Page 78 of Bind Me

I stumble back. “Whoa,” I mutter, steadying myself. “Sorry there,” I say, my gaze fixed on the woods, then back at the man who brims with power. I can feel it emanating from him, and I know he’s an alpha, someone important in this mansion.

“My name’s Kaden,” I state. “I’m your guest, but right now, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve got an issue.”

The man’s lips pinch, but he’s concerned, not angry, staring at the woods. “I’m Khaos,” he states in a deep voice. “Guessing that white wolf I just saw charge into the woods belongs to you?”

I sigh. “It’s a long story, but I need to find her urgently before she’s hurt. She’s never turned into her wolf form before.”

“Well, fuck me. Then we need to find her. I’ll help. I can track her down. The woods are in my veins. I’m part wolf shifter.”

The other part a god, I think to myself, for a second admiring this powerful man who offers his help without knowing me. I know I like him already.

Khaos is already pushing toward the woods when he calls out, “Kaden, this might help you a bit more…”

He points to a black dirt bike at the other end of the yard, looking clean, as if it’s never been ridden.

“Keys are in the ignition,” he calls out, stripping down to nothing and already throwing himself into the woods, transforming mid-pounce into a pitch-black wolf form. He’s huge, massive, as he darts into the woods.

“Well, fuck,” I mutter. Rushing over, I climb onto the bike, revving it to life. I’m going to find my girl before she’s terrified to death.

The bike roars beneath me as I tear across the open lawn, heading straight for the woods. The wind whips past my face, ripping at my hair, while the engine vibrates through my body. I lean forward, urging it faster. Every second feels like an eternity, and the fear of not reaching Sasha in time gnaws at me.

The trees close in around me as I enter the forest, the path narrowing, branches whacking against me. The dirt bike handles the terrain better than I expected, but it’s still a struggle to maintain speed and control. My heart pounds in my chest at the urgency to find and catch her.

I push the bike harder, adrenaline surging through me, driving me forward. Sasha’s image flashes in my mind—her wolf form, so wild and beautiful, her eyes wide with terror. I curse myself for letting things get so out of hand, for not understanding the power of my own voice and the impact it could have on her.

Branches snap under the bike’s tires as I maneuver through the forest, the scent of pine and earth thick in the air. Every shadow seems to shift, every rustle of leaves a possible sign that it might be her. I strain to catch any glimpse of white fur, any indication that she’s nearby.

The bike skids to a halt as I reach a clearing, but something inside me urges me forward. So, I keep riding, my instincts pulling me in the direction I know she went. The trees are dense, their heady aroma filling my lungs as I speed forward.

A deer darts out of the way, startled by the intrusion, and my heart pounds in my chest. The wind tugs at my hair, the bike growling beneath me like a beast in pursuit.

I hit a slope hard, the bike climbing up a track with ferocity. I catch sight of Khaos in wolf form just as he scales the top of the same hill, and I know I’m on the right path. I gun the engine, the wheels skidding here and there, but I hold on, pushing harder.

As I crest the hill, a small valley opens up below me, a river snaking through it. And there she is.

Sasha, in her wolf form, backs away from the black wolf. Her teeth are bared, a snarl etched across her face. I curse under my breath, knowing she must be terrified, having no idea who the wolf approaching her is. But Khaos was right in that he found her fast, and for that, I owe him.

Halfway down the hill, I stop the bike and discard it, rushing down on bare feet, not wanting to scare her further.

“Sasha!” I call out. “It’s okay. He’s Billie’s mate. He’s not going to hurt you. He’s helping me.”

Her head swings in my direction, the sneer still on her mouth, her eyes wary and wild. She backs away, her hind legs splashing in the narrow river.

As I approach, Khaos lifts his head toward me, nods, and backs away. He rushes back up the hill toward the mansion, leaving us alone.

“Thank you,” I say to the retreating wolf, grateful for his help.

Now, my attention is solely on Sasha. She’s shaking, but at least she hasn’t run from me. The clouds are darkening the sky, casting an ominous shadow over the valley, and all I want is to have her in my arms again, to reassure her.

“I’m sorry, Sasha,” I whisper, taking slow steps toward her. “I had no idea you’d turn, but I’m here for you.”

She watches me, her eyes tracking my every movement, tense and ready to bolt. I move cautiously, gauging her reaction, hoping my presence will calm her. I take another step, heart in my throat.

“Please,” I say, holding my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “Just let me help you.”

She hesitates, and I seize the moment. I make a last move to get closer, but she scrambles, trying to escape. I lunge, catching her, grabbing hold of her around the middle.

Sasha turns her head to snap at me, her teeth grazing my forearm, tearing skin. I hiss. Blood bubbles up, the sting sharp, but it’s nothing compared to the guilt shredding my insides.

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