Page 116 of Those That Are Lost

“Have you alerted Ash?”

Dammit, no.Grabbing my phone out of my pocket I shoot the wolf a voice note. “Get to the ranch now. Meet us in the trees off the west side in fifteen minutes.”

“Is Rory hurt?” Claire appears at the top of the stairs, looking flushed.

“We don’t know but we need to get to the ranch. Lock all the doors once we leave.” Henry calls up to her as he finishes zipping on a dark jacket.

“Can I come with you?” I hear the worry in her voice and sympathise, but this conversation is costing time.

“No. You’re human, I don’t want you in the crossfire,” I tell her as gently as I can whilst pressing the point. I pull the front door open and step out into the darkening evening air. The shadows explode out from dark corners, in as much urgency as I am to get to my mate.

“Be safe,” Claire calls and I look back over my shoulder to see she’s directing the sentiment to Henry. He pauses in the doorway to nod at her. I really don’t have time for this.

“Come. On,” I growl, taking off down the porch steps and into the street.

I hear Henry ensure the door is closed and then he’s following me as we take off into the direction of the ranch.

CHAPTER 47

AURORA

“Get the fuck off me,” I snarl at Adicious. The blade to my neck terrifies me but I use that fear and twist it into pure, controlled rage. Between feeling the cold metal, and responding, I’d decided to let my facade drop. I’m done with acting.

“I think I prefer you more compliant,” Adicious taunts me, his tone dripping in male arrogance.

I smile up at him, showing him my fangs. “I just asked nicely. Don’t make me use force.”

“You really are a feisty female. Where has this side been hiding for the last few days.”

“Planning your downfall.”

“And how do you think that’s going to come to fruition? You’re currently under me and under my control. I might just take you now and complete both bonds so you’re tied to me.

My core clenches.

Adicious alters his position, placing one of his knees between my thighs, forcing them apart. My hands, which are currently holding the arm gripping the knife, push against him as I try to move myself further across the bed.

The knife pushes deeper, if I so much as take a deep breath it’s going to cut skin.

“You’re mine. You’ve always been mine.” Adicious moves further over me, placing his free hand beside my head as he leans over. “Time to make my claim.”

I feel Ty getting closer. I feed him details. His returning growl is chased by fear.

I need to keep Adicious talking until he can get here.

Before I can speak, however, Adicious moves the knife. I think he’s making a fatal move until he slashes straight down my front, slicing through the material of my dress and nicking below my sternum in the process. The scratch burns as blood pools down my stomach. It's not deep but I wince and instantly scent my biggest secret, my glamour not extending to my blood.

“Fucking Gods, you’re already mated,” Adicious growls over me.

I muster my courage and use his surprise to push upwards. With one knee on the bed and one standing, Adicious's balance isn’t too hard to throw off as I slam myself up towards him and roll, wrapping my calf around his standing leg. I feel the knife once again at my flesh but ignore it as my plan works and Adicious loses his advantage.

The manoeuvre sends him crashing to the mattress beside me. We fight for the upper hand. I feel the knife slip free of my skin and have the sinking realisation I’ve been stabbed.

I focus on the blade, now covered in red, and avoid it at all costs as Adicious starts swinging it wildly. I manage to get out of his way and roll away from him, eventually gaining a sliver of space that allows me to roll over to the opposite side, and land on the floor. Raising to standing, I see Adicious on the other side of the bed, also now on his feet.

Looking down, I see blood flowing steadily out of a deep slice in my side. I don’t think he managed to get deep enough to damage anyorgans but the blood loss will weaken me. The dress hangs in tatters, but the skirt is still intact. I can’t do anything about my chest being exposed.

“How the fuck have you been hiding your scent?” Adicious snaps at me furiously. I see no point in my glamour anymore and drop it entirely.