Chapter 65

♡ 20

Chapter 0065

+15 BONOS

It’s nearly dawn when we stop again. The hatch is opened and I stand up, stretching out my aching muscles as best as I can. This time we’re at what looks like an abandoned packhouse. I look around. Most everything here is dilapidated. It looks like the building could collapse at any moment.

“What is this place?” I ask.

Eli walks up beside me, taking my arm. “It’s your new home Cara.”

“The place could definitely use a woman’s touch. Is that why I’m here? Interior decorating? ‘Cause that’s not really my speciality.”

We walk inside and I can see that at least some work has been done to make the inside more liveable. The kitchen and appliances seem to be in working order, so there’s electricity at least. He walks me through what looks to be a living room that has cushions sitting on the floor and an old, smelly couch in the corner. I can see the faded paint on the wall where there once was a television, but that’s long gone.

“This is all that remains of the Silver Dawn Pack,” he finally says.

I look at him. “Your old pack?” He nods, looking around as if seeing the place for

the first time.

“Yep, with your help, we will restore this pack to its former glory, make it even stronger than it was before. Better.”

“So, let me get this straight. You’re old Alpha was defeated by Alpha Leander almost 20 years ago. And, because you were the Beta heir at the time, you think that his death makes you the new Alpha and you plan to restore and rebuild the pack using rogues?”

He turns and looks at me. “Rogues and you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, how else can I create the strongest heir possible. I’ll take you as my mate and you’ll produce my heirs. Because I am an Alpha and you are a Guardian, our pups will be strong. Stronger than any other Alpha and no one will be able to take this pack from us.”

My stomach turned at what he was saying. “You’re crazy. Why would I agree to be your mate?”

“Your agreement is preferable, but not required. If you won’t agree to be my

+15 NONOS

mate, I’ll mark you anyway. Eventually the mate bond will kick in and you won’t be able to resist it or me. Then, together, we will rebuild this pack and make it the largest and strongest pack in the country. Maybe even the world.”

“So this is your grand plan? Take me, a Guardian, as a mate, rebuild your pack from the dilapidated ashes of the past and what, restore your name? Has anyone ever told you that you have delusions of grandeur?”

“You were the key, and now you are here.”

My lip curls in disgust. “I will never take you as a mate.”

“We’ll see about that.” He turns to me, grabs my hair, ripping my head to the side before sinking his canines into my marking spot.

The pain is overwhelming and I scream before the blackness takes over and everything goes dark.

———-

I wake slowly feeling pain throughout my entire body. ‘Artemis, can you hear me?

She doesn’t respond.

I look around and see that I am in a bedroom. My arms are handcuffed over my head to a metal headboard. I take inventory of my surroundings, seeing nothing more than a small dresser on the other side of the room. I realize that my body has been washed and I’m wearing a different shirt than the one before, this one a button down. It smells more strongly of the Beta. I don’t want to think too much about who may have stripped and washed me.

I move my legs, focusing on my pubic area. I don’t feel any pain and I’m thankful it doesn’t appear that he has tried to complete the mate bond while I was unconscious.

I’m looking around trying to find anything that will help me escape when the door opens and Eli walks in. “Hello mate.”

“You’re disgusting. No true Alpha would have to force a mate bond. True Alphas have she–wolves falling at their feet.” I sneer at him.

“Well, mate,” he stresses the word, “you may have noticed that we do not have any she–wolves in our pack. The males in this pack have yet to find their mates. Or, in some instances, they have lost their mate, but are hoping for a second chance mate. It is something that I have promised them. We will search for their mates, and when they are found, we’ll bring them here so they can have the families they desire.”

+15 BONOS

“Even if it is against their will?”

“Do you not feel the pull to me mate? The mate bond is very strong, very powerful. You cannot fight it.”

“Funny, I have absolutely no desire to do anything other than kill you right

now.” I spit at him. “Why don’t you remove these handcuffs and let’s see how much ‘love‘ I can show you?” I taunt him.

His eyes narrow at me and he cocks his head to the side anything toward me?” He seems surprised.

“Not even a little.”

“You really don’t feel

He walks over to me, sitting on the bed beside me. He reaches for the shirt, unbuttoning the buttons. I snarl at him. “Don’t touch me!”

“Let’s see how resistant you are when I lick my mark.” He pulls the shirt to the side and stops. A look of shock on his face.

“Where is it? Where is it?” He screams pushing the shirt farther off my shoulder.

He directs his furious gaze at me. “You’re not 18?”

“Sorry Beta.” I make sure to stress the title again. “I guess you kidnapped me for nothing. The mate mark won’t stick until I’m of age.” I shrug my shoulders. “I guess you’re screwed.”

He sits there, fuming for several minutes before a hideous grin spreads across his face. “Well then, little mate, I guess I’ll just have to keep marking you until it sticks.”

My arrogant smile falls and I grit my teeth. He stands up looking down at me. I’ll have some food sent up for you. I’d suggest you eat and keep your strength up. You were out for two days after I marked you the first time. Now I’ll have to mark you every 2 to 3 days until you come of age.”

He leans in close, rubbing his nose against mine. I turn my head as far away as I can. He rubs his nose across my cheek to my ear and whispers, “Let’s hope your birthday is soon my sweet little mate.”