章節 7: Chapter 7: Seen

Thea's POV

Someone saw me. With such a small population, the news would surely spread fast. The Alpha would know that a human had crossed the barrier. My safety had to be at risk now.

My heartbeat hitched in my chest. I knew deep down that this was all my fault. It was because I tried to leave on my own. Someone must have seen me. If only I had stayed put and trusted Hudson and Emma, I would be safe right now.

"How did you find out? Who could have possibly noticed her, Em?"

Hudson's voice pulls me out of my own thoughts.

"There was a notice on the door when I came back from collecting the chicken coop eggs. It says that the human must report to the town square to stand trial."

"Sh*t," Hudson curses under his breath.

I watch him pace back and forth. I want to join him to work off my nervous energy, but I stop myself.

"It is too late to hide Thea now, Hudson. We need a new plan to keep her safe." I look up at Emma after she says this, and I recognize the fear hidden behind her calm demeanor. She has children to think of; I could not put them all in danger.

"I am going to the town square. You two have been so kind, but I can't put your family at risk in good conscience. You didn't ask to find me last night."

"Thea, you don't understand what the Alpha is like," Hudson says.

"I will have to take my chances and just explain that this is all a big misunderstanding," I answer.

"No, we will figure out another way,"

"Hudson, Thea is right. There is no way to hide her now. She cannot cross the barrier. There is nowhere to run to. The entire pack will know before the sun even finishes rising. She has to report to the summons from the Alpha, but we will be right there by her side. We just have to hope that we can reason with him." Emma chips into the conversation.

I answer her with a small smile to show my thanks for wanting to stick with me. It may be selfish, but I am terrified to go on my own. Hudson snorts in response.

"Thea, come inside with me, and we will get you cleaned up," Emma says, ignoring Hudson.

I quickly make my way up the stairs and follow her inside. I need to get away from Hudson; his frustration is only adding to my building anxiety. Emma leads me up the stairs and to a small bathroom.

"Fresh towels are waiting for you on the counter. I'm sure a shower will help you feel like yourself again. I will lay something out for you to wear in the room you stayed in last night. "

"Thank you, Emma."

I quickly undress and step into the clawfoot tub and close the curtain. My mom would love to have a tub like this. The thought of my mom sends a pang of guilt through me. I have been gone all night. I may never see them again if meeting the Alpha goes poorly.

I turn off the water and try to turn off these thoughts. They would not be helpful with what I am about to face. I get out and wrap a towel around myself. Emma had lain a long white cotton dress on the bed for me to change into. The fabric is covered with dainty yellow flowers. This is far from what I would typically go for, but I slip it on and head over to the mirror in the room.

My blond hair has started to curl from the humidity of the shower. The white dress fits me surprisingly well for belonging to someone else. As I stand there, I realize that Emma picked this specifically to make me look innocent. A soft knock on the door catches my attention.

"Come in."

"Sorry to bother you I just wanted to check in to see if you need anything. That dress looks lovely on you. I have a jean jacket that you can wear with it so you don't get cold on our way over." She sets a small plate with some toast on the dresser next to me.

"Thank you so much, Emma, for all that you are doing for me. I will be down in just a minute."

Emma nods and shuts the door behind her. I grab the plate and take a seat on the edge of the bed. I take one bite of the toast, but I can't manage to take another. I set the plate back on the dresser before heading downstairs.

Hudson is waiting in the living room, still pacing back and forth. Finally, he notices me and stops in his tracks. Is that sadness in his eyes?

"You ready?" he asks.

I nod, not trusting my voice not to crack if I answer him.

"I will be right by your side."

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