Bad Love An Alpha’s Regret

I’m groggy.

My head is swimming and even though I blink to clear my eyes, it’s hard to see.

I’m still in the truck.

I’m in the back seat. My hands and ankles are bound.

I try to sit up.

The motion makes me nauseous but I go slowly and peek out the window. I have no idea where I am. The woods, somewhere, but not a place I’ve been before.

There’s a clearing and between the headlights and the moonlight, I can make out the edge of a forest.

There are rows and rows of trees in perfectly spaced rows. Like this area had been harvested for hardwoods at some point. It must have been a long time ago. They replanted only pines, which makes sense, because they’re quicker to grow for timber. The last harvest must have been some time ago, because the trees have grown substantially, and they’re probably not too far off from being cut down again.

I don’t see Brian.

I tear at the cuffs on my wrist. They’re metal, quite possibly lined with silver, and I can’t slip my wrists free.

same shackles. Running will be impossible.

ducked down. I want to lock the doors, but

I feel around on the floorboard, hoping, praying he may have left the keys.

and short of driving out of here,

a way

nothing but this grove of trees for as far as

see.

awake. Splendid. Let’s get this party started.”

on the other side of the truck, grinning

at me.

in horror and slam

up his keys and unlocks the vehicle.

slam the

between us for a few seconds, then Brian puts his fist through

me across the truck and out the door on his side, where I’m dropped to the ground

formal burial ceremony, and the collective power your father

someone challenges,

And you’re