Tess
I silently follow Lucas to his mansion. It’s not as big as the one belonging to our Alpha, but it’s in a more secluded spot on top of a hill. The ocean waves are crashing against it in the distance, and my insides flutter when Lucas peers down at me. His face is a collection of unyielding features and hard, beautiful lines, but his blue eyes are surprisingly curious.
“Are you tired?” he asks.
“Ummm…” My pulse beats quicker against my neck when I’m given Lucas’ full attention. He has the ability to make me go from silent and calm to a nervous mess within seconds. “I’m a little bit tired,” I admit.
“Do you want me to ask my butler to take you to your room?”
“I... I’m not that tired, but umm… I wouldn’t mind being shown to my room. I don’t know where that is,” I say in a voice so low I’m unsure if Lucas heard me.
Lucas gives me a small smirk. “What room would you like?”
His question gives me pause. Honestly, I think I would feel the safest if I had a room close to Lucas. Now that I’m a human, I feel disoriented. I wouldn’t be able to defend myself if Freddy decided to attack Lucas’ mansion, which is why it would feel good to be close to my werewolf mate, even if we are just friends and don’t have a romantic relationship.
“I-I would like a room close to yours if possible. It would make me feel...safe,” I mumble, hoping he doesn’t think I’m being too forward.
Lucas’ eyebrows shoot up in surprise at my request, and I feel my cheeks heating up at the thought of potentially overstepping my boundaries. But then he nods his head.
“Follow me,” he says, leading me up a spiral staircase to the top floor of his mansion. He walks down a long corridor, and I can’t help but admire the ornate decor and rich fabrics adorning the walls and floors.
This place is beautiful, and as I’m taking everything in, my eyes land on Lucas’ broad back. His muscles are rippling underneath his shirt, and my heart performs a somersault. Why do I have the sudden urge to hug him even though I find him scary and intimidating?
I keep my eyes on him, jumping when he suddenly stops in front of a door. “This is your room,” he says. “It’s one of my guest rooms, so feel free to make it your own.”
“T-thank you, Lucas,” I stammer, still feeling a bit embarrassed about my request. “I really appreciate it.”
I’m not sure what sort of response I expected, but the one I get isn’t it.
“You’re still reading for me tonight, right?” Lucas asks in a harsh voice, eyes boring into mine.
I shudder. Had I not known Lucas better, I would say he looked pissed off with me. But I’ve gotten to know the big werewolf and realize he isn’t trying to be scary. He just has what we women would call a “resting bitch face.”
“Well?” Lucas stares down at me.
I avert my eyes and feel a blush creeping up over my face. “Yes, I am still reading for you tonight,” I reply, proud that I managed not to stammer.
“Good,” he says before turning on his heel and walking away, leaving me standing alone in the hallway.
I push open the door to my room, taking in the opulent surroundings. The room is large and exquisitely decorated, with a king-sized bed and a plush armchair in one corner. A balcony door is open, allowing the cool night breeze to drift inside.
I walk over to the balcony door and step outside, looking up at the clear night sky. The stars are shining bright, and I can’t help but feel small and insignificant in the vast universe.
Suddenly, I hear a low growl, and I spin around to see Freddy standing across the balcony from me. He looks at me with dark, piercing eyes, and I feel a shiver run down my spine.
“What do you want?” I demand, trying to sound brave even though I’m terrified. I wouldn’t be able to fight off Wesley’s old Beta as a human.
And speaking of Freddy, he seems...different. I’ve only seen the man once or twice, but I remember he had sandy blonde hair, glasses, and kind eyes the last time I saw him. But now, there are no glasses, and his eyes are red. Wait. Red?!
I gasp. “You injected yourself with that medication!” I blurt out. “Y-you’re a hybrid!”
Freddy’s response is to grab me and place his hand over my mouth, muffling my screams. I try to pull away from him, but he easily keeps me in place.
“Now, now, don’t try to fight me, Tess,” his voice is smooth and dark. “We both know you wouldn’t win.”
My heart rate races as I take in Freddy’s intense, glowing red eyes. His square jaw is tantalizing, and his bad-boy smirk makes me weak in the knees. His body is toned and lean but not overly muscular—the perfect combination of strength and grace. He would be stunningly handsome if it weren’t for the fact that I know he is evil.
“You must be wondering what I’m doing here, huh?”
My eyes narrow, and I nod. It makes his smirk grow even larger over his handsome face.
“Wesley is my greatest enemy,” Freddy says in a dark tone, completely unbothered by my trying to fight him. It’s like he can’t even feel me trying to pull away from him. “He killed off my sister and picked Lily as his mate. I won’t ever forget that and you,” he breathes a laugh. “You’re a human now, which means you can be compelled.”
My eyes widen, but it’s too late. Freddy looks down into my face with his glowing red eyes, and then I’m a goner. His face becomes more beautiful, more enchanting, and I feel my willpower to fight him drifting away.
“You’re going to turn into my spy, Tess. Oh, and you won’t tell a single soul about this meeting or our future meetings. They will remain a secret. You and I will remain a secret. From now on, you report to me, and I want to know everything that happens between Wesley and his pack.” Freddy removes his hand from my mouth, and I gasp for air.
I try to fight the compulsion, to fight the urge to obey Freddy, but it’s useless. His command is stronger than my will. I’m... I’m becoming a slave to his will.
“Yes, Freddy,” I say, my voice flat and controlled. “I will be your spy and report to you everything that happens between Wesley and his pack.”
“And you will keep the compulsion a secret.”
“I will keep it a secret.”
Freddy looks pleased with himself. Those cruel lips of his curl up into a smirk, and he releases me from his grip.
“You’re dismissed,” he says before turning his back on me and jumping down from the balcony.
I’m left alone in the chilly weather, feeling violated and scared. How could Freddy do this to me? How could he turn me into his puppet?
But I know I have no choice. I can’t fight the compulsion, and neither can I tell anyone about it.
I take a deep breath and steel myself. From now on, I am no longer just Tess. I am Freddy’s spy. And there is nothing I can do to escape his hold on me.
I’m a traitor against my will.