7. Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven
Nyx
Why does this keep happening to me?
It's like I'm some defective wolf—accidentally gaining a new mate every time I run into an alpha. Someone needs to lock me up before this shit gets further out of control.
I don't know what sick joke the universe is playing on me. But what's even worse is Cade barely seems surprised at all.
It makes me want to punch him again.
The only positive right now is I'm so furious, so devastated that I have no desire to repeat the word back to him. I wish that thought alone would pacify me, but being able to resist the cloudy haze that usually comes with finding your mate, just goes to show I'm a flawed product.
Or maybe it's because this has happened three damn times now .
This has to be the worst case of magical Stockholm Syndrome. It was bad enough when I was faced with the prospect of being brutally ripped apart from my mates by a total stranger. But to be mated to my kidnapper? Come on now. The Moon Goddess has the worst sense of humor ever.
"Absolutely not," I finally manage to breathe out, stepping backwards again. I feel the magic surround me, but it's too late—I already feel the pull.
Cade looks amused at my reaction. "It certainly is quite the predicament."
"Predicament?" I scoff. "It's a sick joke. I can't be your mate. I refuse ."
"Strong words," he mocks. "Trust me, I'm not thrilled either. Sharing isn't my thing."
My head snaps up angrily. "You won't need to worry about that because I won't be staying long. And I certainly have no intention of being your mate."
"Yet," he says playfully. "Never say never."
"Never," I draw out loudly with frustration. "N-e-v-e-r. Get that through your thick, furry skull."
"Ouch," he responds sarcastically, holding his hand to his bare chest. "I'm hurt."
I gape at him, taken aback by his unserious nature. How can a psychopath be so laid back? Sure, let's just kidnap people and crack jokes about it. He's insane.
"What is wrong with you?" I splutter. "Serious question."
Cade lifts a shoulder, shrugging. "What's wrong with you ? First time being captured? I have to say, most people wouldn't act like this."
My face tenses up angrily. "Well, excuse me for not acting appropriately . I must have missed that lesson in school. Class one-oh-one on how to be a polite hostage."
"Sounds like a pack problem to me," he retorts, and I feel my very thin patience snap.
"My pack will end you," I growl. "You have no idea what you've done. I hope you suffer."
Perhaps there's a little truth in his statement. While I agree that I'm not acting like a regular hostage—even though anyone would fight for their life—I can't help but think I'm probably making matters worse. There's fighting for survival , then there's not pissing off the people who hold your life in their hands .
He smiles, looking away to tilt his head back. The gesture catches me off-guard, and I follow his line of vision, spotting the moon through a gap in the treetops.
I should be at my Luna ceremony right now in Summer Valley, celebrating with Lex, my parents, Lena and Beau. Instead, I'm here—wherever here is.
Slowly, I step toward him, hoping that the celestial distraction keeps him occupied. Just as I cross the magical border again, his gaze snaps back to me.
"I wouldn't do that," he warns.
I freeze. "What are you talking about?" I deflect, trying to keep my cool.
His bright blue eyes dance excitedly. "Either you're about to shift or you're about to mind link."
My eyes narrow into slits. He's correct, but the silent threat makes me want to disobey. Except the only problem is… I have no idea what to say.
Do I tell Lex I'm safe—for now? And possibly have him hear my death. Or do I reach out to Maverick and tell him I regret everything? That I wished we had had more time, that we were stupid for fighting. Maybe I should contact Alpha Daxton… ask him to tell my parents that I love them. Because at the moment, there's nothing else I can say.
I don't know where I am. All I know is this asshole's name—but he hasn't even confirmed it. The thought of reaching out to one of them and going " Hey guys. A quick update—I'm fine, but I did accidentally gain another mate. Oops, " is the worst thing I can think of. They are probably all worried out of their minds and then having to deal with that . No, thank you.
I'm not ready to face it myself. What options do I have? If I reject this asshole, he'll get mad, and maybe just take what he thinks is owed to him. If I accept the bond, I'm betraying Lex and Maverick—and myself.
This isn't fair.
"You don't know what I'm thinking," I finally answer, watching as he laughs.
"But I do, Nyx. I really do."
The use of my name feels like ice cold water drenching my body. "I'm fast," I point out, repeating his words. "And me against you, I'll take those odds."
Cade hums to himself. "True. But I'm faster."
I'm about to smoke this asshole. Even if he is fast, I have something he doesn't—motivation to live.
Before I can respond, he's holding up his hand in defeat. "I think we got off on the wrong foot."
My eyebrows nearly meet my hairline. "I think we passed the point of being on a right footing when your lap dogs smashed a rock over my head and kidnapped me."
"Well, look—I did tell them not to be too forceful. But unfortunately, they had to work with what they had."
"Meaning the fact that Maverick was there."
He nods, smiling like a maniac. "They improvised. But a small concussion was worth the price."
"I would never have come willingly," I argue. "And I'm not going to be your mate."
