Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon
Chapter 12. Hidden Door

Chapter 12: 12. Hidden Door

Meanwhile, Maria had just arrived home from college. The moment she stepped inside, she glanced around cautiously, making sure the house was empty.

After a thorough check confirmed she was alone, she wasted no time. She had work to do.

She slipped into Bernard’s room, careful not to leave a trace.

Her hands moved swiftly, searching every possible hiding place, her heart pounding in anticipation. Yet, after what felt like forever, she found nothing.

Frowning, she paused, her mind racing. ’If the documents aren’t here, then they must be somewhere more secure...’

Her gaze flickered toward the hallway. ’Beta Gilbert’s room.’

Steeling herself, Maria shut Bernard’s door and moved toward Gilbert’s room. Doubt gnawed at her as she approached. Would the door be locked? It had to be.

But to her shock, it wasn’t. The door stood wide open.

She hesitated, listening carefully. When no sound came from within, she knocked a few times just to be sure. Silence.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside and began her search.

She combed through the room meticulously, scanning every drawer, every shelf. But just when she was about to give up, something caught her eye.

The wardrobe.

Curious, she moved closer and pulled it open... only to freeze in shock. Behind the neatly arranged clothes, there was another door.

’Why would he have a hidden door inside his room?’ Her breath hitched.

She reached out instinctively but stopped short. This wasn’t something she could break into without leaving traces. She needed to be smart.

As she debated her next move, a sudden sound sent her heart slamming against her ribs. Footsteps.

Her blood ran cold.

’Beta Gilbert?’

His voice drifted in from the hallway, engaged in a phone conversation.

Panic surged through Maria. Her palms grew damp, her forehead slick with sweat. She had only seconds to act.

Her handbag sat by the bed, too far to grab in time.

Thinking fast, she darted into the wardrobe, pushing herself between the thick hanging clothes. They concealed her well, but her handbag remained out in the open.

She held her breath as Beta Gilbert entered the room.

There was a pause. Then, he muttered, "Why was my door open?"

Her pulse roared in her ears as he moved around, inspecting the space. He was thorough, his gaze sweeping across the room.

Then, just as he turned toward her handbag, his phone rang. Maria exhaled shakily as he answered and, without hesitation, he strode into the bathroom.

She wasted no time. Slipping off her shoes, she tiptoed forward, snatched her bag, and bolted silently from the room.

The moment she reached her own room, she shut the door gently behind her and collapsed onto the mattress, heaving for air.

"That was too close," she whispered, pressing a hand to her racing heart.

But the near-discovery wasn’t what unsettled her the most... It was the hidden door.

’What’s inside that room?’ she wondered. ’Are the documents in there?’

A fire lit within her. She had uncovered a secret within the house, and there was no turning back now.

She had to get inside that room. No matter what...

---

Morning arrived, and Maria prepared for college as usual.

Climbing into the waiting car, she expected to see Bernard seated inside, but the seat remained empty.

Frowning, she turned to the driver. "Where’s Bernard?"

"Alpha Bernard won’t be coming with us today," he answered.

"Did he tell you why?" Her frown deepened.

"No, miss." The driver shook his head.

Maria’s stomach twisted with unease. Bernard was always the first to enter the car. Something wasn’t right.

As the driver started the engine, she suddenly spoke up; "Wait."

Without another word, she jumped out of the car and marched back into the house.

Determined, she headed straight for Bernard’s room. To her shock, the door was locked.

Knocking firmly, she called out, "Bernard?"

But there was no answer.

Her hand tightened into a fist as she knocked again, harder this time. Still, no response.

Just as she was about to turn away, a presence behind her sent a chill down her spine.

She spun around, only to find Bernard’s mother staring at her. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, neither spoke.

Maria’s heart pounded. Something was definitely wrong.

Maria was left in shock, completely unprepared to see anyone standing behind her—let alone Bernard’s mother. Her breath hitched, and she quickly lowered her gaze to the ground.

"G-Good morning, ma’am," she greeted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

To her surprise, Victoria responded with a warm smile.

"I assume you’re looking for Bernard?" she asked gently, her expression calm and Maria nodded.

"Yes, ma’am. The driver mentioned that he wouldn’t be going to college today, so I came to check on him... to see why."

Victoria’s smile never wavered as she offered an explanation.

"Bernard isn’t home right now. His father sent him on an errand, so he won’t be able to make it to college today."

Maria studied the woman carefully, trying to detect any hint of deception, but there was none.

