by Lisa Lace
“If I don’t kill you, Alec will.” She spit at him, hoping to make contact, but unsure which thick blob of darkness he was before her.
Dax took a handful of her hair and pulled back hard, leaving her face tilted up toward him as she winced in pain. He watched her intently for a minute before rubbing his nose along hers and growling sensually.
“I’m going to bandage your leg and then you and I are going to talk about our future. You know, the one where you belong to me. I have a few other girls in my harem, but you will fit nicely. I would assume you’d start to kill them off due to pure jealousy, but that would be perfect. I’ll reward you for each one you take out.”
“We don’t have a future.”
“We will after you’re carrying my pup. It’s a matter of time. I’ll just keep fucking you until it happens.” He kissed her cheek as she snapped at him.
“Hot.”
Chapter 28
Alec dropped the phone on the counter and slid his hands through his hair. He screamed into the empty room around him. His mind split into pieces at the thought of her being hurt. He wasn’t connected enough to her to talk through their minds, but he would be working on it if the universe would just give him a chance.
Her scream was one of pain, he had no doubt about that. He pressed his eyes closed and leaned over, feeling queasy. Turning quickly, he ran to the bathroom and barely landed on the floor in front of the toilet before he lost the contents of his stomach.
Another scream left him as he tried to make a plan. This was the fucking reason he didn’t let anyone get close to him. Losing them was life-shattering. What were the chances of him getting her back? Slim.
If he did, would she be lost to the terror of Dax’s evil ways?
“I’ll burn this fucking city down looking for her.” He reached up and grabbed a towel, wiping at his face as he stood.
He was going to go crazy if someone didn’t call with some information on her soon. Dax was going to take her to his bed and destroy her. He hit his fists on the counter in front of him, bending the wood with his strength.
The phone buzzed and he picked it up, his heart skipping a beat at the thought that it might be Sonya and Dax again.
“Speak,” he barked into the phone.
“Alec. This is Cade. I’m Sonya’s brother. I need to know what’s going on. I just got home and she’s not here. I can feel the fear of something happening to her. Talk to me.”
“She’s been taken by another brown bear Alpha. We’re trying to track her down, but any help you can give us would be great.” Alec tugged at his T-shirt, the room seeming hot all of a sudden.
“I can track her.” Cade sounded like a small boy, giving Alec reason to question the guy’s age.
“Good. I’ll head your way and we’ll go together.” Alec grabbed his keys and slipped his phone into his jeans, walking quickly to the car. He wasn’t willing to wait if there was a quicker way to Sonya.
His phone rang again as he started the car, Jared’s name popping up on the screen. He pushed the talk button and pulled out of the driveway, headed back to Sonya’s. He was grateful for something to do. Walking around the house and waiting until the sun finally set wasn’t going to work. He would pull the paint off the walls soon.
“Talk,” he growled into the empty car.
“We have the message out to both packs, boss. Have you heard anything?”
“Yes. I’m on my way to Sonya’s place. Her brother is there and they still have a connection. We’re going to use it to find her. Get Parik and meet me there.”
“Anything else?” Jared paused and Alec bit his lip, his heart aching painfully in his chest. The Beta must have sensed the heaviness of his emotions because he simply sat quietly for a minute before responding. “We’re going to find her, Alec. I promise.”
“See you at Victor’s.” Alec hit the button to end the call and swallowed hard. He was on the verge of losing it for the second time in his life. The first had been when she slipped away years ago, his hope for the future dwindling as she vanished.
The drive to Victor’s place was fast and terrifying. His horror had little to do with the journey and more with the morbid thoughts that assaulted him nonstop. He got out of the car on shaky legs and walked to the door, knocking quickly before opening it.
“It’s Alec. You here?”
He hadn’t met Cade, but from what Sonya said, the guy was quite a bit younger than them and a total idiot. They would get along perfectly seeing that Alec wasn’t much different and in his early twenties.
He turned the corner to see a younger version of Victor with shaggy brown hair and a dejected look on his face. “I’m here.”
Alec extended his hand. “I’m Alec DePort, your sister’s mate.”
“Great meeting you like this. I suppose you took over my father’s pack, including me as well?”
Alec couldn’t decipher the guy’s tone. Was he upset, angry, or apathetic?
“Yes. I plan on leading mostly through your sister’s guidance. I have my own pack too.” He turned and looked around the house, tired of the idle chitchat. “Have you been able to locate her?”
“She’s not here, but I can see glimpses of the woods near the edge of town if I concentrate enough.”
“Awesome. Let’s head toward Macking River and see if you can find her. I’m supposed to meet the bastard that has her around sundown there, so I would assume he isn’t far.”
“I think we should start near the old run down harbor house. I can see dogwood trees in her memories, and those don’t grow near that water.” Cade ran his fingers through his hair and turned to walk toward the front door as a knock sounded. Alec felt his brow furrow as the younger man was aware of the visitors at his door before they made themselves known.
“Okay. I’m with you wherever you want to start, I just can’t sit here hoping that the bastard doesn’t touch her until we meet up. I know his type.”