"We'll see," he says softly. "I can be very persuasive."
Fuck. This. Guy.
Holding his gaze, I fold my arms, making up my mind. While glaring at him, I do it quickly, before he can realize what's happening. Hopefully my angry expression is enough to distract him.
"Alpha Daxton. Please tell me you can hear this…"
Instantly, there's a sharp intake of breath, before I hear his surprised voice appear in my head.
" Stevens! Where are you? "
" I don't know. But the alpha, his name is Alpha Cade— "
A body slams into mine, barreling the two of us back across the magical border. I feel the mind link connection sever and snap as the air is whooshed out of my lungs.
"Ow!" I whine, head slamming into the ground as Cade tackles me, pinning my wrists before I can swing at him.
"I warned you not to do it," he says quietly, digging his fingers into my skin.
Shit. This is it. Hopefully I've given enough information for Alpha Daxton to piece it all together. Maybe they will avenge me, and I take comfort in my final seconds at the thought of this man being ripped apart.
I wait for the blows to come, eyes on his face. I refuse to cower. I want him to see me looking at him as he kills me.
But still, nothing comes once again.
There's frustration present on his face, and his hands continue to painfully hold me down, but nothing comes, and I fear the worst.
He's going to torture me—willingly force the mate bond.
"I won't be yours," I bite out. "Not now, not ever. You may as well kill me."
It's like a switch. Slowly, his features soften, hands releasing me as he sits up. I notice that he's straddling my body, and I have to force myself not to gawk at his naked frame, reminding myself of what's coming. I hate that he's so good-looking—why can't he be an old, ugly guy?
"I'm not going to kill you," he says lowly. "And I'm not going to force myself on you—not my style."
I blink at his words, not believing him for a second. "Then what do you want from me? Why am I here?"
Cade stands up, surprising me when he offers his hand to me. I swat it away, crawling a safe distance back before I push myself to my feet. He shrugs, dropping his arm to his side.
"Come with me," he replies softly, walking past me, back in the direction of the house.
When I make no move to follow, he sighs, looking over his shoulder.
"I don't intend to harm you. But I'm not above dragging you back, Nyx. Follow me, please."
There's a sharp command to his tone, and I hate that it feels like he's giving me a choice. Nothing about this screams consensual, but I'm conflicted. If I follow, what is going to happen? Every nerve in my body yells at me to run, even though I know he'll chase me. But… he also has manners. Huh—odd.
He said he doesn't intend to hurt me, but will he keep that promise if I make a dash for it? It would be so easy to quickly get over the magic border and shift.
Mira sounded pained, like she's physically hurting from being locked up too. I have no idea if that would slow us down. And even if he catches me, forcing me to shift back, I'll be left naked. Even though I'm still dressed in my running clothes which are covered in dirt, dried mud, and blood, it's still better than being vulnerable and naked.
And yet, despite all my fears and concerns, and my desire to run, there's something pulling me toward him. It's not the mate bond, at least I don't think. Even when I hated Maverick, the tug I felt between us was different than this. The feeling now is compelling, almost beyond the strength of a mate bond—like it's something more important. But what could be more important and stronger than that?
Maybe I can buy myself some time.
I managed to give Alpha Daxton some information—a name. If anyone will be able to figure out where I am based on that, it's him. If this guy says he won't hurt me, then maybe I need to find out what I can and delay whatever is coming to give the others time to find me. I need to use it to my advantage.
I don't believe a word he has said. But if, for a small moment, I pretend to believe him, maybe I can find out information about the vanishing packs and hunters. What better way to get intel than straight from the source?
Slowly, I turn, ignoring all the internal screams to run the opposite way. But I still don't move, catching his eye.
"I want you to free my wolf," I tell him firmly. "I'll promise not to shift, but I need her."
Cade pauses, contemplating my request. "I'll consider it. But not tonight. We can discuss it tomorrow."
I shake my head. "No. We will discuss it now. I don't trust you. If you want me to obey you, then you need to give me something in return."
"That's not how this works," he argues back sharply. "You'll follow my rules."
"I follow no one's rules," I counter. "I don't care that you might possibly catch me. I know where the magical border is. Either free Mira and I'll come speak to you willingly. Or I run—and you can deal with the consequences when my pack arrives."
I realize that I've basically admitted to contacting Alpha Daxton for help, but once again, he doesn't look surprised.
"Fine," he answers with a soft growl. "But you'll need to come to the house for that to happen."
"And why is that?"
"Because I'm not a witch nor do I possess such powers."
We continue to stare at each other while I process his words. I still don't trust him. I'm fully aware that this could be a trap, a lie to get me to cooperate. But… I have nothing else to offer.
My feet move forward, and against every warning in my mind, I head back toward the house, walking past him.
"You better stick to your end of the deal," I mutter angrily. "Or else I'll make sure you and your entire pack suffer the consequences."