Kidnapped Alpha Mate

Chapter 7- Secret Plan

Em's P.O.V.

The boys gazed at me as if I were a madwoman, like a creature with three heads sprouting from my ears their expressions were a mix of confusion and disbelief.

Just as Jackson was about to respond, Sophia called out my name, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

In an instant, all eyes shifted to her, and I could sense her discomfort radiating from across the room. It was as if the air had thickened, and I could feel the weight of their stares pressing down on her.

Seizing the opportunity, I pushed Jackson away, his words trailing off in surprise, and made my way to Sophia, my heart racing with a mix of urgency and concern.

"Em, you really need to calm down," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the low hum of chatter that began to surround us. Her eyes darted around, searching for a safe space amidst the scrutiny.

"I know. I just couldn't help but worry about you and—and..." My words were abruptly halted by a comforting embrace from Sophia, her warmth enveloping me like a shield against the world.

"I'm fine, truly. But you know how I can be when..." she hesitated, and I could see the shadows of her past flickering in her mind, like ghosts that refused to be exorcised. The memories were etched in her features, a silent testament to battles fought and scars earned.

I grasped her hand firmly, grounding both of us in the moment. "Look at me, Soph." She slowly raised her gaze to meet mine, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of vulnerability and strength. "I will NEVER allow anything to harm you." My voice was steady, a promise forged in the heat of our shared experiences.

A wistful smile crossed her lips as she nodded in agreement, the tension in her shoulders easing just a fraction. In that moment, the world around us faded, and it was just the two of us—two friends bound by unspoken understanding and unwavering loyalty.

"Thank you, Em," she whispered, her voice a fragile thread that connected us. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," I replied, squeezing her hand tighter. "We're in this together, remember? Always."

In the stillness that enveloped the room, Sophia, after a brief pause, resolved to rise from her position on the cold floor. The effort was daunting; her knees trembled beneath her weight. With a slow, cautious ascent, she nearly succumbed to gravity's pull, but in an instant, Edward was at her side. Yet, when his hand brushed against her arm, she recoiled, instinctively seeking refuge against me.

A fleeting shadow of sorrow crossed Edward's face, quickly masked by a veneer of indifference.

Once settled on the bed, I mustered the courage to ask once more, "Why did you abduct us? What is it that you want from us?"

The boys exchanged glances, their eyes darting between one another and us.

"There's much to unravel," one of them replied. "Why not rest for now? We can discuss it in the morning." Edward, noticing Sophia inching closer to me, added with a hint of melancholy, "You both can stay here for the night."

A wave of relief washed over us as they departed, leaving us in the dim light room.

"We need to devise an escape plan," Sophia murmured, urgency lacing her voice.

"Indeed, we do..." I responded, my thoughts swirling like a tempest as I surveyed the dimly lit room. Rising to my feet, I approached the window, gazing out into the abyss of the night, where the moon cast its pale glow upon the landscape. All that met my eyes were the silhouettes of trees, standing sentinel in the darkness, with no other homes in sight.

Then, like a bolt of lightning, inspiration struck. "I've got it! At dawn we'll tie the bed sheets together and go out through the window."

Sophia's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Brilliant idea! But can we get some rest first?"

I nodded in agreement and with that, I turned off the lights, and as my head sank into the plush pillow, sleep swiftly claimed me.