Megan's POV
My face was still covered in slumber as the early light filtered through the open slats and gently awoke me. I moaned and rubbed my itchy eyes as I sat up. My eyes burned from staring in that way even though they weren't open. My eyelids seemed to be made of transparent paper in the light, offering no protection and enabling the light to pass straight through. My joints creaked as I flexed my muscles, and I let out a yawn. The space was rather cool. Because the glass was shattered, the whole late-winter environment entered the space. Although Spring was approaching, it was still quite chilly.
My bare feet landed on the chilly, broad flooring as I slid out from beneath the cozy blankets. After wearing shorts and a tank top the previous night, the air was nibbling at my exposed arms and legs. I hastily closed the window as I approached to save energy in case Alpha had switched on the heat before he left or had forgotten to do so.
I felt vulnerable even though I was aware that I was the only one in the whole house—not just in this room. I had a sense of vulnerability and the impression that someone was observing every move I made. It irked me. I became nauseated from it.
I moved to the closet and started looking through it until I found what I wanted, trying to push this sensation away. I hastily threw the first sweater I could find over my head. It quickly encompassed my body with its cozy scent and smooth fabric, nearly completely erasing the unpleasant sensation. My shorts were entirely hidden by the baggy garment, which extended halfway to my thighs. Its white hue contrasted with the tone of my skin, giving the impression that I had more tan than I really had.
The loneliness and longing for something I was unable to get from last night's sensation came back. I breathed in the heady aroma that reminded me of pine and cedar trees as I raised the hoodie's neck over my face. I had an overpowering emotion that turned me into a roaring fire that I was unable to ignore. I had to read the letter again. I rushed up to the wooden nightstand and almost immediately snatched the note off of it, holding it gingerly in my hands. It was a folded piece of paper that seemed to have been ripped from a notebook instead of the green Post-it note. Reading the page with my eyes running over it caused my blood to go cold as I experienced terror.
As you lay on that bed, you seem delicate and at ease. You are sleeping away and are unaware that I am standing over your exposed body. It wasn't difficult to get here; all I had to do was create a few diversions and enter an unlocked home. My darling Malia, I thought you were better than that. I've been in here before, as you know, and I could do it again with ease. By sundown, if you haven't turned into me, something terrible will happen, and you'll have blood on your hands. Simply cross the border on foot, then wait in the clearing at the western border. I'll be here waiting.
The Master
The paper fluttered to the ground from my trembling hands. When bile started to build up in my throat, I hurried to the bathroom and flushed my fake meal down the toilet. My throat hurt from the stomach's acid, which also left a sour aftertaste in my mouth. I leaned out, dry heaving over the toilet seat, and poured my foul body fluid down the drain without thinking.
I reclined and balled up in the corner. The walls surrounded me and provided some kind of safety. I could feel the irrational shivering that was affecting my whole body. My thoughts were obscured by pure horror, and I was unable to think of anybody else than him. Because my brain couldn't even think to let me breathe, it was unable to recognize that it was suffocating. My lips tasted like vomit and the salt from my tears. I needed Kai. Finally, my mind turned to something else.
I rose up on wobbly legs after fighting through my trepidation. I looked for the toothbrush and toothpaste that Alpha had permitted me to use since I no longer wanted to taste the bile. I squirted the white, mint paste all over my palm and the brush bristles since my hands were so shaky that I could hardly grasp anything.
Before I left the home, I was able to fully brush my teeth, grab the message, and leave the bed unmade. I had to track down Kai. No, I had to get out of here. I had to get out of here before I injured any more people. Instead, it was due to or brought about by me. I went into the jungle carelessly, without even considering the chance of coming across bears or mountain lions. My knees buckled as I gulped back a sob that I had been trying so hard to suppress. I balled up in defense and wept once more as my back slid down the rough, uneven bark.
"Megan? Are you there? All morning, I've been seeking you! What have you been doing? She took in my shaking form; her speech slowed and trailed off. Dear Moon Goddess, What's the issue? Are you alright? I made a slow, back-and-forth head movement.
"N-no." I tremulously whispered.
"Why? What took place?" She snatched the test-stained letter from my still-trembling fingers after I extended my arm out. Her eyes were gliding over the page, and I could see a glimmer of terror in them.
She laid the letter down, indicating that she had finished reading it, and I said, "I have to go.
"No." She gave a headshake. You don't, I say. Everything will be fixed by Jason. The group as a whole will make things right. You're secure here.
"You don't understand, Kai. Although I may feel secure here, others are not. "Megan." I had to go before someone else suffered harm. In front of me, she kneels down and looks me in the eyes. Master would have taken you when he offered you this if he really desired you. You are aware of what he is capable of and how cunning he can be. You know he has something in mind. He could hurt the group and me more if you go. You must remain.
I murmured, wiping the tears from my cheeks, "I forget how smart you can be considering how young you are, Little One."
"I'm not so young anymore, Megan." I was successfully lifted off the ground by her as she spoke and stretched out her hand. "Right now, you should take a bath. I'll see you in your room later. I must speak with Jackson.
"No!" I took hold of her arm and forced her to stop. You cannot inform him.
"Megan, I have to. The pack has to be informed in case he is preparing an assault. I sincerely nodded as I signed in defeat and let her leave.
There was going to be an assault, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. My hands will now once again be covered with blood.