*Sophia’s POV*
There was no way I could stay here any longer. Thale was starting to get into my head. After his insane declaration in the gardens, I had fled straight back to my room. I started to wonder if he had some sort of magic that was bewitching me. Why hadn’t I asked Danny more questions about dragons?
I would not dwell on what he had said. I refused to let him twist my thoughts. I just needed to get out of here. I had laughed ironically to myself. Who would have thought a few weeks ago that I’d be running away from my dragon kidnapper to my wolf boyfriend? It was ludicrous.I stayed in my room for the rest of the day. I had no interest in bumping into Thale. During the evening meal, I pocketed the bread to take with me. London wasn’t far but if I couldn’t hitch a ride I would have to walk, and I would need something to eat.Once it was midnight, I began to prepare everything as quietly as I could. Louis was back outside*Sophia’s POV*By the time we reached the entrance, I had given up fighting. My body felt broken from the ordeal, and there was no way I would escape his tight grip. Guards wordlessly opened the heavy oak doors for us to step inside. Once they’d closed behind us, Thale finally put me down. I sank to the floor, exhausted and defeated. I had no intention of looking his way. I felt embarrassed about the fact he was naked. I was also afraid. Danny’s wolf had been shocking enough to see, but this…this was another level. I felt a blanket being draped around my shoulders.A figure crouched beside me. “Sophia, I have asked Mrs Elliot to prepare you a bath. You cannot stay in these wet clothes. After you’ve finished, I will come to your room and speak with you.”I shivered but said nothing. I knew it was him that had spoken, but I still had no desire to look at him. His powerful arms came around me once more, and I realised he w
*Sophia’s POV*Despite being completely exhausted from my escape attempt, I hardly slept. A thousand thoughts raged in my head. Telling Thale about my parents had caused my mind to relive the experience, something it had not done in some time. Thale’s reaction had also confused me. His stalking and kidnapping behaviour didn’t seem to fit with how much sympathy he’d shown me when I told him about my parents. I also wondered what proof he intended to present to me. And If he did manage to prove Danny’s malicious intentions, what did that mean for Jack?It wasn’t long before the grey light of morning began to infiltrate the bedroom, giving the room an almost eerie glow. I had no further desire to attempt to sleep, and instead used the lever to ring for breakfast.“Good morning Miss Bell.” Mrs Elliot bustled into the room, although she appeared to be a little less chirpy than the day before. She loo
*Sophia’s POV*“I was part of the pack when Danny’s father was Alpha. His name was Bruce. Bruce was pretty ambitious. He was sick of these reptiles…” Desmond gestured to Thale. “…running things. He thought it was high time we have a go.”He cocked his head at me. “Do you even know what the balance stone is, Sophia?”I creased my forehead at the sudden apparent change in subject.“I take from the look on your face, that’s a no…too young I suppose.”He went quiet for a moment, which irritated me greatly.He sniffed. “Well I spose your new friend there can fill you in on those details later. After all, it was his filthy kind that created the thing.”Despite the barrage of insults that Thale was hearing, I noted that he didn’t move an inch or say one word.“Anyway.” Desmond leaned back in the chair, as if he was bore
*Sophia’s POV*I passed out as soon as I got into bed. It was as if my body had finally said enough. It shut down. When I woke up later that night, I felt less tired, but still restless. Now I knew the truth about Danny’s intentions, I needed to get Jack out of there as soon as possible. I cursed myself for letting Danny’s charms take me in, but I still had some residual feelings for him. I reminded myself that none of what had happened between us had been real. He had orchestrated the whole thing. The kiss with Thale had only further complicated my feelings. I couldn’t deny the way it had made me feel, but I didn’t fully trust him. I wanted to know more about why Thale was telling me I was his mate. It felt more believable than it had with Danny, but I was wary it was yet another trap. After all, perhaps Thale wanted me to use the stone for his benefit. Despite my concerns, I needed to speak with him again about Jac
*Sophia’s POV*Likely because of guilt, Thale reluctantly agreed to my demands. The next day I was back in London. I’d decided midday would be the best time to go. I’d already gone to reception to ask where the students in year 11 would be eating their lunch. I found Jack eating in his form room alone.“Jack!” I called out.Shock spread over his face when he saw me. The sandwich he was eating falling from his hand.“Sophia! What…how?” He ran over to me, almost knocking me to the ground as he flung his arms around me. “Are you okay? I’ve been so worried.”I returned his hug, but only briefly. I wanted to get him out now. “I’m okay Jack, but we need to leave straight away. Danny is dangerous.”Jack let go of me like a hot brick, confusion spreading over his face. “What do you mean?”“I don’t have time to explain right now, we nee
*Sophia’s POV*Denise and Mack had roughly thrown me into the back of the van. I barely fought back. My brother’s betrayal had shaken me to the core. Mack had driven while Denise sat opposite me, staring at me with even more hatred than before. Jack had willingly got in, taking a seat next to me. He had tried to talk to me a few times on the journey back to Danny’s. He’d tried to tell me this was for the best. But I didn’t respond. Despite his decision to tell Danny where I was, I still loved my brother. It wasn’t his fault he was so desperate for this family idea Danny had fed him to become a reality. I simply sat there passively, trying to think about the danger Jack and I might be in.I was led by my arms into the town house, Danny was there waiting by the back entrance. His blonde hair was perfectly in place. There were no dark circles under his blue eyes. He was dressed impeccably in a white t shirt and black skinny jeans.
*Sophia’s POV*Some hours later, I heard the sound of the lock click again. Appearing on the other side was Danny, a steaming pizza box in his right hand.He looked at me cheerfully, as if it was perfectly normal for me to be locked away in the attic. “Dinner! Come on, get it while it’s hot.” He placed the box on the table, opening the lid and grabbing a slice for himself.I joined him, unsure yet of what he might do if I refused. I was also hungry. If I was going to think of a way to escape, I needed my strength. I took my own piece and began to eat.He watched me closely, clearly approving that I was eating without protest. “There’s a good girl. You’ll feel better once your stomach is full.”We ate the rest of the meal in silence. I guessed Danny was waiting till after to begin the interrogation. Sure enough, once the box was empty, he sat back with a satisfied sigh. “That’s better right
*Sophia’s POV*I was woken up by the sound of my door being opened. I hurriedly pulled the covers up to my chin, unsure who would be coming in.“Morning sweetheart.” Danny grinned at me widely, as if he had not threatened me the night before. “Time to get up and get dressed. We have a big day today.”I sat up, she clutching the sheets. “What is going to happen today?”He sat down on the edge of my bed. “You’ll see. Now come on, up you get.”He shuffled backwards so he could lean against the wall, and I realised he planned to stay in the room while I got ready.I rose out of bed, folding my arms in front of me, cursing myself for wearing shorts to bed rather than full pyjama bottoms. I went over to the wardrobe to grab some clean clothes. At least I could change in the bathroom after my shower.Just as I went to select some items, Danny cleared his throat behind me. “Sho