Dirt Road Redemption (Dirt Road Series Book 2)

by Chelsea Handcock

  Dani’s stomach started to growl. She couldn’t remember the last time she had eaten. It had been hours since Atticus had left. Out of frustration, she tried the door to the hall, and of course, as she had expected, it was locked tight. She scoured the room countless times, looking for something, anything to help her out and found nothing. There wasn’t a television, and the two books she had seen, manuals for some computer program, she had no desire to read or learn about, regardless of her boredom.

  At one point, she had tried to shift, her wolf her only defense, but the beast was buried deep—something she didn’t understand and couldn’t change. She figured Atticus had somehow spelled the room. If she looked close enough, Dani could detect a slight tint of black around the edges of the room that shouldn’t be there. A human would just assume it was a shadow, but Dani knew better. It was magic. Everything had a pulse, living or not. Her gifts and shifter DNA allowed her to see what normal human eyes could not.

  Her gifts only took her so far though, they only worked with flesh and blood beings, not magic or inanimate objects. Walking closer, she touched the edge of the shadow, pulling her hand back quickly as if burned. This was dark, and Dani wasn’t familiar with it at all. Not that knowledge would have helped at this point. She couldn’t break the spell if she wanted to. For that, she needed a witch, and the only witch she knew was Kaylee, and she was back home, right where Dani wanted to be.

  Dani heard footsteps, then a key entering the lock. Her senses weren’t working right, but she was pretty sure whoever was behind the door wasn’t Atticus. Bracing herself for anything, she was surprised when a gorgeous redheaded woman walked into the room, holding a tray. Dani was taken back at the woman’s beauty. What the hell did Atticus want with her when this woman apparently was at his beck and call?

  She was tall and thin but not willowy, wearing skin-tight jeans and an equally tight t-shirt that showed every curve Dani had ever wanted to see on her own body. Dani was small, petite, and her only curves, or lack, were from a few extra pounds Dani had tried unsuccessfully to rid herself of. She likened her figure to that of a twelve-year-old boy—chubby, doughy, and flat.

  Dani had normal brown hair that was pin straight, hazel eyes, and standard features. This lady had auburn hair highlighted with gold, sparkling green eyes rimmed with red, a natural golden tan to her completion without a single blemish or freckle, full pouty lips, and looked like she belonged on a runway.

  She could see Atticus with this woman, they would make a stunning couple. Then she spoke her name, and Dani gritted her teeth. The bitch even had one of those smoky, sultry voices that made men fall to their knees—so unfair. Dani was jealous until she noticed the little fangs poking out of her lips as she smiled at her. Well, maybe she wasn’t that fortunate after all.

  “Who are you?”

  The redhead acted like she was being put out, having to answer the simple question, then Dani realized she had already been talking all along, but she had been too caught up in her observations and inadequacies to notice or listen. Dani might be an animal underneath, but she did pride herself on having manners. Correcting herself, she stopped and looked to the woman, ashamed of her rudeness even in this situation.

  “As I was saying, my name is Sage. Atti asked that I bring you something to eat upon your rising.”

  Dani watched as she put the tray down on the little table near the chair where she had been sitting.

  “I don’t cook so this will have to do. Tomorrow, you can make your own food. I don’t require such nonsense.”

  Well, Dani thought, goodie for you, miss perfect, you and Atti can just have each other. Food nonsense? What a freaking joke. Her diet might consist of blood, but it was still food, right? Dani wasn’t in the mood to play these games anymore, she was hungry and bored, so willing to let the woman’s cold demeanor go for now.

  “Hello, Sage. I would say it’s nice to meet you, but since I’m being held prisoner here and you seem to be perfectly okay with that, I’ll just introduce myself and thank you for the food.” Standing up Dani put her hand out. “My name is Danica Valentín.”

  Sage shook Dani’s hand in a bruising grip. Damn, another thing Dani hated were power plays. She was a submissive wolf-shifter. These people really needed to get a grip.

  “I also won’t say nice to meet you, Danica Valentin,” Sage sneered. “I advised Atti this was a bad idea. You’re not what he needs. But no matter, you are here, and we must both accept the decisions Atti has made.”

