The Long Lost Alpha

Chapter 6: Escaping Captivity

Ilona

Light sunrays shone on my face through the stained-glass window of my bedroom. The bright flickers of sunlight nudged me awake from my deep slumber. Shielding my eyes from the sun, I slid out of my silk sheets and into my warm slippers. As I gazed outside the window at the sight of the pack grounds, my eyes fell on the market setting up. Almost inadvertently, a smile found its way to my face.

It was rare that I visited the market two days in a row, yet, I found myself itching to get ready and head there. I longed to see my new friend, to talk to the handsome ember-eyed man. But the icing on the cake was to not have to worry about the other things looming over my mind.

Within minutes, I got dressed and covered myself in a bright sunflower yellow cape. Satisfied with how I looked, I stepped out of my room. With my hand on the banister, I looked down at the almost unending circle of stairs heading downwards.

My bedroom’s location was far away from my father’s, which I didn’t mind. But, he also placed my room away from the other alphas as well as his Beta and Gamma. It was as if I was locked up in a castle tower, a prisoner against my will. To others, that wasn’t the case, but deep down within, that was exactly how I felt.

Descending the wooden staircase as my cape bounced down with me, I headed to the front door. Stopping by the kitchen, I popped in to grab something to eat and collect my basket.

“Alpha Ilona! Good morning. How can I help you this morning?” Nancy, the head Omega, asked.

Beaming at her, I shook my head, “Nancy, call me Ilona, please. You’re like my own mother.”

“You say that every time, but we both know what will happen if the Alpha comes to know. So, tell me, what brings you to the kitchen today?” Nancy replied, bowing her head with subjection.

Chuckling for a while, I picked up the basket on a nearby table, “I only came for this. I’m heading to the market.”

“Again? Didn’t you go yesterday?” Her eyebrows arched at me with worry and curiosity.

With a loud exhale, I vented out, “Nancy, come on. Not you too. It’s enough that my father and his henchmen keep an eye on me.”

“Forgive me, Alpha Ilona. I didn’t mean to protrude,” Nancy apologized with a deep bow.

Feeling bad, I corrected her, “No, no. Please, that’s not what I meant. I was just annoyed that they came looking for me yesterday. I wanted to take a walk around to clear my mind.”

“In that case, have a nice walk, Alpha Ilona. Here, do take this since you haven’t had your breakfast.” Nancy handed me some pastries wrapped in a napkin and I placed them in my basket.

Smiling at her, I bid her farewell and continued my journey out of my prison, the packhouse. But, unlike what I was expecting, my escape wasn’t smooth. Recognition of my presence didn’t take more than a minute, followed by the interrogation.

“Alpha Ilona! What are you doing here? Where are you going?” Beta Lori demanded, calling out to me.

Ugh, you have got to be kidding me!

Growling within, I turned around with a small smile plastered on my face and approached her. Along with Beta Lori, Gamma Greyson tagged along, jogging behind her. Swallowing my saliva, I took a deep breath and stood before my father’s loyal followers.

“Good morning, Beta Lori and Gamma Greyson. I’m heading out to the market as usual,” I replied, keeping my voice steady and confident.

Beta Lori’s right eyebrow arched at me with curiosity, “Don’t you usually go on Fridays and Mondays? Didn’t you go yesterday? What’s with the sudden visit? Does the Alpha know?”

“Come on! I’m going to the local market that is a little over a mile outside the walls. I just want to clear my mind. It’s not like I’m running away to another pack with my lover or plotting a war!” I yelled out in frustration, fed up with all the questions.

Beta Lori started fuming at my response, enraged by my high tone of voice against her. It was odd, since she was a Beta while I was an Alpha. Yet, the female Beta narrowed her eyes at me, “Wat—”

“Lori, she’s going to the market. It’s fine. We know where to find her if she takes too long. Let her go and come spar with me,” Gamma Grayson interrupted, placing a hand on Beta’s shoulder.

Smiling with gratitude, I replied, “Thank you, Gamma Grayson. I remember my limits and will be back before then.”

Beta Lori nodded at me and turned to walk back to the training grounds. Gamma Grayson stayed behind, grinning at me.

“Ignore her. She’s worried about you and is heeding the Alpha’s orders. You enjoy yourself, Alpha Ilona,” he said with a deep voice. Gamma Grayson then started walking towards his Beta, but not before flashing me a wink.

Wait, did the Gamma just wink at me?

It was odd and might I add, very confusing, but, I chose to brush it off and head to my desired destination instead. To be honest, it wasn’t all that surprising. Unlike Beta Lori, who had always been harsh and mean towards me, Gamma Greyson was the opposite. He was stern yet he had a soft spot for me. It was a nice change from all the cold tundra breeze of Alpha Xander’s rule.

Father appointed Beta Lori as soon as he became Alpha, back when she had just lost her mate. They became as thick as thieves, their minds both evil and treacherous. Rumor has it that Beta Lori had her eye on the Alpha and devoted her life to him. Maybe that was the reason behind why she never liked me that much. As for the young and strong Gamma Greyson, Father appointed him five years ago. He replaced his father, the previous Beta, who retired.

They were all loyal to their Alpha and his orders to keep a close eye on me. It ached me when I found out that he was being overprotective not for paternal reasons. Instead, it was because he was concerned about his reputation and his embarrassment of me. After all, I was the Alpha’s daughter who had no wolf. In other words, powerless and worthless in his eyes.

Shaking my obnoxious father from my mind, my feet carried me with haste to the local morning market. Instead of browsing the stalls, I headed straight to the back of the stalls, to the hidden corner where I had first met Theo.

Yet there was no green-eyed hunk around. Dejected, I took a seat on a crate and cradled my head in my palms, resting my elbows on my knees. Was I a little sad that he wasn’t there, or might not turn up? Yes. Why? I didn’t know.

But, I didn’t have to wait for long. When I least expected it, I heard the familiar voice that made my heart skip a beat, “So, does this count as our second date?”

Turning to face him, my lips curled into a smile as soon as my eyes fell on his shaggy hair and rugged appearance. But, then, his words finally reached my mind and I contemplated their true meaning.

“Date?” I demanded, looking at him with a puzzled look.

Theo’s face turned pale and his eyes widened—a look I couldn’t get tired of seeing. After swallowing what seemed like a lump in his throat, he replied, “No, I didn’t mean it like that. I... I...”

Oh, you poor gullible man.