Thirty Four

Alpha Rick's POV

I walked down the long, cold corridor toward Melina's cell and I felt a sense of excitement rising within me. I always felt happy whenever I thought of having her back in my custody, back where she belonged – as my slave.

As I walked into her cell and my eyes locked onto her, I couldn't help but grin. She was just as beautiful as I remembered, but now she belonged to me once again.

"Melina," I said, my voice filled with satisfaction. "It's so good to see you again. I have really missed having you as my slave."

But to my surprise, she remained silent, staring blankly ahead. It was as though my words meant nothing to her, as though she was immune to my taunts and threats.

"Cat got your tongue, Melina?" I taunted, trying to get a reaction out of her. "You escaped from me once, but you will never be able to do it again. You are mine now, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Still, she said nothing, her gaze fixed on a point beyond me. It was as though she was in her