“Are you like him?” Cade glanced over his shoulder as he opened the door. His stare was firm and surprised Alec a little. There was Alpha in the boy whether he cared to shove the responsibility off to another or not. He would grow up and yearn for a pack of his own. It was in his blood.
Alec would revisit all of it later when the time came.
Cade opened the door, turning to glance at Alec for a minute and then back to Parik and Jared who stood ready to come in the house. “We’re heading out. I think I can find her if we head toward the old harbor house.”
“Not a bad idea, son. There are some old rundown shacks over there and the forest is dense. It would be a great place for a bear to hide out.” Parik reached out and ruffled Cade’s hair as Cade swatted at him.
“Can you connect with Sonya?” Jared asked before extending his hand. “Jared Marshall. I’m the Beta of the black bears.”
“I can.” Cade shook his hand. “She’s hurt, but it’s not too bad. I think it’s a knife wound or something. She’s not in pain anymore and her fear level is down, which is never a good thing with my sister.”
“Let’s go. Cade can ride with me. We take two cars. Just stay a little behind.” Alec glanced toward Jared and received a quick nod. He got in the car and waited for Cade to get in before bringing the engine to life.
“Why is it a bad thing that her fear is down? Maybe Dax has left her alone.” Alec turned out onto the small street that wound up a hill to Victor’s place. He waited for a moment for his Beta to pull in behind him before leaving the estate.
“She’s a killer. It’s when she’s calm that she’s planning and plotting. I would assume, knowing my sister, that she went after him.” Cade glanced out the window, his voice soft and filled with concern.
“From what I understand that’s exactly what she did.” They drove in silence for a few minutes before Cade spoke up again.
“I remember when my sister came back from Paris. She was crushed.” He glanced over at Alec. “I’ve never known anyone who could take the wind out from u
nder her wings. What exactly did you do?”
“Loved her and didn’t want to let her go.”
“Ahhh…makes sense. She’s far too responsible and loyal for that level of commitment.” Cade wrapped his arms around his chest and leaned his head back. “I’m scared. I hate the fact that my father isn’t here to fix this shit. I’m not capable of saving her. Are you?”
“Yes. Whether you believe it or not, you are too.” Alec tried to focus on the road, but the sensation of horror rushed across him and he shivered.
“She’s fighting him. I can hear her voice in the back of my mind.” Cade’s eyes filled with tears. “She’s fearless, but I wish she wasn’t.”
“Why wouldn’t you want that?” Alec had to stop himself from reaching over and grabbing Cade’s arm. He wanted to know what exactly the other man was seeing. He knew Sonya was fearless, but knowing that his beautiful girl was going up against a bastard like Dax left his heart quivering inside of his chest.
“Because he likes it. If she would comply he would probably leave her alone, but she’s damned and determined to wear him out before his fight with you.”
“Wear him out how?” Alec turned to pin Cade with his stare as his stomach jolted violently again. He wasn’t going to vomit in front of Sonya’s brother or the guys behind him. It wasn’t allowed for the Alpha to be anything but a rock and he wasn’t bending.
“By fighting. He wants to fuck her, but she’s not having any of it.” Cade choked on a sob. “Why is this happening? Why didn’t dad plan for this shit? He should have known that another Alpha would rise up to try and take us. How could he not have seen this and prepared for it?”
“He did.” Alec pressed the gas to the floor and prayed like hell that they would make it to her before she got herself killed. She was a fighter, yes, but even more so, she was a woman willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good. Did she believe he would survive without her? That he would continue to take care of their packs and serve their people?
He couldn’t fathom a life without her. He wouldn’t.
Chapter 29
Sonya wrestled hard against Dax as he untied her feet and pulled her to a standing position. She lashed out, kicking him three times in the leg before moving back. He pulled out a gun, pointing it at her and aiming for her chest.
“Stop fucking around. You’re not getting out of here. If you want to fight before we mate I’m fine with that, but if you think there is any chance of you getting away from me, you’re wrong. You’d have to kill me first. I want you so bad I can almost taste you.” He licked at his lips as she growled deeply in her chest.
Why couldn’t she just play along and move limply around the room? She could fight him off if he tried to seduce her, but to fight him head on with her damn hands tied behind her back was stupid. Emotion overwhelmed her and she sunk to her knees, crying out.
Cade.
“What’s wrong?” Dax moved a step closer but didn’t lower his gun. “Is something hurting you? Don’t fuck with me, girl. I’m not playing games here.”
“Fuck you,” she whispered and let her chin drop to her chest. She wasn’t worried about Alec continuing without her, but her brother wouldn’t make it if he lost her father and then her.
She had to fight through all of this.
“Talk to me.” He pushed her softly with his hand.
Sonya stood back up and gripped the wall, crying out again.
“My brother,” she whispered before screaming loudly into the room.
“Fuck. Is he dying?” Dax aimed the gun at her again, lifting it to her face. “I’m going to put you out of your misery if you don’t get your shit together.”
Sonya swallowed the pain of Cade’s terror. He was with someone else. Alec? She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall, trying hard to tap into her brother’s mind. They had been connected since they were kids. The trauma of their mother’s death left them locked together for comfort.