  “Hmm, do we now? I wonder” Dani questioned, trying to feel Sage out for a weakness. Sitting down, Dani removed the cover from the plate and picked up the sandwich she found. After a couple of bites to curb her hunger, she said flippantly, “How about we put our heads together and figure out a way we can all be happy.”

  “Oh, if it were only that easy,” Sage laughed. That Dani hadn’t expected. “No, I’m afraid Atti is quite determined to have you. So, we are both going to have to just learn to live with that little fact. There will not be a collaboration of minds to help you escape, sorry.”

  Dani knew Sage was less than sorry, she probably couldn’t care less Dani was being held against her will. Vampire were not known for having any feelings other than anger and hunger. But it had been worth a try. Unwilling to let this opportunity go, she pushed just a little further.

  “I don’t know? It would be easy enough to say, leave the door open and find something else to keep yourself occupied with for a while. Or maybe, hell, place a ladder close to the window. If that’s too much effort for one such as yourself, maybe find and leave me a screwdriver or hammer. That would be excellent right about now. I’m pretty sure I could figure the rest out by myself.

  Sage took the opposite chair and leaned back like she was thinking about it. Dani knew it wasn’t going to be that easy. She continued to eat her sandwich and chips. She was so hungry, the simple ham and cheese tasted like a filet mignon.

  “I don’t know, I think those would be too easy. Leaving the door open, no. The screwdriver and hammer are a possibility if only I could find one, but sorry, I think I’m all out of hand tools. Maybe a butter knife and a spoon. What do you think you could do with those?”

  Dani looked down at the tray and noticed the lack of silverware. Damn, she hadn’t even thought of that. Her sandwich and chips had been on a paper plate, and there was some sort of juice in a red solo cup. Yeah, nothing to use there. Sage was watching her and laughed.

  “Did you really think it would be that easy?”

  Dani popped the last chip in her mouth. “No, but hey, we can only hope right?”

  “I guess you’re right, hope is important,” Sage agreed.

  Dani took that opening, “So, what is it that you hope for Sage?”

  Sage laughed again. “So many things, petite souer. Mainly, I just want Atti to be happy, he deserves it.”

  “But not yourself, only Atti? You two must be very special to each other, is that why you call him Atti instead of Atticus?”

  “Jealous?” Sage quipped.

  That took Dani back a little—she was jealous! Atticus was her mate, and this woman had some kind of bond with him. She didn’t like it, but she played her role to the hilt, ignoring the jealousy.

  “Not hardly, just trying to get the lay of the land, so to speak. So as a woman, you’re okay with what he has planned for me?”

  “Sadly, no, but I also know if he waits for your heat, your body will demand his attention. You could do worse. He is a rather appealing male.”

  Dani couldn’t disagree with that, Atticus was a very appealing male. She just didn’t like the circumstances. She wanted more out of a mate, or at least as close to one as she could get, than a heat of the moment banging, then bonding for life.

  Dani put her hands up in a what are you going to do about it gesture.

  “He is appealing, in a very caveman sort of way if you are into that kind of thing.”

  “Oh, let me guess you’re a dreamer, a
ren’t you?” Sage snickered. “You have dreams of love and romance, hearts and flowers, right?”

  Dani wasn’t going to acknowledge her because, yes, damn it, she did want those things. Why shouldn’t she? Dani never expected it to happen, but she could still dream.

  Atticus choose that moment to walk into the room and put in his two cents, “I don’t know, I find dreamers fascinating.” He walked right up and kissed her on the forehead, brushing his fingers down her cheek in a very loving manner, throwing Dani off completely.

  “I see you’ve had your evening meal, little wolf. I apologize for making you wait so long, I promise to do better in the future.”

  Dani doubted that. Atticus, the man from yesterday, was self-centered and self-absorbed, not the man he was acting like today.

  “Your pack has contacted me and wish to speak with you. I have agreed, but you must keep the conversation to the minimum and state only the facts.

