A flash of memory from that night appeared in my mind, but it was hazy. I tried to remember more, but nothing came to me.
Something happened that night—something I needed to uncover. But first, I needed to see my parents bodies.
My lungs strained to take in air, yet it felt as though I was suffocating. The only way to calm myself was to get some fresh air, to sit outside, even for a moment.
Determined, I quickly got out of bed and headed for the door.
At the entrance, two burly men stood guard. They were different from the policemen I'd seen earlier, and their presence surprised me.
"Where are you going, ma'am?" one of them asked, turning to face me.
"To see my parents dead bodies, of course," I replied sharply, rolling my eyes. Their questioning annoyed me.
"We're sorry, ma'am, but you can't leave the room," the other man said gently.
"Who gave you the right to stop me?" I snapped, my tone harsh.
"It's an order from Boss Bernard," the first man explained.
"What? Bernard?" I exclaimed, shocked. Why would Bernard deny me the chance to see my parents? My thoughts spiraled into confusion and anger.
He was finally showing his true colors, and I regretted ever getting involved with him. I shouldn't have signed those engagement papers so hastily.
But it was too late to change the past. Frustrated, I returned to the room and shut the door.
I needed answers from Bernard...
***
The next morning, I had been awake since 5 a.m., unable to sleep as thoughts of Bernard's recent behavior consumed me. His sudden transformation into someone unrecognizable weighed heavily on my mind.
When the door clicked open, I turned to see Cassandra walking in with a smile.
"Good morning, Maria! How was your night?"
"It was fine," I replied with a yawn, sitting up on the bed as Cassandra joined me.
"What's going on outside? I noticed two unfamiliar men guarding your door," she said, concern etched on her face.
"That's Bernard's doing! He's keeping me hostage, Cassandra. I can't even step outside!"
"Bernard?" Her eyes widened in shock. "I overheard him talking on the phone last night."
"What was he saying?" I asked, furrowing my brows.
"He mentioned burning your parents' bodies instead of interring them," she said hesitantly, confusion evident in her tone.
"What? Burning them?" I jumped up, my anger flaring, ignoring my body's weakened state.
"Calm down, Maria. That's what I overheard," Cassandra said, trying to soothe me.
"Don't tell me to calm down! This is absurd! Bernard is crossing the line, and I won't stand for it!" I yelled, the pain in my heart intensifying.
"Please, think about your health first. I thought you already knew about this; that's why I didn't tell you last night."
"I didn't know, Cassandra! Our pack has never done such a thing before. Why is Bernard trying to do this to my parents now? It's unthinkable!" I cried, my voice breaking.
Cassandra stayed silent, unsure of how to respond, and tried to console me.
"Call Bernard. Tell him to come here immediately," I said firmly, turning to her.
"Are you sure?" she asked cautiously.
"I need to talk to him!" I insisted.
Reluctantly, Cassandra took out her phone and dialed Bernard's number. After relaying my message, she ended the call.
"He said he'll be here soon," she informed me.
"Good. Thank you." I sat back on the bed while Cassandra prepared some fruit from the basket, though food was the last thing on my mind.
Bernard arrived shortly after. He entered with an air of arrogance, his handsome features doing little to mask the coldness in his demeanor.
Cassandra quickly stepped aside as Bernard approached me. He removed his sunglasses, his intense gaze fixed on me.
"Why did you call me?" he asked, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"What are your plans for my parents' bodies?" I demanded, glaring at him.
"You already know," he replied coolly.
"You mean burning them?" I shot back, my voice rising.
"Yes."
"How dare you make such decisions without consulting me? Who gave you the authority to act as Alpha when you haven't even been sworn in?"
"It's the pack's decision," he said, his voice calm but laced with pride.
"To hell with the pack!" I retorted angrily.
"Mind your tongue!" he snapped, his eyes darkening with fury. "Whether you like it or not, their bodies will be burned tonight!"
Rage boiled inside me. I lunged at him, but Cassandra stepped in, holding me back before I could strike him.
"I don't want to talk to you anymore. I want to speak with Beta Gilbert!" I demanded.
"You should be talking to me, not him. I'm the next Alpha, and you need to show respect. Or else—"
"Or else what? I'll never respect you as Alpha! You're nothing but a coward who couldn't even stand up for his mate!"
Bernard's fists clenched, his jaw tightening as he struggled to contain his anger.
I continued, my voice unwavering. "True leaders face their fears with logic, heart, and self-control. That's what makes a good Alpha—not this selfish, cowardly man standing before me!"
Then his lips curled into a bitter smile. "That's enough. My decision is final. The bodies will be burned tonight."
Without waiting for my response, Bernard turned and left the room.
I started to follow him, but Cassandra pulled me back, pleading with me to calm down.
"Maria, think this through. Remember, Bernard is the next Alpha, and he became your mate the moment you signed those engagement papers."
Following her last statement, I instantly glared at her. "How did you know about the engagement? I don't remember telling you."
"I overheard it last night. I didn't bring it up because I thought the issue with your parents was more important," she explained.
I nodded, realizing she was right. The engagement could wait...my parents were my priority.
"Cassandra, I need your help," I said, lowering my voice.
"What do you need?"
"Find a way to sneak me out of here. I have to stop Bernard from burning my parents' bodies tonight."
She hesitated, fear flickering in her eyes. "If Bernard finds out, he'll kill me."
"I know it's dangerous, but please, Cassandra. I need your help."
After a moment of silence, she nodded reluctantly. "What's the plan?"
I motioned for her to come closer and whispered my idea into her ear.
"I hope this works," she said anxiously.
"It will," I assured her, determination shining in my eyes.
"Okay, I'll start preparing," she said before leaving the room.
Once she was gone, I exhaled deeply, feeling a small glimmer of hope. This plan had to work...