Page 18 of Ruthless Reign

When I make no move to follow, he sighs, looking over his shoulder.

"I don't intend to harm you. But I'm not above dragging you back, Nyx. Follow me, please."

There's a sharp command to his tone, and I hate that it feels like he's giving me a choice. Nothing about this screams consensual, but I'm conflicted. If I follow, what is going to happen? Every nerve in my body yells at me to run, even though I know he'll chase me. But… he also has manners. Huh—odd.

He said he doesn't intend to hurt me, but will he keep that promise if I make a dash for it? It would be so easy to quickly get over the magic border and shift.

Mira sounded pained, like she's physically hurting from being locked up too. I have no idea if that would slow us down. And even if he catches me, forcing me to shift back, I'll be left naked. Even though I'm still dressed in my running clothes which are covered in dirt, dried mud, and blood, it's still better than being vulnerable and naked.

And yet, despite all my fears and concerns, and my desire to run, there's something pulling me toward him. It's not the mate bond, at least I don't think. Even when I hated Maverick, the tug I felt between us was different than this. The feeling now is compelling, almost beyond the strength of a mate bond—like it's something more important. But what could be more important and stronger than that?

Maybe I can buy myself some time.

I managed to give Alpha Daxton some information—a name. If anyone will be able to figure out where I am based on that, it'shim. If this guy says he won't hurt me, then maybe I need to find out what I can and delay whatever is coming to give the others time to find me. I need to use it to my advantage.

I don't believe a word he has said. But if, for a small moment, I pretend to believe him, maybe I can find out information about the vanishing packs and hunters. What better way to get intel than straight from the source?

Slowly, I turn, ignoring all the internal screams to run the opposite way. But I still don't move, catching his eye.

"I want you to free my wolf," I tell him firmly. "I'll promise not to shift, but I need her."

Cade pauses, contemplating my request. "I'll consider it. But not tonight. We can discuss it tomorrow."

I shake my head. "No. We will discuss it now. I don't trust you. If you want me to obey you, then you need to give me something in return."

"That's not how this works," he argues back sharply. "You'll follow my rules."

"I follow no one's rules," I counter. "I don't care that you might possibly catch me. I know where the magical border is. Either free Mira and I'll come speak to you willingly. Or I run—and you can deal with the consequences when my pack arrives."

I realize that I've basically admitted to contacting Alpha Daxton for help, but once again, he doesn't look surprised.

"Fine," he answers with a soft growl. "But you'll need to come to the house for that to happen."

"And why is that?"

"Because I'm not a witch nor do I possess such powers."

We continue to stare at each other while I process his words. I still don't trust him. I'm fully aware that this could be a trap, a lie to get me to cooperate. But… I have nothing else to offer.

My feet move forward, and against every warning in my mind, I head back toward the house, walking past him.

"You better stick to your end of the deal," I mutter angrily. "Or else I'll make sure you and your entire pack suffer the consequences."

Chapter Eight

Nyx

It takes us a while to walk back through the trees to the house, and when we reach the clearing, I'm startled to find the man from the meeting table waiting in front of the door. The only consolation is the bundle of clothes in his hands to shield his alpha's naked body, and Marie lurking in the shadows behind him.

The witch and I lock eyes, her face appearing even more disgruntled than usual. Then again, if I was woken up in the middle of the night to say the prisoner had escaped and negotiated a deal which required her participation, I'd probably be furious too.

I don't climb the steps to the porch, instead hanging back to give me space in case I need to run. Cade takes the clothes from the man with a"thanks", pulling them on in front of everyone. Clearly, he has no shame, and I scoff to myself, shaking my head as I stare away at the trees.

"Have you been properly introduced yet?" he asks, grabbing my attention back.

I raise an eyebrow, baffled by his words. He gives me a grin, gesturing with his hand to the other man. "This is Sawyer, my Beta."

I ignore the small sense of pride at my detective skills because in all honesty, it was clearly obvious this asshole was the alpha. But I'm equally perplexed by the pleasantries, glaring at Sawyer with confusion.

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