Page 21 of Ruthless Reign

"You can stay here. There's a bathroom inside as well."

When I don't move, he sighs to himself, turning the knob and pushing it open.

Glancing inside, I spot a bed pressed up against the left wall, a chair by the closed window, and another door to the right, leading to what I assume is the bathroom he speaks of.

We stare at each other for a few seconds, before I mumble some curse words under my breath, stepping inside. I hear the door click behind me and when I turn, I'm surprised and relieved to find I'm alone. But then the sound of a lock turning into place reaches my ears, and I step forward, jiggling the knob. It doesn't budge and on the other side, I hear Sawyer saysomething that sounds like, "Just go to sleep already", before footsteps walk away.

I contemplate smashing through the door. If I shifted, Mira would have no issue decimating the wood, but I doubt I'd get very far. They'd hear, pouncing on me instantly before I even reach the stairs.

As little as it means, at least if I'm locked in here, it means they are locked out. I had noticed the keyhole on the door, and I assume—and hope—that the only key is with Sawyer. No one else should be able to get in, and it seems like my plan is working. Theyareirritated by me—at least I think so—and probably have no desire to deal with me for the rest of the night. At least if I try to get some rest, though I don't expect to actually sleep, I'll have a clearer head to deal with them tomorrow.

I try not to focus on the minor appreciation I feel at being in an actual room instead of a cell, but if anything, they didn't seem surprised that I managed to break out.

I'm surprised though.

I wish I could feel better about the whole thing, but not knowing what is happening to me is terrifying. It's not the first time this has happened. The other alphas told me I had glowed after we were attacked on the way back from Lydiana's house. I have to wonder if this was the same thing. But if it is, why was I suddenly able to break the chains? And how did I activate the glow?

Walking over to the window, I look over, spotting the moon high over the trees. My fingers trace the window frame, and when I try to unlock it, I realize it's been locked with a key—of course it has.

Sighing, I resign myself to the fact that I'm here for the night. But Cade seemed pretty confident that Lex, Maverick, and Alpha Daxton would arrive tomorrow. That must mean we aren't too far from Shadow Creek. He also knows I contacted them—butsurprisingly, didn't rip me to shreds. Though, he wasn't happy about it. Almost as if he wanted more time with me before they arrived…

I hate to admit it… but I have mixed feelings about him. I'm trying to hate him, to stay on my guard. But he keeps surprising me, being overly polite and looking at me warmly.

Heading to the bathroom, I'm pleased when there's a mirror so I can see exactly what I look like. I let out a gasp of horror at my state. I knew I was filthy, but seeing it with my own two eyes,dirtydoesn't quite cover it.

There's a shower in here, but I'm not willing to get naked and vulnerable, even if I'm desperate to feel clean. I turn on the tap, cup the water in my hands, and wipe some of the muck off my skin. When I've done as much as I can without a shower, I sit cross-legged on the end of the bed, talking to Mira as we try to figure out what is going on.

And before long, the moon is disappearing behind the trees as the sun starts to rise on the horizon.

I survived the night.

Chapter Nine

Nyx

Once again, I feel utterly betrayed by my body.

I'm woken up by the sound of a click, and I spring up from the end of the bed where I've fallen asleep. I'm mad at myself for passing out for a few hours on top of the blankets. The damn mattress was too comfortable.

When the door pushes open, I'm already on my feet, sending a death glare to whoever is standing on the other side.

To my surprise, it's James. His face deadpans immediately upon finding me, a scowl appearing.

"Are you everoff?" he snaps, taking in my hostile expression.

"Not here, I'm not," I shoot back, folding my arms.

He rolls his eyes. "Lucky me," he draws out sarcastically. "Your presence is required downstairs."

I deliberately stay put for a few seconds, watching as he becomes annoyed.

"Or stay here!" he near-shouts. "I don't care. I didn't want to do it anyway. I'll send Ezra to come get you."

At the mention of his name, I scoff. "Youshouldsend him," I say dryly. "I have a bone to pick with him."

Fucking asshole whacked me over the head.

I move forward, body checking him with my shoulder as I step into the hallway. But my confidence is short-lived as I take notice of the other people emerging from rooms. There's at least five alone, all staring at me with strange expressions—and by strange, I mean warm smiles. A few of them even wave at me.

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