Chapter 5 Creepy Middletons

~ Lina's POV ~

I had turned the key until it clicked, double-checked even because this house already gave me the creeps. So why was it open now? Just a little crack but enough to make my stomach twist.

“No way,” I whispered to myself. “I locked it. I know I did.”

I dragged my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet hitting the cold floor. My hands trembled as I stood up... part of me wanted to hide under the covers like a kid but I was done being scared in this place.

I took a slow step toward the door, ready to slam it shut and lock it again but then I heard it... a soft shuffle like a shoe on carpet.

I froze as my head whipped around. There in the dark corner near the door, stood a tall silhouette of a man..! Just standing there and watching me!

A scream escaped from my throat so sharp and loud enough to hurt my own ears.

“Help!”

Everything happened so fast… It took only seconds before the slightly opened bedroom door burst open with a bang.

Another figure flew in like a shadow, crashing straight into the first guy and they slammed into the wall together, grunting and growling in a way that didn’t sound human.

Low and deep rumbles filled the room... like angry animals ready to rip each other apart.

I stumbled backward, my heart in my throat while my hand slapped the light switch and the lights flicked on.

Martin stood there fully dressed, breathing hard with his dark messy hair falling over his gray eyes and Bellamy... oh God... Bellamy was in nothing but black boxer briefs, his muscular body tense, tattoos stretching over his arms. Both of them crouched low like they were about to fight to the death and their faces looked wild, eyes locked on each other with pure rage.

I couldn’t move. My brain screamed that this wasn’t normal... none of this was normal.

“Get out!” I finally yelled, my voice cracking.

I didn’t wait for an answer. I bolted past them, my bare feet slapping against the floor as I ran down the hallway, obeying my own command.

Behind me, Bellamy’s voice rang out.

“Lina! Wait! Lina!”

I didn’t stop as I raced down the grand stairs, through the fancy living room and out the front door into the cool night air.

The grass was damp under my feet and the wind whipped my long dark hair around my face but I kept running toward the gate with my thin pajamas sticking to my skin.

“Lina, stop!” Bellamy caught up faster than I thought possible and his big hand gently grabbed my wrist, but I yanked hard.

“Let me go!” I shouted, twisting away. “I’m not spending one more night in your creepy house with your fucking weird family! First your sister and your ex calling me names, now some guy sneaking into my room? I’m done!”

Bellamy’s face looked pained. His piercing blue eyes were wide and his dark hair was messy like he’d just woken up. Even in just his boxers, he looked strong and desperate.

“I’m sorry, Red. I swear it’ll never happen again. Please. Come back inside.”

I laughed but it sounded bitter.

“What the hell was that back there, Bellamy? Tell me! Why was Martin in my room? And why were you two growling like animals? What are you all hiding?”

He opened his mouth… then closed it. His jaw tightened and he looked away for a second like the words were stuck in his throat.

“It’s... complicated. I can’t explain right now but I promise you’re safe with me.”

“Safe?” I crossed my arms, shivering. “I locked that door, Bellamy. I know I did. And your eyes the other day... something’s wrong with this place. With all of you.”

He stepped closer, his voice soft.

“Lina, please. Don’t leave like this. It’s late. You’ve got nowhere else...”

“I’ll figure it out,” I snapped, even though my voice shook. “I always do.”

Just then, footsteps came from the house and Emmett jogged out, pulling a hoodie over his head. His sandy brown hair was tousled and his warm hazel eyes looked worried but kind.

“Hey, Lina. Hold up. I think you should listen to him.”

I wiped my eyes. Emmett always had this easy way about him that made things feel less heavy.

“Emmett, I can’t stay here. Your brother was in my room. In the dark. While I was sleeping.”

Emmett shot Bellamy a quick look then turned back to me.

“I know. That’s messed up. But listen, I get why you’re scared. This house can be... intense. How about this? We move you to the room right next to mine. I’ll keep an eye out. Nobody gets past me. You’ll be safe, I promise.”

I glanced at Bellamy. His face tightened and I caught something in his eyes... pain, maybe jealousy? His hands clenched at his sides but he didn’t argue. He just nodded slowly.

“Fine,” I said, my voice tired. “But only because I’m too exhausted to walk anywhere else tonight. Tomorrow I’m looking for options.”

Emmett smiled with that charming grin of his lighting up his face.

“Deal. Come on, let’s get you settled.”

Bellamy walked behind us quietly as we went back inside. No one spoke much. Martin was nowhere in sight which was probably good because I might have thrown something at him.

Emmett helped me move my things to the new room. It was smaller but cozy.. right beside his. He even checked the locks twice, joking lightly, “See? Solid. And if anyone tries anything, I’ll come running. I’m lighter on my feet than I look.”

I gave a small laugh despite everything.

“Thanks, Emmett. You’re the only normal one here.”

He winked.

“Don’t tell Bellamy that. His ego might not handle it.”

Bellamy stood in the doorway, watching… and even in just his boxers, he looked worried sick.

“Goodnight, Lina. I’m right down the hall if you need me.”

I nodded but didn’t say anything. Part of me felt bad... he looked genuinely hurt... but I was too shaken to care right now.

Once they left and the door clicked shut, I climbed into the fresh bed and pulled the covers up to my chin. The house was quiet again but my mind wouldn’t stop spinning. What was wrong with this family?

The way they moved and the sounds they made... it wasn’t normal.. and Bellamy hiding things and then Martin sneaking in with that weird intensity in their eyes.

I stared at the ceiling with my heart still racing a little. Tomorrow I’d start looking for a real place but deep down a tiny voice wondered if running away would even help. Something told me the Middletons weren’t the type to let go easily.. especially not Bellamy.

As I drifted off, I couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever secret they were keeping was bigger... and more dangerous... than I could imagine…