The Alpha's Purchased Slave by Sophia Novel - Chapter 242

Chapter 242 Carter's POV My eyes snapped open to find another pair staring back at me , inches from my face . I leapt backward , hitting the tree trunk hard as I raised my fists . The figure before me flinched , then lunged forward with a knife . I ducked , the blade missing my throat by inches . The attacker was young and inexperienced - I could see the fear in his eyes , the way his hand trembled around the knife handle . With a quick movement , I knocked the weapon aside and seized it , reversing our positions . " Who are you ?

" I growled , pressing the blade against the young wolf's throat . " Wait ! Don't hurt him ! " An elderly female voice called from the shadows . " I apologize , child ! We weren't sure if you were a rogue . Sorry , we have to be careful . " I assessed the situation quickly . The old woman didn't seem threatening , and the young wolf had clearly acted out of fear rather than malice . If they'd wanted to kill me , they could have done so while I slept . I lowered the knife and released the young man .

As the old woman stepped into view , I saw a frail figure with gray - white hair and skin lined with deep wrinkles . Her clothes were stained with dirt and forest debris . I said cautiously , " I meant no harm either . I was just resting . I'm tired . " " Yes , we can see that now , child , " the old woman said gently . " You look hungry too . Are you hungry ? " I nodded , suddenly aware of the hollow feeling in my stomach . " Then why don't you come to our camp ? We have some stew cooking . Hmm ? " she offered . I frowned . " Camp ? We ? " " That's right .

I'm Isla , and we live in these parts . Not many of us , but we're close . Follow me . " I studied her weathered fáce , searching for deception . " I'm grateful , Isla . " 1/4 Chapter 242 I decided to trust her - if they were just old folks and children , I could handle myself if things went south . Isla led me through the forest for about a quarter mile to a small clearing where several modest shelters surrounded a fire pit . A pot of stew bubbled over the flames , filling the air with a rich , savory aroma that made my stomach growl embarrassingly loud .

As I stepped into the camp , several people emerged from the shelters . None appeared particularly threatening . A young girl , probably Rachel's age , hung back , from her , respecting her caution . tching me nervously . I maintained my distance " I'm Chris , " I lied , unwilling to reveal my true identity . At dinner , a middle - aged man named Orlando studied me over his bowl of stew . " What winds brought you to these parts , Chris ? " I mixed truth with fiction . " I lost my pack in the fighting . Escaped with a woman .