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

and I stay ducked down.

compartment in the door. I feel around on the floorboard,

and short of driving out of here, I

way to

this grove of trees for as far

see.

awake. Splendid. Let’s get this

on the other side of the truck, grinning through

at me.

in horror and slam the

holds up his keys

the button

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

me across the truck and

the formal burial ceremony, and the collective power your father possessed will transfer to his named

challenges,

Leah. And you’re