CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO - HARSH TREATMENT

Anna met his gaze defiantly. "I know Erik. I know how he thinks, how he operates. Which is more than I can say for you, apparently." For a moment, Anna thought Marcus might strike her again. But he just clenched his jaw, turning away with a growl of frustration. "Enough," he barked. "David, you take first watch. Jake, see what you can scrounge up for supplies. We need to be prepared to hunker down here for a while if necessary." As the Betas moved to follow Marcus's orders, Anna settled back in her chair. The initial surge of adrenaline was wearing off, leaving her feeling cold and afraid. But she couldn't let them see her fear. She had to stay strong, had to keep her wits about her if she was going to survive this. Hours crawled by, marked only by the shifting patterns of light through the grimy window. The Betas took turns standing guard, their hushed conversations a constant backdrop to Anna's racing thoughts. As night fell, the temperature in the cabin dropped. Anna shivered,