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.

have the same shackles. Running

slide my body into 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

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

is turned off and short of driving out of here,

way

but this grove of trees for as far

see.

Splendid. Let’s get this party

the truck, grinning through the

at me.

horror and

keys and unlocks the

the button

seconds, then Brian puts his fist through the window. I scream as the glass shatters and rains down on me.

shrink back, but he’s already opening the door. He reaches in and grabs my arm, hauling me across the truck and out the door on his side, where I’m dropped to the ground unceremoniously.

“It’s almost midnight. Your pack will conduct the formal burial ceremony, and the collective

challenges,

heir, Leah. And you’re right here, with me.