  "And what would those facts be?" Dani huffed

  Atticus smiled at her. "That you are being well cared for and not hurt, things of that nature.” And there it was— once again, he was buttering her up to do as he wished.

  Dani sat there, watching and waiting for what Atticus would ask or demand next. He had the gall to expect her compliance and acceptance. He could keep believing she would do that as long as she got to make that call. She remembered Eric telling her if a person stayed on the phone long enough, the call could be traced. She had seen it done on tv and asked Eric, her Beta if it was possible. He had talked her through it, and she knew he had the equipment and skill to accomplish the task.

  Sage stood up, bending over in front of Dani to gather the tray she had brought in, leaning close enough to whisper in her ear.

  “If you hurt him, I will hunt you down and repay the favor. Keep that in mind while you make your plans, petite souer. I’m not nearly as nice as he is.” Sage flashed her now elongated razor-sharp fangs.

  Dani leaned back and looked the other woman in her fully red eyes. She didn’t dare say or do anything more—she was going to hurt Atticus and ruin his plans. There was no other option. Sage knew it too, nodding her head slightly.

  “Until we meet again. I look forward to the taste and feel of your blood, Danica Valentin.”

  She sat quietly, watching Atticus as he walked around the room. He was different today, more in control, jovial almost. If it were possible for a hybrid, she would wonder if he was on drugs of some kind. Shifter metabolisms were swift, and human drugs and alcohol rarely did anything for them, but there were a few things an Other could get to mimic the results of imbibing. Each and every one came with dark consequences.

  When Atticus took Sage’s place in the chair, asking her how her day had been, she almost blew up but reminded herself she needed to stay calm. He said he was going to let her talk to her pack, and she needed that to happen.

  “Well, I did manage to figure out there are one thousand, two hundred and twenty-two wood slats in the flooring. There are also five hundred and ninety-seven tiles on the bathroom floor, just in case you wanted to know.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry little wolf,” Atticus laughed. “I will try to bring up some things to keep your mind busy tomorrow. Now, about this phone call. I have decided you will call Flynn. Do you know his number?”

  Of course, she knew his number, but she didn’t voice that, only nodded.

  “Okay then, please give it to me. I’ll dial and place the phone on speaker. If you say anything indicating where you are or allude to the fact you feel I have mistreated you in any way, I will end the call.

  Dani didn’t doubt that for a second. Again, she kept quiet and waited for him to finish, she knew he had more to say.

  “I will also only give you one chance. If you attempt to betray me, I will hang up, and the calls to your pack will end forever. Do you understand?”

  This was more like the man she met yesterday—overbearing and controlling. Dani rattled off Flynn’s number, watching with rapid attention as Atticus dialed his phone, then held her breath until Flynn answered. It didn’t take long, only two rings. When she heard his voice, tears filled her eyes. Quickly looking up at Atticus, she noticed his vampire was close to the surface as well as his wolf—his eyes were dark, tinged with red, sending a slight shiver through her body. He wasn’t happy, damn it, and she hadn’t even said a word yet.

  Going for it before Atticus changed his mind, Dani blurted out, “Flynn, it’s Dani.”

  “Oh shit, Dani, are you okay? Where are you? Tell me, I swear I will come to get you.”

  “Flynn, listen, I’m fine, Atticus is treating me well, and I’m not hurt. He is with me right now.” That got a little growl, and Dani knew she was pushing it, but she hadn’t said anything other than he was there.

  She heard Flynn’s breathing increase as if he was running. She assumed he was going to the pack but didn’t know for sure.

  “Flynn are you okay, is everyone else okay?” Dani didn’t remember anything after feeling Atticus’ arms go around her, didn’t know if he had attacked the pack.

  “Everyone is fine Dani, just worried about you,” Flynn said, assuaging her worry. “If that hybrid does anything to hurt you, he will pay,” Flynn barked in his way too high voice, making Dani laugh a little through her tears. Flynn was the most passive of all them, being the Omega, but he was still a badass in his own right.

  “I promise, Flynn, I’m okay, just a little scared,” Atticus growled again, but this time Dani didn’t care because she spoke the truth and felt he should know it.

