The Hidden Enemy

I woke with a sharp intake of breath, my body screaming in protest. Every muscle ached, my wrists burned where cold metal bit into my skin, and a dull throb pulsed at the back of my head. The scent of antiseptic filled my nose, mingling with the familiar scent of wolves. I was in Bloodfang's infirmary.

Chains rattled as I tried to move. Iron restraints. The bastards weren't taking any chances. 

"You're awake." The voice was deep, smooth, but carried a dangerous edge. 

Cassian. 

I forced my eyes open. He sat beside my cot, golden eyes watching me like a predator ready to pounce. His muscular form was tense, hands clasped together, jaw clenched so tightly I thought his teeth might crack. The mate bond thrummed between us, making my skin prickle.

I scoffed. "If you're here to kill me, get it over with."

His eyes darkened. "Don't tempt me."

Silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words. He wanted answers. I could see it in the way his fingers twitched, the way his wolf pushed beneath his skin. I was his mate, but I was also a traitor in his eyes. 

"What are you?" His voice was lower now, dangerously soft.

I met his gaze, defiance burning through my exhaustion. "An omega, same as always."

He slammed his fist against the metal frame of the cot. "Don't lie to me. I saw what you did. You threw me back like I was nothing. No omega should have that kind of power."

I clenched my fists, the cuffs cutting into my wrists. I didn't know what was happening to me. That power—it was wild, uncontrollable. It scared me as much as it seemed to terrify him.

"I don't have answers for you," I said finally.

He didn't answer immediately. When he did, his voice was quieter. "I think... I don't know what to believe anymore."

His growl reverberated through the room, and I felt it in my bones. The mate bond stirred, whispering that I should submit, that I should yield. I clenched my fists against the urge.

"The Elders believe you're part of an ancient prophecy," he continued, voice low and measured. "A rogue omega with the power to bring destruction."

I barked out a laugh, though there was no humor in it. "And you believe them?"

"I don't know what to believe," Cassian admitted, his fingers drumming against the armrest. "But I do know you're dangerous."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh yes, I'm positively terrifying. Chained to a cot, surrounded by your warriors. I must be a real threat."

His eyes darkened. "You don't get to make light of this."

I leaned forward as much as my restraints allowed. "And what exactly do you plan to do with me, Cassian? Kill me? Lock me away like some caged animal?"

His silence was answer enough.

A sharp knock at the door interrupted the tense standoff. Cassian sighed and pushed himself to his feet. "You're being moved," he said. "I can't risk executing you yet, not when I don't understand what you are."

I blinked. "Yet?"

Cassian didn't answer. He turned and strode to the door, speaking in hushed tones to whoever was waiting outside. The guards entered, unlocking the shackles only to replace them with reinforced chains. I barely had time to brace myself before they hauled me to my feet.

"Where are we going?" I asked, ignoring the way my muscles screamed in protest.

"House arrest," Cassian said simply. "You'll be monitored at all times. No escape, no contact with the outside world."

I scoffed. "Charming."

Cassian's gaze lingered on me for a moment before he nodded to the guards. "Take him."

They took me to a room deep in the house and dumped me there, leaving me alone with Cassian. 

Something in my chest tightened. For a moment, I almost thought—no. I shoved the feeling down. 

The sound of footsteps outside the room broke the moment. Cassian turned toward the door just as his Beta entered.

"Alpha," the Beta said, voice clipped. "We need to talk."

Cassian gave me one last glance before standing. "You're not leaving this room."

"Wouldn't dream of it," I muttered, rattling the chains for emphasis.

Cassian strode out, and the door slammed shut behind him. I let out a shaky breath. The mate bond was messing with my head. I needed to escape, needed to get as far away from Cassian as possible. But how?

Hours passed, or maybe just minutes. My mind drifted, exhaustion pulling at me. The chains were too tight. My body was too weak. 

Then, suddenly, the door creaked open.

I tensed. It was too soon for Cassian to return. My senses flared as a figure slipped inside, hooded and cloaked in shadows. 

A dagger gleamed in their hand.

Shit.

I struggled, but the chains held fast. The assassin moved closer, silent as death. I braced myself, heart pounding.

But then, they knelt.

My breath caught.

"It is time, my King," the assassin whispered, voice reverent. "You must take your throne."

What?

I stared at them, stunned. "You have the wrong person."

"No, I do not," the assassin murmured. "The prophecy is unfolding. Your power has awakened. We have been waiting for you."

My skin prickled. My power? My throne?

"Who are you?" I demanded.

The assassin lowered their hood, revealing sharp green eyes and a face I didn't recognize. "One of many who follow you, who have waited for your return. But we must move quickly. Bloodfang cannot hold you. They will not understand."

I swallowed hard. "And if I say no?"

The assassin's lips curled slightly. "Then they will come for you soon enough. And you will not be ready."

And with that, he disappeared, like he was never even there. 

The room suddenly felt smaller, the walls pressing in. I had been fighting for so long, running from my past, my powers. But what if running wasn't an option anymore?

What if this was just the beginning?