’She’s never been this friendly to me before... have I finally gained her trust?’ The thought sparked a quiet excitement in her, though she kept her emotions carefully masked.

"Okay, ma’am. I’ll head to college now," Maria replied, bowing her head slightly before making her way out.

Luna Victoria watched her leave, her warm expression fading into one of deep thought.

’Could it be that Maria has truly fallen for Bernard and is ready to be a part of us? Or is she just playing a game?’ A flicker of doubt crossed her mind.

She sighed, straightening her posture.

"I think I know what to do," she muttered under her breath before turning and heading toward her room, determined to uncover the truth.

***

Maria arrived at college, and the moment she spotted her best friends, Cassandra and Laura, a wide smile spread across her face.

"Maria!"

"Girls!"

The three of them embraced tightly, laughing as they exchanged greetings.

"Come on, let’s sit at the game center," Cassandra suggested, linking arms with Maria.

As soon as they settled down, Laura wasted no time getting to the point.

"So?" she asked, leaning forward eagerly. "How far have you gone with your findings?"

Maria took a deep breath and launched into her story, explaining every detail of her search... the thorough investigation of Bernard’s room, the shocking discovery in Beta Gilbert’s room, and her near escape.

When she mentioned the hidden door behind the wardrobe, Laura’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"An extra room inside his room?" she echoed, her curiosity piqued. "What exactly did you find inside?"

"I didn’t get the chance to open it..."Maria shook her head. "I almost got caught."

"Hmm," Laura’s brows furrowed. "So what’s your next move?"

"I don’t know yet," Maria admitted, determination flickering in her eyes. "But I have to find a way in, and I need to do it quickly."

Breaking in without leaving traces would be nearly impossible. The thought alone made her uneasy.

Cassandra, who had been quiet up until now, suddenly spoke up.

"I think I know someone who can help... but we need to know what kind of lock the door has."

"You do?" Maria’s heart skipped a beat.

"Yes," Cassandra nodded, lowering her voice. "But he’ll need specific details."

"It’s an electronic lock," relief flooded Maria as she quickly recalled. "I think it requires an electronic key card."

"Perfect." A slow smile formed on Cassandra’s lips. "I’ll contact him and let you know before the week is over."

Maria exhaled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.

"I don’t know what I’d do without you guys," she gushed, wrapping her arms around both of them. "I love you both so much."

"Of course, you can’t do anything without us." Laura smirked playfully. "Now, tell us about James."

"What?" Maria instantly stiffened.

"Wait," Cassandra frowned, clearly confused. "Who’s James?"

Before Maria could come up with an excuse, Laura gleefully filled her in; "Oh, just a certain someone who winked at Maria at the basketball court the other day."

"Huh?" Cassandra’s jaw dropped in surprise. "And you didn’t tell me?"

"Come on," Maria groaned. "it’s nothing! I didn’t mention it because it doesn’t matter."

"Really? Because Laura seems to think it does matter." Cassandra shot her a suspicious look.

Maria sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Cassie, you know everyone sees me as Bernard’s Luna. No one would dare challenge him, not even James."

Before Cassandra could respond, a deep, confident voice interrupted them from behind.

"Well, what if I’m willing to challenge him?"

The three girls turned sharply, their eyes widening as James stood behind them, his gaze locked onto Maria.

A wave of embarrassment crashed over her. ’How long has he been standing there?’

Cassandra and Laura exchanged glances before quickly excusing themselves, leaving Maria alone with James. She instinctively tried to follow them, but James gently caught her wrist.

"Wait," he said softly. "I’m sorry for interrupting, but please... just hear me out."

Maria hesitated. No man had ever spoken to her this way since her parents died—except for Beta Gilbert. Something about James’ tone made her pause.

She turned to face him fully, crossing her arms. "Fine. Talk."

"Can we sit?" James smiled slightly and gestured to the bench.

After a brief moment of consideration, Maria nodded...

***

Miles away, Bernard paced his room, his expression dark with ambition. His phone pressed against his ear as he spoke in a low, commanding voice.

"I believe in your skills, and I know what you’re capable of. But if you mess this up..." His voice dropped dangerously. "I will make you pay dearly."

With that, he ended the call, his lips curling into a smirk.

His hands clenched into fists as he whispered to himself, "I will become the kind of Alpha the world has never seen!"

A laugh bubbled from his throat, growing louder, echoing through the empty room.

"My name will forever be on everyone’s lips beyond Blue Moon Pack!"

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