We walk around the golf course, discussing other matters—most things of interest to both of us. I actually like spending time with Eric; he makes me forget that Nickolas wishes to kill my family and that I will die at his hands one day. As we strolled, I felt someone following us, but I found no one every time I turned around. I blame it on the stares I'm getting from having Nickolas's scent on me and don’t bother to check anymore, even if I feel someone’s gaze drilling holes in my back.
As Eric and I finally reach the spot where Nickolas and the human named Josh engage in their business meeting, I've tactfully surveyed the entire golf course, strategically selecting the optimal escape route. I prepare to voice my request to Eric, parting my lips to inquire if he can persuade Nickolas to allow me to retreat back to the hotel when something else slips off my lips.
My eyes flutter open, and I find myself in an unfamiliar place. Terror courses through me as I take in my surroundings — cages lining the walls, each holding a variety of creatures: humans, werewolves, lycans, mermaids, and more. The air is heavy with fear and desperation, and I can feel the palpable sense of despair emanating from my fellow captives.An ache in my arm draws my attention, and I discover my wrists bound tightly to the ceiling. Panic surges through me as I try to piece together how I ended up in this nightmarish predicament. Memories flood back—the encounter with the strange man, the drugged haze that clouded my senses, and then nothingness. He must have brought me here, but for what purpose? The question gnaws at my mind, but in this moment, I can only focus on finding a way to escape.I consider reaching out to Marie f
NICKOLASI hang from the ceiling, arms spread wide. My wrists cry out as the chains, laced with oak tree venom, burn me down to my bones. I can barely feel my back whipped until there is no skin left. Short breaths escape my mouth as my head hangs low. This is a typical day for me, but today is worse. I don't react today. I don't cry, wince, or yell in pain, and she is angry. My back bears the brunt of it. I used to cry when I was 10, but once I turned 12 today, I told myself I wouldn't give her the glory of seeing me shed tears or whimper in pain anymore. I can't hurt her, as she made sure I was always weak. This is my way.I force my eyes through the blood dripping from my wrist to see her. Her blonde hair pulled back tightly into a ponytail, her blue eyes ablaze with anger. I smile, the corners of my mouth curving into a dangerous
Amelia’s chest rises and falls slowly as she lays on my bed, her breathing shallow and fragile. I sit perched in an armchair nearby, a glass of whiskey in my hand. My heart clenches, recalling Beatrice's words earlier tonight."I don’t need to tell you. You already know she was tortured, and in order for Amelia to survive, her wolf healed them, but that has also put their lives in danger.""What do you mean?""While undergoing her abuse, Amelia’s wolf, drugged with silver, struggled to heal her as much as it could to keep her alive. That has caused her wolf to go into a coma, and she is now unable to heal her even with treatment administered. Amelia is practically human now, fighting for her life like a human would. This makes things complicated because a human only has a 10% chance of surviving wh
AMELIAMy brows furrow as I awaken to the intoxicating scent that has become synonymous with my mate. Slowly opening my eyes, I discover my head cradled against a familiar chest—Nickolas's chest. Confusion sets in as I survey my surroundings, realizing I'm in Nickolas's room. Questions flood my mind: How did I end up here? Did Nickolas rescue me? The realization dawns upon me as I notice my wounds have been carefully tended to. He must have, but even if he did, it doesn’t explain why we are cuddled up together.Nickolas stirs in his sleep, his eyes fluttering open."You're awake," he exclaims, his eyes lighting up with an intensity that catches me off guard. Confusion clouds my expression as I attempt to shift away from between his legs, but Nickolas gently stops me. His hand moves into my
"Didn’t you just eat, dear? Why is your stomach growling?” Beatrice inquires as she tucks me under the covers, her fingers grazing over my stomach as it rumbles beneath her palm. She's insisted that I remain in bed for the next 24 hours. My muscles ache from the brief excursion downstairs and back up, ensuring I won’t attempt that again soon.“No, I haven’t,” I reply, and my stomach growls again.“Why? I thought creamy shrimp pasta is one of your favorites.”“You remember,” I smile, reminiscing about the numerous times I asked her to make it for me after the first time. She nods.“It is, but I didn’t want to eat it because his majesty served me.
AMELIAI grimace, sitting up on the cold concrete floor. I survey the room with my only good eye, as my right eye has been busted shut. Touching it, I wince, both from the pain in my eye and the countless injuries covering my hands. My body is a canvas of bruises and aches beyond words. Moving my hand to my head, my bottom lip trembles as I feel my ball-shaven head. Tears spill from my eyes. I endured torture upon my arrival in the lycan territory, but nothing like this. Ember and Adam have subjected me to unspeakable things.I run my half-opened good eye over my battered body, and more tears flow down my swollen cheeks. My shoulders tremble as pained wails rip out of me, but I suddenly freeze upon hearing my name softly called.I whip my head
“In all my years of existence, I have never hated someone as much as I hate you,” Ember declares, pulling me from my thoughts as she takes off her jacket and hands it to the man who dragged me.“You don’t even love Nickolas,” I say, pulling at the restraints on my hands. I didn’t succeed in freeing myself yesterday, but that doesn’t mean I won’t today. I also plan to stall her by talking while I try to figure out something.“That’s true, but I don’t have to love him to see you as a threat,” she responds, taking off her heels and slipping into sneakers with the man's assistance. I tug on the ropes around my legs hard, not caring as my skin burns from the action.“But I
The early morning light filters through as I descend the stairs, determined to break free from the confines of my room. Seeking solace in the company of Beatrice, I make my way to the maid quarters, a desire for fresh air propelling me forward. A soft knock on her door precedes the anticipation of her response.The door swings open, revealing Beatrice and her words hang in the air with unexpected weight. "Great, both of you are here together," she declares, and suddenly, the strong scent of my mate envelops my senses.As her words linger in the air, I spin around in a desperate attempt to validate if the reality matches the unexpected revelation. In a swift turn, my head collides with his broad chest. His powerful arms encircle my waist in that instant, drawing me close. Held securely against his chest, the warmth of his body spilling into mine.