Tara.

**Isabella**

Restlessness consumed me as I tossed on the bed, anxiety clawing at my thoughts about what that brute Razor might do to me when he returned. Earlier, I had pleaded with Cross to help me escape from here, but he blatantly refused. He wouldn't dare go against his brute of a brother, and I couldn't blame him; Razor is scary.

Cross even warned me not to ever mention anything about escaping. How pathetic? So I'm just supposed to stay here and remain like a fucking obedient pup to Razor? I can't do that. I just have to find another way.

The living room door's creak alerted me, prompting my eyes to shut tightly. I didn't have the guts to face him right now. Finally, the room door swung open, Razor's dominating presence filling the air. My heart raced, fingers trembling beneath the duvet as he approached the bed.

"Isabella," his voice, hoarse and low, echoed, sending shivers through me. "I know you're awake; I can hear the sound of your rapidly beating heart."

What the fuck?

I froze, daring not to breathe, refusing to acknowledge him.

"Open your eyes," his tone demanded instant obedience.

My eyes opened on their own, as I pushed myself up to sit on the bed. I peered through my ruffled hair at Razor; he was wearing black cargo pants and a thin white t-shirt that clung to his muscular frame. He looked so hot in a casual outfit. His wet hair dripped droplets of water, adding to his attractiveness. Seemed like he just had a shower.

I swallowed, seeing the icy look on his face. "I'm sorry," I breathed out, unable to meet his fierce gaze.

He made no reply, just staring down at me, intensifying my nerves and fear.

"I didn't mean to... I mean, I shouldn't have..."

"Shut up," he ordered curtly, his hand came to rest on my hair and I flinched. "Not tonight, baby girl," he whispered, stroking my hair gently, "not tonight."

He was silent for some time, so I managed to steal a glance at him. His green eyes were distant, consumed by something else. His hand finally pulled away from my hair before he climbed into the bed. I turned away, grabbing my phone. My body was still so tense, and I needed a distraction. I couldn't help but stare at my phone's screen absentmindedly.

"Go to sleep, Isabella."

My head raised a little. "Uh... what?" I pretended not to hear him. Knowing he wouldn't repeat himself, with a silent sigh I reached for the headboard, placing the phone there before settling back in.

His muscular arms suddenly enveloped me, pulling me closer to him. My boobs pressed against his rock-hard chest, as the scent of his warm body overwhelmed my senses. I snuggled closer instinctively, finding an odd sense of safety in his arms, even though this brute freaking terrified me.

"Tomorrow, you'll start your training," he whispered, rubbing my back affectionately. He paused for a few seconds before whispering gently, "I'll do anything to keep you safe."

I was stunned into silence. What's with the gentleness in his tone? Is he being this way because I could have died today? Well, if he cared about me, he had a weird way of showing it.

Today has been so stressful; I closed my eyes and allowed myself to fall asleep in his embrace.

*******

I glanced at myself in the mirror, adjusting my red tracksuit before securing my hair in a bun. That brute had left earlier to attend to some business, instructing Cross to take me to the training ground after breakfast.

Reaching for the doorknob, I opened the door to find Cross already waiting in the living room. He looked away from his phone, glancing at me. "Are you ready now?"

I nodded, walking over to the couch where Cross sat. "Cross," I began, drawing a deep breath, "about yesterday.."

Cross immediately stood up, scanning the living room nervously. "Luna, please don't mention it. I'll just forget you said that." He pocketed his phone and headed for the door.

"Wait, but I can't continue living like this," I gritted my teeth, suppressing my frustration. "Please...."

"Please don't... I don't want to get in trouble with my brother. I'm begging you. And for your good, just forget about escaping. Come on, let's go."

I wanted to freaking protest further, but I hesitated. I didn't want him to get into trouble. I mean, Dean got into trouble last night because of my foolishness. I'm still surprised that Razor didn't punish me...yet.

Cross opened the door, and we walked out of the penthouse together.

