Page 17 of Ruthless Reign

The use of my name feels like ice cold water drenching my body. "I'm fast," I point out, repeating his words. "And me against you, I'll take those odds."

Cade hums to himself. "True. But I'm faster."

I'm about to smoke this asshole. Even if he is fast, I have something he doesn't—motivation to live.

Before I can respond, he's holding up his hand in defeat. "I think we got off on the wrong foot."

My eyebrows nearly meet my hairline. "I think we passed the point of being on a right footing when your lap dogs smashed a rock over my head and kidnapped me."

"Well, look—I did tell them not to be too forceful. But unfortunately, they had to work with what they had."

"Meaning the fact that Maverick was there."

He nods, smiling like a maniac. "They improvised. But a small concussion was worth the price."

"I would never have come willingly," I argue. "And I'm not going to be your mate."

"We'll see," he says softly. "I can be very persuasive."

Fuck. This. Guy.

Holding his gaze, I fold my arms, making up my mind. While glaring at him, I do it quickly, before he can realize what's happening. Hopefully my angry expression is enough to distract him.

"Alpha Daxton. Please tell me you can hear this…"

Instantly, there's a sharp intake of breath, before I hear his surprised voice appear in my head.

"Stevens! Where are you?"

"I don't know. But the alpha, his name is Alpha Cade—"

A body slams into mine, barreling the two of us back across the magical border. I feel the mind link connection sever and snap as the air is whooshed out of my lungs.

"Ow!" I whine, head slamming into the ground as Cade tackles me, pinning my wrists before I can swing at him.

"I warned you not to do it," he says quietly, digging his fingers into my skin.

Shit. This is it. Hopefully I've given enough information for Alpha Daxton to piece it all together. Maybe they will avenge me, and I take comfort in my final seconds at the thought of this man being ripped apart.

I wait for the blows to come, eyes on his face. I refuse to cower. I want him to see me looking at him as he kills me.

But still, nothing comes once again.

There's frustration present on his face, and his hands continue to painfully hold me down, but nothing comes, and I fear the worst.

He's going to torture me—willingly force the mate bond.

"I won't be yours," I bite out. "Not now, not ever. You may as well kill me."

It's like a switch. Slowly, his features soften, hands releasing me as he sits up. I notice that he's straddling my body, and I have to force myself not to gawk at his naked frame, reminding myself of what's coming. I hate that he's so good-looking—why can't he be an old, ugly guy?

"I'm not going to kill you," he says lowly. "And I'm not going to force myself on you—not my style."

I blink at his words, not believing him for a second. "Then what do you want from me? Why am I here?"

Cade stands up, surprising me when he offers his hand to me. I swat it away, crawling a safe distance back before I push myself to my feet. He shrugs, dropping his arm to his side.

"Come with me," he replies softly, walking past me, back in the direction of the house.

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