Page 16 of Ruthless Reign

Or maybe it's because this has happenedthree damn times now.

This has to be the worst case of magical Stockholm Syndrome. It was bad enough when I was faced with the prospect of being brutally ripped apart from my mates by a total stranger. But to be mated to my kidnapper? Come on now. The Moon Goddess has the worst sense of humor ever.

"Absolutely not," I finally manage to breathe out, stepping backwards again. I feel the magic surround me, but it's too late—I already feel the pull.

Cade looks amused at my reaction. "It certainly is quite the predicament."

"Predicament?" I scoff. "It's a sick joke. I can't be your mate. Irefuse."

"Strong words," he mocks. "Trust me, I'm not thrilled either. Sharing isn't my thing."

My head snaps up angrily. "You won't need to worry about that because I won't be staying long. And I certainly have no intention of being your mate."

"Yet," he says playfully. "Never say never."

"Never," I draw out loudly with frustration. "N-e-v-e-r. Get that through your thick, furry skull."

"Ouch," he responds sarcastically, holding his hand to his bare chest. "I'm hurt."

I gape at him, taken aback by his unserious nature. How can a psychopath be so laid back? Sure, let's just kidnap people and crack jokes about it. He's insane.

"What is wrong with you?" I splutter. "Serious question."

Cade lifts a shoulder, shrugging. "What's wrong withyou? First time being captured? I have to say, most people wouldn't act like this."

My face tenses up angrily. "Well, excuse me for notacting appropriately. I must have missed that lesson in school. Class one-oh-one on how to be a polite hostage."

"Sounds like a pack problem to me," he retorts, and I feel my very thin patience snap.

"My pack will end you," I growl. "You have no idea what you've done. I hope you suffer."

Perhaps there's a little truth in his statement. While I agree that I'm not acting like a regular hostage—even though anyonewould fight for their life—I can't help but think I'm probably making matters worse. There'sfighting for survival, then there'snot pissing off the people who hold your life in their hands.

He smiles, looking away to tilt his head back. The gesture catches me off-guard, and I follow his line of vision, spotting the moon through a gap in the treetops.

I should be at my Luna ceremony right now in Summer Valley, celebrating with Lex, my parents, Lena and Beau. Instead, I'm here—wherever here is.

Slowly, I step toward him, hoping that the celestial distraction keeps him occupied. Just as I cross the magical border again, his gaze snaps back to me.

"I wouldn't do that," he warns.

I freeze. "What are you talking about?" I deflect, trying to keep my cool.

His bright blue eyes dance excitedly. "Either you're about to shift or you're about to mind link."

My eyes narrow into slits. He's correct, but the silent threat makes me want to disobey. Except the only problem is… I have no idea what to say.

Do I tell Lex I'm safe—for now? And possibly have him hear my death. Or do I reach out to Maverick and tell him I regret everything? That I wished we had had more time, that we were stupid for fighting. Maybe I should contact Alpha Daxton… ask him to tell my parents that I love them. Because at the moment, there's nothing else I can say.

I don't know where I am. All I know is this asshole's name—but he hasn't even confirmed it. The thought of reaching out to one of them and going "Hey guys. A quick update—I'm fine, but I did accidentally gain another mate. Oops," is the worst thing I can think of. They are probably all worried out of their minds and then having to deal withthat. No, thank you.

I'm not ready to face it myself. What options do I have? If I reject this asshole, he'll get mad, and maybe just take what he thinks is owed to him. If I accept the bond, I'm betraying Lex and Maverick—and myself.

This isn't fair.

"You don't know what I'm thinking," I finally answer, watching as he laughs.

"But I do, Nyx. I really do."

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