Chapter 3

Megan POV

I groaned in irritation as the sun shined right in my eyes. When I tried to turn over, a wave of anguish swept over my body. I found myself in an unfamiliar environment as I opened my eyes. My defenses rose right away. The odd space and the smell of pack territory made me feel the desire to flee.

The space was white and a soft blue. I was seated on what seemed to be a hospital bed with a few vacant seats. To my left was a door, and to my right was a big window with a stunning view of a mountain range. I had an IV in my arm and monitors attached to my chest. I suspect the person in this position had an alarm that would activate if I removed them, giving me just a few minutes, perhaps fewer, to flee.

The window seems to be the simplest option. I wouldn't have to attempt to sneak inside a building that I'm sure was populated to assess how good and tidy it was. I would just need to open the window, maybe smash it, stay out of the way of others, and flee the area. without being discovered.

I appreciated the security cameras in the room. There was a black circle hanging from the ceiling beside the entrance, but I couldn't make it out. If this was a security camera, I'd never seen one before; just the older models. I could lock the door and attempt to buy some time since it had a lock on the inside.

Too quickly, I attempted to sit up. Gasping, I grasped my ribs, only to be struck with additional pain. For the first time in a long time, I was properly attired and smelled well. I wore a large, thigh-length navy blue cotton shirt. My chest and ribs were covered in white bandages, so I pulled them up to meet them. As I looked about for the injury, I groaned. My ribs were shattered in a couple of places. My back felt like it had been stitched. I unzipped the white, warm covers to find chilly air and more bandages. My whole right leg—from the calf on—was covered.

My arms were trembling from strain and agony as I gently sat up. My muscles ached since I hadn't moved in a long. As soon as I removed the adhesive pads from my chest, a muffled beeping could be heard coming from down the corridor. I pulled the IV out and made an effort to rise. Before falling and using the wall as support, I managed to take two steps. I was begging to sit down by using my leg and ribcage.

I limped to the door and twisted the lock on the knob while supporting myself against the wall with my right hand and my left arm.

Two sets of footsteps that were coming my way were audible. A guy and a female, one was hefty and the other light. I swiftly turned around out of terror. I let go of the wall with my hand and fell on my leg. I attempted to balance myself on my other leg, but it was unable to support the whole weight, and I collapsed to the ground.

The two pairs of footfall became louder, indicating a closer distance. I stood up shakily and limped back to the bed. I seized the necessary IV, ripped it away from the tube, and used it like a weapon. Then I hobbled over to the window. When I tugged on the window's side with my hands, nothing happened. I also tried the opposite side, but it remained still.

The footsteps halted at my door, and I could hear their hushed words and make out their silhouettes through the door's bottom gap. The door just jiggled when the knob was twisted while remaining closed.

"Now, go see a doctor." One of the shadows and a man started to go quicker toward the direction they had come from. I frantically attempted to open the window as the man continued to jiggle the doorknob, this time more forcefully.

Say, "Open the door." He said once more. I continued to attempt to open the window while ignoring him. He began pounding his shoulder into it and beating on it. The wood of the door started to fracture, showing that it was breaking.

My breathing began to leak into my jeans, and my heart began to beat more quickly. I reached for the chair next to the bed and shakily hoisted it over my head, threatening to break the window. From the corner of my vision, I saw a guy running toward me as the door crashed down. Fuck!

As he yanked the chair out of my hands, I screamed. I attempted to use the IV needle to puncture him, but I moved more slowly than normal. He held my wrist and took the needle from my hands. He was stronger than me, so despite my repeated screams and attempts to fight him off. He held me carefully, wanting not to injure me.

Hello there! Settle down! You won't be wounded by me. I jerked my arms out of his hold.

I snarled, "Don't touch me.

In comparison to my height of 5'6, the guy was an intimidatingly towering 6'0. His large build allowed you to see his muscles through his shirt. He exuded a sense of authority, which made me cautious of him even more.

My defensive posture caused my muscles to stiffen up. I kept a wary eye on him, expecting him to strike me or shout at me for attempting to get away. I reflexively trembled as he lifted his fists, squeezing my eyes tight in anticipation of a punch. I waited for a few seconds, but there was no impact. He was holding both of his hands in the air in an "I surrender" position when I first opened my eyes. He was looking at me with interest.

I won't harm you, I assure you. I had no intention of trusting him since I didn't believe him. I stayed mute while observing him, waiting for his reaction.

"Hello, I'm Jackson, the Mountain Ridge pack's beta. You may address me as Jack. He extended his hand for a handshake, but I moved backward to maintain a safe space between us. He groaned and let go of my hand when I refused to shake it.

Who are you called? He queried. I remained silent. He groaned again and brushed his hair with his hand. I backed up as soon as a female entered through the door because I dislike being outnumbered. I became even more tense. "I was unable to locate the doctor." said the girl.

My pulse was racing, and I was breathing so deeply that my ribs hurt and burned. Standing on my leg caused a stinging ache to go up and down it. I continued to back up, grunting in agony as my back hit the wall.

Why don't we set you down so we can chat, I said. He began to approach me once again, but I hissed at him to back off. He turned to the young woman at the door after taking a few steps back and said, "Could you give me a minute?" The girl exited the room with a short nod. I kept a close eye on it to make sure she did go.

That was only my friend, Blaire, so it's all right.

I staggered back toward the bed, wanting to go into bed. He sat down across from me in the chair I was intending to use to break the window. Since none of us knew what to say, the room became silent.

He wasn't my type, but the more I stared at him, the more I realized how handsome he was. He had heavy eyebrows, a straight nose, and a defined jaw. He had bright brown eyes and black, unruly hair in bronze.

"W-why am I here?" you may be asking. I queried. Speaking was a little painful, and my voice was becoming a little raspy from lack of usage. When I spoke, he was taken aback and gave me a bewildered face.