Arriving with Cross at the training ground, I took in the open space near the woods, surrounded by trees. The pack members had divided into different groups, some engaged in combat training under the watchful eyes of a pack warrior, while others raced and navigated hurdles.

Nearby, a group of howling werewolves gathered. A shirtless young man in black shorts sang a chorus as I observed. He was tall and muscular, with brown hair. I wondered how they could focus with that fucking banging body; I'd have been distracted for sure.

"They're demonstrating pack unity through harmonious howls," Cross explained, noticing my attention fixed there.

"So, it's like a communication skill," I asked. As if I was interested in the nonsense howls, I was feeding my eyes with Mr. Shirtless over there.

"Yeah, but you need your inner wolf for that," he muttered reluctantly.

My eyes rolled. "You don't have to feel pity for me. I don't mind being wolfless."

"Oh," Cross's brow raised with a cocky grin. "Is that so?"

I was about to give him a piece of my mind, but I was interrupted.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, Luna. I'm Cain, one of the pack trainers and warriors."

I looked at the humming wolves and then at the man standing in front of me, realizing it was the shirtless dude. I hadn't noticed him approaching.

"I'll leave her to you then," Cross announced to Cain, getting ready to leave.

"Wait, where are you going?" I gritted my teeth at Cross. How can he just leave me with this dude?

Cross pointed at a group of werewolves gathered at a spot. "They're about to go on a pack run. My wolf is yearning for a run." He smirked, and I wished I could wipe it off his stupid face.

"It's a pleasure meeting you?" Cain announced, extending a handshake toward me.

I hesitated; both Dean and Chris, who were close to Razor, had never dared to even touch me. This Cain guy seemed daring.

"Nice to meet you, Cain," I shook his hand. I felt his fingers intentionally brush mine as I withdrew my hand. Again, his glorious abs were distracting me. Can he at least put on some clothes?

"Come, let's begin, shall we?" He ushered us to a spot near the trees. "Do you have any experience with werewolf training before, Luna?"

I followed Cain to the spot near the trees, glancing at the different groups of werewolves engaged in various activities. "No, this is all new to me," I admitted, eyeing the combat training and the race in the distance. "I didn't think it was necessary back home."

My dad did complain that I didn't train, but I never wanted to. I felt I was okay physically.

Cain chuckled. "Well, welcome to the Bloody Skull pack, Luna. It's very necessary here. So you're really without a wolf?" Cain inquired, his gaze curious.

Not this stupid question again.

I nodded, my expression hard. "I manage just fine."

Cain smirked, his silly cocky demeanor surfacing again. "We'll see about that. Now, let's start with some agility drills. We'll start by developing your strength," he announced, punching a small tree. My eyes widened as the tree fell to the ground with a loud thud.

"I can't do that."

He chuckled. "Of course not. Let's try this." He opened his palms to face me. "Try and punch hard."

What the heck? He must think I'm some weakling. I sighed and gave a punch, but it made little or no impact.

Cain grinned, unfazed by my less-than-impressive punch. "Not bad for a beginner. We'll work on it. Strength comes with practice. Just focus on yourself, Luna. Each wolf has their strengths. We'll find yours. Now let's go."

He urged me on, and I missed his stupid huge palm again.

"Come on, is this how you want to be the Luna of the pack?" Cain taunted as I punched the air again, frustration growing with each attempt.

"You can do better than that," his lips smirked, and I missed his palm yet again.

I clenched my fists, determination fueling my next punch. "Come on," he urged, his voice now a whisper, "Is this how you want to escape?"

Not fully realizing Cain's words, I put all my strength into the punch, only to find myself twirled around as my fist connected with a lady.

"What the fuck!" She flared angrily.

My eyes widened as I watched the lady hold her bloodied lips. The lady, tall, curvy, and brunette, appeared visibly angered. Her eyes were almost bringing out the fire.

"Who the fuck are you bitch?" The lady lunged at me, pushing me roughly against a tree.