Chapter 3
1126 Words
_Alyssa's POV_
My heart pounded in my chest as I realized that Logan was standing just a few feet away, completely unaware of my presence. For a moment, I was frozen in place, my mind swirling with memories of that night, the night everything had changed.
But this time, I wasn’t the naïve girl who fell for his charms. I knew what was coming. I knew what kind of man he really was. And I wasn’t about to let him see me, not now, not when I had been given this second chance.
Forcing my legs to move, I took a small step back. I needed to get away before he noticed me. My eyes darted to the side, searching for an escape route. People stood in clusters, laughing, chatting, their attention far from me. That was good. I needed to slip out before anyone saw me. My heart raced as I stole a glance back at Logan.
He was still standing with his friends, laughing at something one of them said, completely oblivious to my presence. His dark hair was styled neatly, and his shoulders were as broad and imposing as ever, the very picture of an Alpha in control. The sight of his easy smile—so familiar, yet so deceptive—sent a fresh wave of anger and hurt coursing through me.
I turned away. I was desperate to blend in and disappear into the crowd before he even had the chance to look in my direction. The thick fabric of my velvet dress swished around my legs as I moved quickly, darting between people, careful to keep my head down. My breath was coming fast, the pounding in my chest grew louder with every step I took.
Just a little farther, I told myself. The exit was just ahead. If I could reach the doors, I would be free. But even as I hurried, part of me was painfully aware that no matter how fast I ran, no matter how far I went, Logan would always be a part of me. His wolf would always sense me. There was no hiding from the bond we shared.
But I had to try.
I quickened my pace, weaving through the crowd. I was so focused on getting away, on escaping, that I didn’t notice the waiter in front of me until it was too late.
Suddenly, I collided with him, my body slamming into his side. The tray of drinks he was carrying wobbled and before I could react, the glasses tipped over. Cold liquid splashed all over me, drenching the front of my dress. I gasped, stumbling back as I looked down at myself in horror. The deep red stain spread across the soft velvet like a wound, ruining the once beautiful gown.
“Oh no,” I gasped.
For a moment, there was silence. The clatter of glass echoed as the tray hit the floor, and then, slowly, I felt the weight of dozens of eyes turning toward me. My face flushed hot with embarrassment. My hands trembled as I tried to brush the liquid from my dress but it was no use. My fingers were shaking too much.
I scrambled to my feet, glancing around frantically. My pulse was roaring in my ears. I needed to get out. I needed to—
Then I saw him.
Logan.
He was staring right at me, his expression unreadable, his sharp blue eyes locked onto mine. His friends had stopped talking, and they too were looking at me, but I didn’t care about them. All I could see was Logan—his gaze boring into me with an intensity that made my skin crawl.
My breath caught in my throat. How long had he been watching? Had he already figured out who I was?
For a second, I was frozen again. My heart was hammering wildly in my chest. Every instinct screamed at me to run, but my body wouldn’t listen.
Logan’s lips parted, and before I could react, he started walking toward me, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Wait!” he called, his deep voice cutting through the noise of the room.
I flinched, my heart jumping in my chest. No. I couldn’t do this. Not now. Not here.
Before he could get any closer, I tore my eyes away from him and ran. My dress was heavy and soaked, clinging to my skin, but I didn’t care. I pushed past the crowd, ignoring the startled gasps and curious whispers, my only thought to get as far away from Logan as possible.
“Wait!” His voice rang out behind me again, louder this time, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. I didn’t dare look back.
The ballroom doors loomed ahead, and I shoved them open with all my strength, bursting out into the cool night air. The sudden chill hit me but I didn’t slow down. I crossed the courtyard in long, desperate strides, my heart racing as the sound of my footsteps echoed in the empty space.
I could still hear him behind me, his footsteps closing in. I didn’t need to turn around to know that he was following me. His wolf would find me, no matter how fast I ran. But I had to try. I had to get away.
I sprinted into the woods. The branches scratched at my skin as I crashed through the underbrush. My breath came in ragged gasps. I had no idea where I was going. All I knew was that I had to run and put as much distance between me and Logan as possible.
Maybe I could hide. Maybe I could disappear. Get plastic surgery, change my face, become someone else. But deep down, I knew it wouldn’t work. Logan’s wolf would know that we were mates. He would always know. There was no escaping him.
I started to panic as I stumbled over uneven ground, my feet slipping on loose rocks and dirt. I didn’t see the cliff’s edge until it was too late.
My foot slipped, and suddenly, the ground was no longer beneath me. My arms flailed wildly, trying to grab onto something, anything, but there was nothing. The world tilted as I tumbled forward. For a brief moment, I was weightless, falling through the air, the wind rushing past me.
This was it. This was how it ended.
But then, out of nowhere, strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me back from the edge.
I gasped, my heart pounding as I was lifted off my feet and set back on solid ground. My legs trembled beneath me, and I looked up, expecting to see Logan.
But it wasn’t him.
It was someone else. Someone I didn’t recognize.
- Writer
