Caged By The Alpha's obsession

Chapter 1

AMARA

Something wasn’t right...like the wind carried a secret I couldn’t unhear.

I stirred the pot slowly. The steam from the stew blasted into my face. I blinked through it, my hand moving without thinking. I have made this meal a thousand times. It was the same recipe, the same flavor. But today, it tasted off.

I wasn’t myself.

I don't know why or can't seem to explain it.

The whispers which had plagued me for years had started again. It was faint, like voices in a dark room.

Like they knew my name.

That was not all, I have also been disturbed by strange dreams in the night.

And all these started some few days ago.

“Amara, are you alright?” Eamon’s voice broke through my thoughts.

I turned and saw him standing by the bar counter, wiping a glass with a rag. His brows were raised.

“Yeah,” I tried smiling but sold myself. “Just tired.” I shrugged.

“You sure? You look like you saw a ghost.”

I forced a smile again. “Come on, I didn't see a ghost. I ...am...just... thinking.”

Eamon nodded but kept staring. “You know, you have been like this all week. If you need to take time off...”

“No,” I cut in, hurriedly. “I’m fine.”

I turned back to the pot and gave it one last stir. The meat was soft. The carrots were tender. It was ready.

“I’m done for the day,” I said, pulling off my apron.

Eamon nodded. “See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

I grabbed my bag and stepped out of the inn. The sun was down and darkness was setting in. The street lamps glowed a soft orange. I walked fast, my boots crunching the leaves on the ground. It was autumn and the leaves had fallen. The trees now stood like skeletons.

I walked for an hour until my cottage rose in my sight, although still miles away. It stood alone at the outskirts of the town and near the edge of the forest. It was always quiet and small. I opened the door and walked in, dropping my bag on the only couch in the room.

My mother sat near the fire. Her hair was tied up today but her eyes looked tired.

“You’re back late,” she said as a way of greeting me. "I have told you countless times never to stay outside so late."

“I am sorry. I stayed longer at the inn,” I replied.

She nodded and pointed to the pot on the stove. “I kept food for you. That's if you're hungry.”

I sat and glanced around. “Where’s Ravenna?”

“Hmmm...where's Ravenna?" She repeated.

"Mom, that's not the answer to my question!" I said gently.

"Of course you know where your sister would be if not home. She's in town as usual.” she

I clenched my jaw. “She never helps.”

“She’s young.”

“So am I,” I snapped. "I am young too Mom! I don't need to work my ass out at the inn fending for