Chapter 7 #2
“Fuck you,” I spat, breath trembling with fury and fear. “I’m not your mate.”
I knew I was lying—could feel it like fire deep within my bones—but I’d never surrender without a fight.
That wasn’t me.
Logan smirked threateningly, as though he could sense the lie beneath my courageous insult. He opened his mouth to speak, but Jamie stepped forward smoothly, his confident Scottish drawl cutting through the tension.
“Easy now, lass,” he murmured, the teasing note returning to his voice as he reached out a cautious hand toward me. “We’re not monsters. Well, not entirely.”
My fingers tightened instinctively around the small, hidden Taser concealed within the lining of my jacket sleeve, one of the few weapons still on me that they’d missed.
Jamie stepped closer, almost within reach, a lazy, confident grin on his lips. I forced myself to remain perfectly still, willing my heartbeat to slow, waiting for precisely the right moment.
Then I lunged forward in one swift motion, jamming the Taser straight between Jamie’s legs and hitting the trigger. His eyes widened in shock and agony, a strangled gasp escaping his lips as he crumpled heavily to his knees, clutching himself.
“Jesus—fucking—Christ,” he choked out, face pale with pain, doubled over and temporarily incapacitated.
I bolted instantly, pivoting sharply away from him toward the mouth of the alley, adrenaline screaming through my veins, breath rasping desperately in my throat.
My victory lasted mere seconds.
Edward lunged forward, faster than I could have anticipated. His powerful arms locked around my waist, spinning me around and pulling me roughly back against his chest. I cursed violently, struggling, kicking, and clawing enough that I almost freed myself.
Logan stepped in to grasp my wrists firmly. “Hold still,” he growled roughly, irritation and reluctant amusement warring in his voice. “We underestimated you the first time. We won’t make that mistake again.”
Edward chuckled darkly from behind me, his breath hot against my ear as his arms clamped tighter around my waist. “Better check thoroughly this time. God only knows what else she’s hiding.”
I twisted violently against them, my body shaking with fury, frustration, and unwanted heat.
Logan leaned in closer, his breath skimming my cheek, voice a deep, dangerous rasp. “Keep fighting, little mate. It only makes this more exciting.”
“Let. Me. Go.” My voice shook with anger, but I recognized a deeper, more troubling emotion I refused to acknowledge.
Edward’s voice dropped lower, his hold unyielding, warm, and strong. “Not a chance, love.”
Behind them, Jamie groaned painfully, still curled up on the pavement. “Bloody hell. She’s fucking vicious.”
Logan’s eyes glittered dangerously as they roamed over me, his dark intentions blazing furiously in their depths.
“No more running,” he said softly, every word dripping dominance. “Now we’re going to find out exactly what else you’re hiding.”
I swallowed hard, trying to quell my terror of what was about to happen.
My breath came in short, rapid bursts, heart pounding furiously as Edward spun me in his arms and stared into my face, while Logan captured my wrists in his grip.
They moved together until my back was pressed firmly against the cold brick wall.
Edward stepped aside to assess me while Logan held me still.
From the corner of my eye, I saw that Jamie had managed to stagger upright, face pale and slick with sweat, but rude amusement flickered stubbornly in his eyes.
“Stay still,” Logan ordered, voice rough and commanding, his breath hot against my ear.
I clenched my jaw, every muscle trembling with tension, defiance, and a traitorous thrill that surged through my veins at their close proximity.
“You’re making a mistake,” I hissed angrily, twisting again. Logan merely pressed his body harder against mine, pinning me completely. “I’m not your mate—I’m your enemy.”
Edward stepped in closer, his gaze cool and assessing. “So you’ve said. Repeatedly.” His voice was dry, clearly unimpressed.
Logan ran his hands down my sides, fingertips grazing softly along my ribs. My heart raced under his questing hands, betraying me further. I fought the shiver that danced down my spine at his touch, hating my body’s mutinous response.
His hands moved slowly, expertly, checking each pocket, every hidden fold of my clothing. He found the small blade tucked inside my sleeve first, drawing it out and raising an eyebrow.
“Clever girl,” he murmured appreciatively. Jamie chuckled softly in the background, well entertained.
Edward shifted closer, his fingers brushing along my stomach, deftly locating the thin throwing knife concealed in my waistband. He pulled it free, twirling it lightly between his fingers with a wry smirk. “Another one?”
Logan’s voice dropped lower, warm amusement creeping in beneath his growl. “I get the feeling you’re going to keep us busy.”
My breath hitched as Logan’s hand traveled lower, down to my thigh. His fingers wound around the sheath concealed there, pulling out another slim blade. He gave a low chuckle of surprise. “Three weapons already. Exactly how many blades are you hiding?”
“Enough,” I snapped, irritated by the wayward warmth blossoming low in my belly at his touch.
Jamie stepped closer again, voice rough, laced with derision. “You might want to check again. She’s a dangerous one.”
Edward’s eyes narrowed, but there was reluctant admiration in his gaze as he glanced down at the small arsenal they’d already found. “I’m starting to suspect that.”
Logan’s hands slowly traveled upward again, deliberately thorough, tracing my sides, ribs, and hips one last time, ensuring they’d missed nothing. The intimate sweep of his palms made my breathing quicken embarrassingly, irritation mingling with a strong sense of unwelcome desire.
Satisfied, Logan stepped back just slightly, leaving me trapped between the three of them with the cold brick wall at my back. His eyes met mine, fierce resolve glittering beneath quiet amusement. I hated that look.
“You really don’t make this easy, little mate,” he murmured, lips twitching with a faint smirk.
I glared defiantly back at him. “Good.”
Edward laughed, his cool eyes almost gleeful in their victory. “Good thing we like a challenge.”
My pulse quickened at the heat in their collective gaze, my heartbeat echoing painfully loud in my own ears.
“Whatever. Do your worst,” I dared them. I met their condescending stares with open rebellion. I’d survived brutal training, survived the murder of my brother, and I would survive this. If I got my way, they would not.
The heat in their eyes intensified and I swallowed hard, fear suddenly spiraling through me like a tornado.
Edward was the first to move, his eyes never leaving mine. His fingertips slid slowly along the column of my neck, sending a traitorous shiver of awareness rippling through me.
“Let’s have a look at you,” he said quietly, a note of anticipation sharpening the edges.
Logan watched intently, his eyes dark with desire and a hint of curiosity. His palm skimmed across my collarbone, then down, following the gentle curve of my arm.
I gulped, trying to focus on just breathing steadily. This was not supposed to happen. I’d prepared for violence, for death, but not this.
Not desire.