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.

ankles have the same shackles. Running will

the front seat, on the driver’s side. The seat is low to the ground to accommodate Brian’s height, and I stay ducked down. I want to lock the doors, but I’m worried the tell-tale click will let him know I’m awake, and not staying where he

console, in the compartment in the door. I feel around on the floorboard, hoping, praying

turned off and short of driving out of here,

way to

nothing but this grove of trees for

see.

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

of the

at me.

back in horror and

up his keys and unlocks

slam the button again.

us for a few seconds, then Brian puts his fist through the window. I scream

and grabs my arm, hauling me across the truck and out the door

conduct the formal burial ceremony, and the collective power your father

challenges,

And you’re right here,