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.

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

I feel

truck is turned off and short of driving out of

way to escape.

trees for as far as the eye can

see.

you’re awake. Splendid. Let’s get

on the other side of the truck, grinning

at me.

shrink back in horror and slam

up his keys

slam the button again.

us for a few seconds, then Brian puts his

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

his watch. “It’s almost midnight. Your pack will conduct the formal burial ceremony, and the collective power your father possessed will transfer to

challenges, Liam.”

And you’re right here, with