She couldn’t make out much more than the inside of a car. It was Alec’s car. They were driving together and looking for her.
“I need a glass of water and put that fucking gun down or shoot me already. I get it. I’m stuck here with you and will be your mate soon. Great. Just get me something to drink and some fresh air. This place smells like mold.”
“Good girl,” he muttered and moved behind her, taking a firm grip on the ropes that held her hands together. “Walk up the stairs and we’ll go outside for a few minutes. I’m gagging you because I don’t trust you for a second, but fresh air would be good for clearing your lungs. You’re going to need them for the fucking I’m going to give you.”
“Promises, promises,” she muttered and began walking up the stairs. She stifled a shiver at the deep laugh that resounded behind her. She wouldn’t play the victim, no matter if it killed her or not. She wasn’t able to.
“I have something special for your boyfriend tonight. We’re meeting up later to fight for the pack and for you. You should be quite thrilled. I don’t usually fight for anything. I just take it.” He scoffed and moved her out into the hallway as he kicked shut the door behind them. Dax pushed her toward the opening at the end of the hall as a TV played somewhere in the distance.
Sonya glanced around her, taking in the scenery. She was still in the house where she killed Dax’s three companions.
She moved to the kitchen and sat as he pointed to a nearby chair and growled at her.
“Make a move and I’ll put one of these tranquilizer darts in the side of your neck. You’ll be out for the rest of the events this evening. No one will ever find you after I’ve hidden your body.” He smiled and walked to the fridge. She sat down, trying hard not to mock him. Being dominant and unwilling to bend was one thing, but antagonizing him was another.
She nodded, cutting her brother off from their connection completely. He was overwhelmed and she couldn’t take the pressure of needing to fix his world while her own was falling apart. She needed to focus and be ready if the opportunity for her to gain her freedom presented itself.
Dax brought a glass of water to her, helping with it and setting it down on the table beside them. His features softened as he touched her hair, his expression almost kind.
He was a bear in sheep’s clothing.
“You okay? That enough?”
“Yes,” she whispered, playing into the softness of the moment. “I just need some fresh air.”
“Fine.” He pulled her up by the front of her shirt and moved her in front of him again, his fingers digging into her hips as he walked her to the back door. “If you even make a peep, I’ll put this dart in you. Got it?”
“Yes. I won’t make a sound. I just need to breathe for a minute.” She moved back a step as he opened the door and nudged her to move forward with the barrel of his gun.
“Not a peep,” he growled and walked out behind her.
The afternoon sun sat on the far side of the sky. The evening was only a few hours away. She needed to figure out how to warn Alec, but it was a useless desire. She had no ability to reach him, not even through Cade. She and her brother could push their connections as children, stabilizing their ability to act through one another, but she had pulled back.
She had too many hard memories and tough times to allow anyone access to her deepest thoughts and most horrible nightmares. Sonya swallowed hard and walked down the small steps of the shack onto the front porch.
The wind picked up and blew strands of her hair, but most of it stayed up in her bun. She glanced to Dax, who seemed to be enjoying the sun on his bare chest. He was strong, muscular, and handsome. Too bad he was going to die. He reminded her of a younger Alec, a boy that was never taught respect or honor.
“Would you take my hair down?” she asked quietly, regretting it the minute she did. His eyes widened slightly as he walked toward her, the scent of his arousal strong and stifling.
He didn’t speak a word as he tugged at the small hair bow that held it in place, the thick
waves rolling down her shoulders and over her back as the wind tossed it about. Sonya closed her eyes and leaned her head back, breathing in deeply.
A flash of realization inspired her and she tried not to make a sound of excitement. She might not be able to act through Cade, but she could bring her brother and Alec to where she was. She opened her eyes slowly, aware of Dax’s gaze on her.
Turning to face the house, she opened herself up to her brother and looked around. Words formed in her mind over and over, but whether they were understood or not was unknown. She had to hope that Cade would be able to place her and the woods at the old harbor house. She wasn’t far from it, but if she could simply get her brother in the vicinity, he and Alec together would be able to track her.
“What are you doing?” Dax asked, walking up and stopping in front of her. He reached out and took the side of her face into his hand, squeezing hard as his teeth clenched. “Tell me now.”
“I’m not doing anything but enjoying the fresh air, Dax.” She let her eyes move across his face, the anger and rejection of too many years leaving him looking much older than he should.
“Why don’t I believe that?”
“I don’t care what you believe. I’m standing in the middle of the woods tied up and simply enjoying the air. What else would I be doing? I have no way to get to anyone and I’m not interested in getting a dart in my throat.”
“Good.” He slid his hand down her neck and over her shoulder, squeezing the side of her arm softly. “I’m ready to mate with you. I’ve held off as long as I can. You smell like heaven.”
She didn’t get a chance to respond as Dax visibly stiffened in front of her. His eyes turned amber as he growled. He was close to shifting and the last thing she wanted to do was be caught in front of him in her human form if he changed. He was manic as a human, but as a bear with no understanding of recourse, she was as good as dead.
