Recrudescence

🌟 Chapter edited and the first half is completely rewritten. Hope you enjoy it.🌟

Omar leaned against the door frame, hands in the pockets of his jeans, looking at something outside the room. The way he wore his black t-shirt with the sleeves pushed up gave him a carefree look. He turned toward Sonia as she came out of the bedroom and grinned.

It’s always an ear to ear, face-splitting grin, she thought. It reminded her of their first encounter. She reciprocated with her signature fake smile.

“Let’s go.”

He nodded and they left the room.

They walked along the corridor, passing similar doors at both sides. Sonia’s eyes kept going from left to right.

This place is bigger than I thought. Will I be able remember all this later when I escape?

“We have rooms for visitors or when pack members want to spend the night,” Omar said, his eyes holding words that didn’t leave his lips .

Or hostages in my case, Sonia thought, pursing her lips and nodding.

“They don’t live here?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

“Not anymore. After I took over as alpha, I changed many things. Mainly, I decentralized businesses.”

“So, you’re a change leader , hmm?”

“We didn’t have a choice. After we revealed ourselves to humans... let’s just say, some of you guys weren't a very big fan of the idea of us. It escalated from occasional protests at our borders to planting a bomb in the heart of our territory.”

“That was your pack?” Sonia remembered hearing about the incident in the news.

“ Yeah, it was a big one. We lost our alpha , the beta couple and many of our warriors. The material loss was humongous too. I had to step up to save the pack since my mum couldn’t handle her mate’s death.” Omar said with haunted eyes.

Sonia’s heart ached for him. She didn't say a word. She knew how hard it was to lose a parent. People said the pain would subside eventually, but it didn't. So, she kept her condolences to herself. She remembered how it angered her when people said that they were ‘sorry ’ for her loss. Nobody felt her pain, just like she couldn't feel his to its fullest extent. So, why participate in the social hypocrisy?

She said instead, trying to lighten the mood, “You did a good job. Now, people have their own houses, I believe.”

“Yes, but not only that.” He smiled his megawatt smile and went on talking about the changes he made and how it affected the pack’s economy and the overall well-being.

Sonia listened to every detail he mentioned, not looking for a loophole to escape anymore. She was mesmerised by the way he talked, how passionate he seemed and the way his eyes lit up. Literally, the intriguing fine lines in his eyes shone like a sapphire.

She envied him for the pride only achievements could bring . The motivation only love could provide.

She looked back at her life.

What achievements do I have?

What difference my existence made?

Who am I?

She remembered what her therapist used to tell her whenever she felt down, “You’re strong, Sonia. You'll go far,” and couldn’t help but wonder, why can others easily spread their wings and fly, when I, a supposedly ‘strong’ person, exhaust all my strength just to keep standing?

They reached the lobby she saw yesterday. Someone approached the alpha, asking for his attention. Omar motioned for her to go to the cafeteria, and indicated that he would join her soon. Not having any other option, she went to the open door.

The atmosphere was welcoming. A mixture of smells and sounds delighted her senses, the coffee brewing—she couldn't drink it, but she could still enjoy the smell—the fresh pastries, and the din of people chatting, water pouring in the sink, mugs and plates being washed and refilled, trays being slammed on the counter and others being picked up...

The only disturbing thing was her friends, gathered at a table in front of her.

Of course they would be here in the cafeteria.

She went to sit at a table, away from them.

Zinn, like a child high on sugar, bolted in her direction, whisper shouting at her, “Run. It's your chance now. Istona is watching the door.” She pointed to a huffing Istona who mouthed “Stupid” when they locked eyes. Zinn continued, “Leave from the back door. It opens to the garden. You can reach the street from there. Just act normal. Go! What are you waiting for?”

Against her better judgement, she rose from her place and did what she had been told—except the act normal part.

She was very nervous. She felt all eyes on her. It was like everybody knew what she was up to. She could even hear whispers about her. Her anxiety skyrocketed. She passed the tables outside and the people walking by.

It was beautiful outside, the greenery, the sun, the gentle breeze... but she couldn't enjoy any of it. All she could focus on was the paved path, separating the garden from the park. A park that stretched to become a forest with dense foliage.

She took the paved path, hoping it would lead her to the main street, or better, if a taxi passed by and took her out of this territory.

At the end of the block she saw Lana, motioning for her to run. She sprinted in her direction. When she turned in the alley, the main street appeared at the end of it.

Lana was frantic. She was running alongside with her. Her eyes were wide. Her face was pale. She said panting , “He’s looking for you. He found out you ran, and he is furious. Look. Take that taxi and go.”

Sonia motioned for the taxi to stop, and asked him to take her home. She gave him the address. It was stupid to go home, but she had nothing on her, no money, no identification papers... Nothing.

She could see the gate nearing. Her heart was beating loudly with excitement. They stopped at the gate so the driver could pass his card through the machine. The light turned green, and the gates raised.

Nothing stands between me and my freedom. She thought happily.

Well, nothing except the crazy guard that jumped in front of the moving taxi, and motioned to the driver to go back.

“Alpha’s orders,” he said.

“Oh, no! Please, please, please! Don't turn around. Just drive,” she said desperately.

He raised a brow, looking at her from the mirror. “Miss, I'm not a wolf, but even I know better than to go against an alpha's order.”

She sunk in her seat, defeated. Tears stung her eyes. Breathing deeply, she blinked them back and held her head high.

I will not breakdown.