Chapter 60

Bella's POV

I glanced at Essie with wide eyes, surprised that she knew about my secret training. "How... how did you know about that?" I asked, my voice filled with a mixture of fear and curiosity.

Essie smiled gently as she helped me into her car. "In case you didn't know, we're neighbors, Bella. I live beside your house. I've seen you out there, training every day. I can tell you're determined and strong-willed. So don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

As we drove towards the hospital, I felt a glimmer of hope. Essie seemed kind and trustworthy, a rare find in this hostile environment. "Thank you, Essie," I said, tears of gratitude welling up in my eyes. "You have no idea how much your help means to me."

"It's fine, Bella. I understand how suffocating it must be to be in this prison disguised as a pack. In all my days of staying here, you're the only person that seems sensible…"

"Prison disguised as a pack? What are you talking about?" I asked.

"You don't know?" She asked and I