I don't know how long I was asleep. There wasn't a clock in the room. My only indication was the sunlight peeking around the curtains covering the window. It was that burnt orange color, so I guessed the sun was setting.

I took a deep breath, straining to hear if anyone was in the room with me. Hearing nothing, I slowly pulled the blankets down to glance around the room. Nothing. I breathed a sigh of relief and stretched out my tired muscles. All the stress and anxiety of my situation was getting to me.

I sat up and stared at the window. The curtains were black and kind of plain, just like the rest of the room. Zane must not believe in decorating. I threw a quick glance at the door before flipping the covers off and getting out of the bed. I strode over to the window and pulled the curtain back just enough to peek outside. My eyes widened at the view. Blackcrest land was absolutely beautiful. The trees spread out as far as the eye could see. Rocky mountains rising above the trees in the distance. I could see a creek not too far from the house as well.

My old pack'ss land was mostly open fields. The "woods" around there were nothing like this. I hoped that maybe I would get to see more of the Blackcrest land. I loved being outside. It was always more peaceful than being locked up inside. I felt my heart squeeze at the thought of Zane never letting me leave this room.

A knock at the door made my heart nearly leap out of my throat. I quickly pulled the curtains closed. I hadn't noticed that I had opened them all the way. Whipping around, I stayed close to the wall. My hands automatically coming up to grasp at my shirt.

"Vallen," That's Laikynn's voice. How does he know my name? "I've brought you something to eat." The beta said as he pushed the door open. Laikynn had a plate of meat with what looks like chopped up potatoes, carrots, and broccoli. It looked good until the smell gets to me. I instantly held my breath when the smell makes me nauseous. The potatoes and veggies have been steamed. I know it. I hate steamed vegetables.

"Oh good, You're awake." The beta comments with a small smile. When I don't give any kind of response, Laikynn gives a slight nod and walks over to the Chester drawers and sets the plate of food and a glass of water on top. I shuffle closer to the corner of the room as he gets closer. "I'll leave this here for you. Eat quickly," He tells me. "Zane wants to see you when you've finished.

My head is pounding, and my vision is starting to fade, and I have to remind myself that I have to breath when I realize that I stopped. My heart keeps racing, though. Panic sinks its claws into me at the thought of seeing Zane again.

Laikynn watches me for a minute, but I keep my head bowed. "Eat something." He instructs. "I'll be back soon to get you." I watch his feet turn and leave the room. There's no way I can eat now. I glance up at the food and slowly make my way over. I pick it up and stare at the meat that's still raw in the middle and the potatoes that have been steamed into little balls of mush and the vegetables that look like the life was sucked out of them.

My stomach heaves at the thought of eating any of it, so I set the plate back on top of the dresser and grab the glass of water. I drink it slowly as I sit down on the edge of the bed. When I've finished the water, I set it back with the plate and sit back down.

I can't take the waiting, so I make the bed up nice and neat. Laikynn still hasn't come back. It feels like it's been forever, but without a clock, I had no way of knowing how long it had actually been. I start to wring and tug on the edge of my shirt and pick and pull at the stitches of the hem until they start to come undone. I'm beginning to wonder if Laikynn is coming back until I hear a quick knock as the doorknob twists.

"Are you finished?" The beta asks. His eyes find the plate of food, and he gives me a stern look that has me bowing my head. "I told you to eat." Fear makes my whole body seize in preparation for some kind of punishment. Instead, I hear him sigh quietly. "Oh well, Come on. I'll take you to see Zane now."

I get to my feet and follow him out the door. I keep my head down, and my hand's fumble with my shirt hem some more. Laikynn leads me back down the hall the way I came, but instead of going down the stairs, we go up another set to the third floor. We stop at the first door on the right, and Laikynn knocks a couple times before opening the door.

Walking into the room, the first thing I see is a massive four post canopy bed with a black comforter. There were nightstands on either side and a cushioned bench at the end of the bed. Laikynn moves farther into the room, but my feet are glued to the floor. I can't bring myself to leave the door.

"Did you brin him?" I heard a deep voice asked from my left.

"Of course." Laikynn replies.

I warily glance toward their voices without lifting my head. Laikynn is standing beside a black couch where Zane is sitting facing away from me. I notice two plush chairs on either side of the sofa and a large TV mounted on the wall with surveillance cameras displaying feed from all over the house.

"Come here." Zane orders, and somehow I know he's talking to me. My feet start moving before my mind and fully process it. I force my hands to my sides as I shuffle over to where Laikynn is beckoning me. Laikynn motions for me to stand between the glass coffee table and the TV. I can't look at Zane. I'm too scared, so I focus on the white fur rug at my feet.

"Leave us," Zane commands Laikynn.

No!

Blood is roaring in my ears again, and my heart is trying to break through my rib cage. I don't want to be alone with Zane!