Chapter 3: The Real Love Interest Arrives

"Master," Landon said, dropping to his knees with no hesitation.

"Jamie’s tough on me."

"I can kneel for you, it’s my fault."

"No need to feel bad for me, baby."

"I’m your loyal pup!"

I’d ruffle his hair, nod in satisfaction, and his eyes would go soft and hungry as he kissed me.

A living, damp, ghostly man—like something out of a midnight horror flick, but so handsome I let myself be spoiled, at least for now.

There was something hypnotic about the way he looked up at me, devotion shining in every glance. His lips were cold, his kisses lingering just a little too long, seeping under my skin. I let myself fall into the fantasy—because, for the moment, I was safe.

But after seeing those live-chat comments, I slipped out and searched Landon’s study.

My nerves were shot, hands shaking as I pulled open drawers, every creak sounding way too loud. The chat comments wormed into my brain, making me doubt everything. I needed answers—now.

I found a photo of a little omega. I was sure it wasn’t me, but the resemblance was uncanny.

The kid in the photo had my eyes, my crooked grin. But it wasn’t me—I knew it in my gut. My stomach twisted. Had I just been a stand-in this whole time?

Then I found an entire cabinet of specimens—even children’s skeletons. The smell hit me like a punch: bleach, rot, and something chemical. My vision spun and I threw up, bile burning my throat. The jars, the bones, the neat rows—they haunted me. The chat comments flickered, cruel as ever.

Fear crawled under my skin, growing every day, even though Landon still seemed to care for me—for now.

I started jumping at every sound, flinching at his touch. Even his softest words couldn’t chase away the dread gnawing at my insides.

But the bullet comments kept coming: the real love interest was about to arrive.

Suddenly, memories of surviving this level years ago flooded back—like something out of a slasher movie. The screams, the blood, the running and hiding. I’d survived by luck, by staying quiet, by not drawing attention. But now? If Landon found someone better, what would happen to me?

If he got bored with me, how could I possibly survive?

Landon noticed how pale I’d gotten and gently put me back to bed.

"Jamie, what’s wrong?"

He wiped the corners of my mouth, his eyes swimming with worry.

"I’ll get you some clam chowder."