countless memories.

"Yes, I did, Miss Hansen. Along with your plan to show this photo to your friend, and then your journalist best friend, Irene Sandoval, posting it with your statement. That won't be happening," he said, crumpling the photo in his hand.

"You’re lucky I saved you from those werewolves wanting you dead. But I won’t let you ruin this town because of your actions," he added sternly.

"How could you break my DSLR? You don’t understand what it meant to me. You could’ve taken what was on it—why destroy it?" I cried, my heart breaking. I had cherished that camera, and losing it was a blow I couldn’t bear. It was my only connection to my mother, a reminder of her when I was twelve.

What Julius had done hurt more than any physical injury. I wasn’t one to cry easily, but the loss of something so dear tore down all my defenses.

"It's pathetic that you're crying over a thing. You should be crying about your situation!" Julius’s harsh words cut through the air. "You disobeyed me by keeping that picture. You lied, thinking you could deceive me. Be thankful I hold Sullivan in high regard, and grateful you're part of that family. Otherwise, you'd be long dead."

I stared at the mayor, anger surging within me. I wanted to slap him, to confront him, to do anything to vent my frustration. "I don’t need your saving. I’d rather face death than stay here, alive and tormented."

His eyebrows shot up at my words, and he smirked, his eyes empty of emotion. He mocked me effortlessly with just a look. I despised this creature that looked human but was just a malevolent werewolf.

"Maybe you’re right. You’re alive, but you’ll be living a life you’ll hate. A life you’ve sealed for yourself—one that robs you of your freedom."

I wiped away my tears, pausing at his words as I met his gaze. "What do you mean?"

He crossed his arms, looming over me, making me feel small. If only I could stand, maybe I wouldn’t feel so inferior. 

"Your life is indebted to this town," he said.

I couldn’t wrap my head around it. "How do I owe my life to this town? I haven’t done anything to them," I protested.

"Don’t you get the danger of what you did? Our secret needs to stay protected, and anyone who knows it has to keep quiet," he explained. "With one mistake, you’ve not only put your life at risk but also the town’s fate. You’ve crossed the wrong pack, the wrong man. To keep this town safe, you’ll live by my rules—like it or not. That way, you’ll be safe, and so will this town."

I looked down, the weight of my situation settling over me like a heavy blanket. My life wasn’t my own anymore; it was in Julius's hands, subject to his whims. It was a terrifying truth to swallow.

"Do you understand what you’re getting into, Miss Hansen? You can’t leave this town, and I won’t let you. You’ll stay by my side until your last breath to make sure you don’t ruin this place or my life after I saved you. Got it?" His voice had a hint of anger.

I was speechless. I didn’t plan on giving in to his demands, but I couldn’t find the strength to argue. My head throbbed, and all I wanted was to escape into sleep. Maybe then I could figure out a way out of this mess.