Chapter 33
Erica
Watching Atlantica’s shows has always been an experience, but I wasn’t prepared for the difference our mate bond would bring.
While Ari sings his heart out to his fans, the excitement, devotion, and pride he’s feeling all wash over me in steady waves.
He loves what he does, and he’s so proud of everything they’ve accomplished together.
I’m so freaking proud of you, I think at the end of the second to last song of the set.
His head whips to face me, shock and disbelief covering his face, his mouth hanging open.
He wouldn’t be able to hear me over the roar of the crowd, so I lift an eyebrow in question. What?
He rears back like I’ve slapped him. How are you doing that?
My hand flies to my chest, eyes widening and jaw dropping, matching him before he regains his composure on stage. Fish is being a goof and engaging with the crowd, they’re eating it up and it gives us just a moment.
I can hear you. Can you hear me? I test.
He nods. I can.
How is this possible? Is it a bond thing?
Another small nod. I didn’t think it would be possible since you’re a human. More pride washes over me. You never cease to amaze me, siren.
I can’t help but blush under his praise, blowing him a kiss and waving him back to his show.
The guys are fulfilling their VIP experience obligations for the night, and I’m waiting on my comfy little couch-chair for them to get through meeting and visiting with all their fans.
I thought this part of their lives would cause me to be insecure or make me jealous when other women were there, but it just never has.
Even before the bond, Ari never gave me a reason to doubt him.
He’s never given me a reason to feel those insecurities.
He could have anyone he wanted, and he chose me.
I’m lost in my thoughts and don’t realize until it’s too late that I’m not alone. I hear someone step beside my chair and when I whirl my head around, I blink . . . because there’s no way this is happening.
Standing there with a wild, crazed look in his eyes is . . . Vann. His fists are clenched and he’s panting, as a smarmy smile unnaturally stretches across his face.
I’m torn between not moving at all, slowly standing to move away, or bolting. Instead of fight or flight, my brain has decided to fractionate. The logical side of my brain overrides the self-preservation side and tries to make sense of my current situation.
Without any knowledge that it’s coming, my body decides on bolting . . . too late. I’m able to launch myself from my seat and lunge a solid two steps before he captures me by my wrist.
“And where do you think you’re going, babe?” His voice slithers over my skin and the need to gag lodges in my throat.
I open my mouth to scream but before I can, he’s on me. His sweaty hand clamps over my mouth and I do gag, only pissing him off.
“I worked so hard to find you, make it all the way here, pay for the stupid VIP tickets, and sneak pass security. I did all of that for you and you’re going to act like this with me?” he snarls in my ear.
I knew he was an ass. At times I thought he might be a bit off his rocker, but I had no idea he was this delusional and unhinged.
I try to scream, knowing it won’t work, and all there is is a muffled sound against his hand. He holds me tighter and starts to try and walk me away.
Thinking of anything I can do to keep myself from being taken, I fight back. I swing my arms, and I let my legs fall beneath me, refusing to hold my own weight. While he’s scrambling to bring my body back to an upright position, I know it’s now or never. I bite down on his hand as hard as I can.