The man in charge, who I found out was a captain, decided to show mercy on us. He led me to his car, parked away from the border. With his muscular arms, it was easy for him to place Chasel in the back seat.Glancing at Chasel's unconscious frame, I knew I had to find a doctor soon. Would that be easy, though? We traveled for a while. The scenery changed from a woodsy, private area to a small city."Where are you taking us?" I asked him. I didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but this was making me nervous. It was obvious this wasn't a trap, but it was still sketchy. "I'm taking you to rogue territory. These buildings and streets are a part of it."My heart sank as I glanced out at the city from the passenger seat window.Everything was dilapidated. Most of the metal structures were rusty and corroded, and the street gutters were plugged with trash. Graffiti covered multiple brick walls, some with crass pictures of women or curse words. Several half-built cement stru
"You sound like you've gone through the same sh*t I did."I cracked a smile at her blunt words, feeling a wave of relief that we'd found common ground. Anna was being friendly to me, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t still intimidating. Despite my fear, I pressed on, eager to hear more. "What do you mean?" I asked her. She refilled my water, then once again joined me at the table. "I wasn't a rogue either, but Moonlight Pack pushed me and my husband out. They treated us the same as you, leaving us in this city, to deal with the delinquents here. They say they're doing you a favor by letting you live, but I think sometimes there are fates worse than death..." she trailed off. "That sounds awful, but you're right. I feel similarly. The Moonlight warriors make me feel like I’m out of sight, out of mind," I commented. “On the other hand, I’m grateful they spared Chasel and me.”"That’s a good attitude to have. Seems better than mine,” she said, with a wry laugh. “I'm sorry you've h
My assumption that the club was sketchy turned out to be spot on. Men of all types were watching exotic dancers take the floor. The music was so loud the bartender had to lean in to hear what I was asking."I'm interested in finding out more about the cocktail waitress position," I shouted. He nodded and took me out back. As I entered the office, I saw a muscular man around two hundred and forty-five pounds sitting at a desk. His feet were up, and he was smoking a cigar. A woman walked by him, and he slapped her a*s. My mouth dropped open as he laughed. "Here's the boss, Salvatore," the bartender said. "Sal, she'd like to find out about the job posting."Salvatore threw his legs off the desk and leaned with interest as I meekly sat across from him. He visually perused my body, going from my head downward. This was already making me feel uncomfortable. "A pretty she-wolf like you would fit right in here. You new in town?" he asked me, biting the cigar and puffing away. The sce
"Oh, Dr. Carmichael! This is wonderful!" My heart was racing with anticipation. "It is good news. Please come in to see him as soon as you can."Hanging up, I couldn't believe my ears! I was too excited to do anything else before dashing to the clinic. As soon as I arrived, the receptionist let them know. A nurse led me to his room, and when I saw him open his eyes, my heart fluttered. He really was awake!"How are you feeling, Chasel?" the nurse asked gently, taking his blood pressure. He didn't respond verbally, only giving her a nod. My face lit up as he turned to me. As he stared at me, he didn't seem excited at all. I was confused when he didn't react as I had expected him to. He glanced around the room, peering at me like I was a stranger. "Chasel, I’m so glad you’re awake. Oh, I've been so worried." I held my hands together, interlocking my fingers in thanks. Leaning toward him, I gently placed my fingertips on his hand. He flinched at my touch, pulling back. I twiste
My heart sank, and I began to shake, especially when I saw her troubled frown. "He could have left hours ago!" she exclaimed, holding her head as she paced. “I had no idea.” "Think back. Did you hear anything?" I inquired with fear in my voice. "Not really. I went to sleep at some point, and when I woke up, I checked on him like usual, but he wasn’t in bed," she said, sighing in exasperation. "At first, I was worried he’d fainted, so I checked every single room, but...” she trailed off as she stared at the floor. Her pupils were dilated, and she had a faraway look in her eyes. After a few seconds, she raised her head and said, “I'm sorry." Although I didn’t let on, this was terrifying to me. He had just come home and wasn’t one hundred percent healthy. If he were attacked or suffered any amount of trauma, he'd be right back to where he began before the hospital. My heart raced as my mind ran through every worst-case scenario. Moments ago, my aching feet had been the
Chasel POVI couldn't believe my ears. Had the girl I used as a human shield done all those things for me? What would make her behave in such a way? Was she looking for the so-called life-saving grace?Who was this Juliana?The first time I remember meeting her was in the hospital. When I woke up, and she was at my bedside, despite my poor state, I was stunned by the purity of her appearance. She was beautiful and was the type of woman who could easily sway the average man in her favor. But I wasn't typical.Also, from day one, my first impression of Anna, with her blocky physique and assertive demeanor, gave me the sense that she'd seen some life and wouldn't shy away from a fight. Though she was older, it hadn't weakened her, and she had my respect.Not only did I respect her, but she was also my host. I had to adhere to what she was asking, and right now, that was an apology. As Anna pointed once more, Juliana turned to me. Despite being taller than her, I felt humbled in her p
Juliana POVMy restraints were tight and painful as I writhed against them. Even though I could barely see through my swollen eyes, it was enough to view the sadistic, greasy grin of this patron. I quivered as I watched him figuratively froth at the mouth, having been granted free rein over my body. He had already torn off my clothes. What else would he do? I felt the light in my heart become dim. Still, I hadn't lost my will. I jostled against my restraints as the client slithered closer. I could tell there was a list he had in mind of what he desired but had never been allowed to act out his twisted fantasies. If he enjoyed sexual contact without consent, he was a pervert, and degenerates like him didn’t ever have good intentions.I chastised myself, briefly believing that part of this could be my fault, but quickly that notion dissipated. Everything in my heart told me I was here because of an angry client and my infuriated, ego-bruised boss. It wasn't my responsibility tha
Salvatore was stunned by the cold stare of death in Chasel's golden irises. I widened my eyes, trying to understand the violent confrontation that just took place. Eagerly, I watched Salvatore’s reaction. My boss wouldn’t take his eyes off Chasel. There was fear in those wide eyes. Chasel slowly approached, like a predator with his prey, threatening to execute the final blow at a moment's notice. My boss's eyes darted around in desperation. He was trying to choose the right words before Chasel decided for him. Then, I watched his eyes glimmer in hope. With a sliver of composure, he stood slightly taller. "Hang on,” he began.”If you kill me, all the rogues in the area will hunt you down for revenge. I have allies. You won't make it to the next alleyway before you're dead." He pointed outside. Chasel didn't need much time to respond. "If I kill you, I'll become the head rogue." His baritone voice penetrated the room. "Isn't that the way this works?" He sure was one for brev