Page 21 of Bound to the One-Night Stand

“Unless attending is code for fucking me senseless, then I don’t want it.” The brat rises back up as she crosses her arms, pinning me with a glare.

With a sigh, I take the loop off my wrist and hand her the small flogger. “I can’t force you. But here. Something to remember tonight by. It’s fluid bonded to you, and I refuse to use it on another.”

She takes it from me, holding it at a distance as if it’s something distasteful. “I guess I’ll find something to do with this, then.”

“Trash it for all I care,” I bark out, my anger rising. “It’s yours now. Do whatever the fuck you want with it.” Taking a deep breath, I force my irritation back down. It won’t do to lash out at her like this. “Either way, promise me you’ll get lots of water tomorrow. And treat yourself to something. Anything. It can be a piece of cake or some other snack you like.”

Her eyes glisten, as if she’s holding back tears. What could I have possibly said to upset her? Can she not eat sweets? Before I can make amends, she turns from me and races toward the front of the club.

What’s the use? It’s probably better for both of us that we part this way. Nothing but heartache will come from indulging in our feelings any more than we already have. Still though, I can’t help the niggle of unease thrumming through me. She’s not mine to protect, and yet, I wish she was more than anything in the world.

CHAPTER 8

JESSICA

I stare at the alarm clock on my phone, wishing death and dismemberment on whoever thought it was a good idea to wake up this early. Just because it was me doesn’t mean I like it any better. Pressing the snooze button, I roll back over and grab my covers.

The text hasn’t come in yet. Does this mean Angie was wrong? Maybe the Governing Body made a mistake and is trying to correct it. With a soft grumble, I grab my phone and turn onto my back as I pull up my text messages.

Alec

I have been chosen by the Governing Body to get married. I hope it’s you I see at the end of the aisle.

I should stop torturing myself like this. Honestly, the moment I realized we weren’t going to be together, I should have just deleted his number. Blocked him like he blocked me. Unfortunately, I’m now stuck in this limbo where I worry if I do anything, I’ll miss something from him.

A ding pulls me out of my thoughts, and my stomach plummets. An unknown number flashes across the screen. This must be it. Switching over to the new message, my gut churns as bile rises in my throat.

Unknown Number

Hi! We have found you a mate. To ensure proper preparations for your big day, be at the Abernathy Civic Center by 12pm sharp. Please do not be late. Your happiness depends on our ability to transform you into the bride of your dreams. Your presence is non-negotiable. If you are not here at the designated time, officers will be sent to your location to retrieve you. Enjoy your day to the fullest!

That’s it. Just like Angie said. Granted, she didn’t know who the groom was. Could she be wrong? Is there still a chance it’s Alec after all? My fingers tremble as I flip back to his texts and fire off a message.

My breath stills in my throat as I wait, hoping, praying he’s unblocked me because he’s going to be the one marrying me. The seconds crawl by like hours as I stare at the screen. Nothing. But at least this means he’s unblocked me.

However, the moment I feel any sort of elation, the phone dings again with that hellacious message.

Alec

The person you are trying to reach has blocked this number. If you feel as if this is in error, please have them contact a servicing station for a systems scan.

Still blocked. It won’t be him at the end of the aisle then. A groan wrenches from my throat as I plop the phone on thebed and turn back over, shoving my face into a pillow so the neighbors can’t hear me scream. Four hours until my life is over.

Eventually, I pull myself out so I can breathe, my pulse pounding in my ears. Inside my head, I can’t help but think of the Alpha I saw last night and his commands as he drove me closer and closer to orgasm.

Just breathe. If I did it last night, I can do it right now. I place my hand over my heart, forcing it to settle. Eventually, my breathing slows down as well until I’m finally able to think things through rationally. It’s just six months. I can survive anything for six months.

Turning to look at my desk, I spy the small flogger hanging from the edge. I should have thrown it away the moment I got home, but something in me, something stupidly sentimental, wanted to keep it. I roll off the side and onto my feet and walk over, running my fingers across the dark purple strands.

The things this stranger did to me… The things he made me feel… Alec never did. Granted, with us wanting to wait until we were married to go all the way, perhaps he just wouldn’t have been able to control himself if we played sexual games like this.

But then, the way the Alpha kept his composure, even while coming into my mouth… I didn’t know Alphas were capable of such restraint. My heart twinges as I force my gaze away. It’s not right to disrespect Alec. Even if he’s married to another, he’ll come back for me.

He has to.

For a moment, I stand there frozen as my mind jolts into action. I don’t even know what to do right now. Am I allowed to tell my friends? My family? I suppose they’llalready know if the Governing Body contacted them. I’ve only been a friend and witness to a few of these, so I can’t really recall what I was supposed to do.

There was a text similar to the one I received a moment ago, but it wasn’t nearly as foreboding. I was actually given the option of standing by my friend’s side as opposed to being ordered there. From what I remember, it was fun.

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