𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐫 || 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐖𝐨𝐧

Chapter 20

Despite the temptation to do so, Wonwoo didn’t touch his blindfold. Not because the alpha had told him not to, but because he strongly suspected they had cameras watching him. Why else leave him enough movement in his bound hands to reach the cloth covering his eyes? They were testing him. And he had no plans to fail.

The next two days passed in a fear-filled monotony. They fed him twice a day, brought him water three times, but otherwise left him alone with his thoughts. The alpha, who he’d overheard the beta call Hyukjae, came alone most times and said as little as possible. Whenever the beta turned up, Hyukjae was never far away. It was almost as if he didn’t trust him with Wonwoo. Wonwoo thought Hyukjae was right not to, since the beta seemed to like getting closer to him than necessary—close enough that Wonwoo could smell his sour breath. Not that his own breath was much better considering they hadn’t provided toothpaste or a brush.

And the water in the bathroom sink smelled off, so even washing wasn’t worth the risk. The food was pre-packaged and bland, but at least it was edible. He wasn’t complaining. Much. And certainly not out loud.

He’d surreptitiously tested his bindings under the cover of the blanket, certain he had enough slack in both his wrists and ankles to be able to shift safely. The only question was timing. There was no point shifting when he had no way out of his basement dungeon. He’d need to wait for an opportunity. They had to move him sometime—it was clear they weren’t planning on keeping him here forever.

On day three, while he pretended to doze on the thin mattress, bundled up under the blanket to stave off the cold, the door at the top of the stairs opened. Blindfolded, he had no way to keep time except through his captor’s visits. First meal meant morning, second meant evening, and water with no food meant nighttime. It wasn’t much, but it was something, and he clung to that tiny bit of knowledge like a lifeline. Assuming these guys were keeping to a schedule, it was morning again and time for breakfast. Food-wise, that meant some kind of grilled cheese sandwich, cold and congealed, with water to wash it down.

He heard footsteps at the top of the stairs, but then a voice called from beyond and the person retreated. The door stayed open. Wonwoo sat up, curious, wondering if this was his chance. He pushed to his feet, using the wall as a guide as he shuffled his way toward the stairs. Cool, fresh air snaked downward, and he gulped it in gratefully over the stale air of his prison. He tensed his body, readying himself to shift, when words caught his attention.

“… that bastard Mingyu agreed to a meeting place, finally. Means we’ve only got to babysit another day. Two at most.”

Wonwoo forced down his shifter energy and stilled. Mingyu? This was about Mingyu?

“We’re handing that pretty little thing back? Just like that?” The beta sounded disappointed.

Hyukjae laughed, the sound cruel and grating. “Hell, no. Boss has long-terms plans for him. Thinks holding onto him is worth his while. If he had an expiration date, you’d get to have your fun. But he doesn’t, so you just keep your hands off him, you hear me?”

Wonwoo grumbled in frustration. He wanted them to talk more about Mingyu and less about their appetites for captive omegas. It sounded like Mingyu was trying to get him back.

But if these guys weren’t planning to return him, what were they going to do to Mingyu?

Now that he knew Mingyu was mixed up in this, he couldn’t run until he knew more. He quickly shuffled back to his mattress. It wouldn’t do to be found waiting at the bottom of the stairs. They’d take extra precautions if they thought he was a flight risk. He needed them to see him as meek, as safe, someone who wouldn’t put a foot out of line without their say-so.