  Dani had been counting the seconds in her head and knew she hadn’t been on the phone with Flynn long enough yet and needed to buy more time. Atticus was growling consistently now, and she knew at any moment, he would end the call.

  Speaking fast, she asked, “Flynn, can you do me a favor?”

  “Sure, hon, anything you need,” Flynn said, still panting with his effort to run and talk at the same time.

  “Can you tell Kaylee that Lucas is still not completely healed. He took blood from both Eric and me, but he’ll still need to rest to recover. I’m worried about him.”

  This time Atticus put the phone on mute and warned Danica, “Watch yourself.”

  Dani looked up at him and growled a little herself, “I am concerned about my Alpha’s health, it’s my job which you well know. I am the pack healer. That doesn’t stop because you have decided to take me. Besides, what harm could my concern possibly bring you? I have obeyed all your rules, no location, no complaining. Now please, just let me talk to my packmate.

  “He is not your Alpha!” Atticus stated through gritted teeth.

  Dani didn’t stand down, “He is until I choose to take another. Now, please allow me to finish my call.” Dani could hear Flynn calling her name, becoming frantic.

  “You have one minute. Say your goodbyes and tell him you’ll call again another day. I’m done with this game you’re trying to play, little wolf. “

  Dani figured this was as good as it was going to get. She had to hope by mentioning her blood in Lucas' veins, someone would figure out her clue. Lucas could use the blood bond they had formed to find her. There was a small chance he still had enough of her blood in him to actually help.

  When Atticus pushed the button to allow her to speak again, she did as she was told even though Flynn was trying everything he could to keep her on the line. When Atticus hung up, she wanted to cry. Slumping back in the chair, Dani was suddenly very tired. Atticus crouched in front of her and wiped the tear that had fallen to her cheek. She noticed compassion and caring in his now amber eyes and didn’t want to fight anymore.

  “I’m tired, Atticus, I can’t do this anymore today. Please understand.” Atticus nodded his head and started to leave the room.

  “I will give you this, Danica, but tomorrow, we will talk. Sleep well, little wolf.”

  Chapter 5

  Days had gone by since he let Danica make the phone call to her pack. His litt
le wolf hadn’t been the same since, spending most of her time in bed, ignoring both him and Sage when they came into the room, picking at the food they brought and left for her each day. But Atticus knew her heat was coming on fast. With each day, his need had grown steadily stronger. Even the elixir he had commissioned for such a hefty price started to fail.

  His control was minimal at this point. Atticus spent most of the nights pacing the floors, unable to sleep, continually finding himself outside of her door. Two nights ago, he found himself sitting in the same chair, watching her sleep. Feeling like he needed to do something to bring her back around, he started talking, telling her of his life, leaving out most of the gory details. She never responded, but as he spoke, he felt the bond between them thicken.

  He could now more fully feel her turmoil and pain. He knew she was questioning everything and fighting silently to make it stop, but nature had a way of making sure things happened the way it wanted. She could fight and resist, and it would still get its way. He could have told her the pain would go away once they were mated, but that would only reinforce her already bad feelings about him. He might have taken her with the intentions of using her, but those feelings were starting to change—he found himself caring for his little wolf.

  Atticus could only spend about an hour inside the room with her before his need became too great. Then he was off to a cold, lonely shower again to relieve the pent-up lust. It didn’t help, only made him want her more. Her pheromones were everywhere in the house now, her heat so close, it was staggering. The second he released, his cock would engorge and his balls would fill with unspent semen, but Atticus continued his torture—every hour on the hour.

  He spent time talking to his nonresponsive little wolf, building the bond, only to run off to relieve the ache. There had been one time while he was telling her of his childhood dreams, she rolled over and faced him, never opening her eyes, but he knew she was listening. The bond had sparked with her attention. He told her of his dream of becoming a photographer, traveling the world and taking pictures of all its wonders—animals in the wild, flowers at their peak of perfection, people in candid, loving embraces, landscapes in all their breathtaking beauty.