Page 132 of Cost of Courting

How stupid can we get? Why did that potent scent of her heat and Mael’s rage erase all sense and reason from us?

“I’ll be sure to send Anderson photos of what we do to you, Bailey, and pretty pics of his favourite dogs brought to heel. Speaking of, someone has been so looking forward to catching up with you, Mael. You really were his favourite bitch.”

Benson smiles widely. The most evil smile I’ve ever seen. Mael takes a step towards him and growls, but a machete suddenly appears at his throat. I reach out, grab his arm, and pull him back.

“Take Bailey to my bedroom.”

Bailey lashes out at the alphas who grab at him, but he’s quickly overpowered.

Mael takes a step, but Benson casually slaps Luna, sending her careening to the concrete with a weak sob.

I grab Mael and hold him back, trying to keep Bailey in sight as he’s dragged into a dark corridor.

“You three march over that way. I’ve got the perfect place for pieces of shit like you.”

We go, reluctantly.

In the corner of the warehouse, there are cages with all sorts of animals inside. We’re beaten and shoved into a cage.

“Clothes off.”

I calmly peel my clothes off and kick them out of the cage. Mael and Kingston follow a second later.

Benson whistles. “Hammer, we created artwork with this alpha. Look at how fucking ugly he is. I’m surprised she even wants to touch you.”

Hammer? Mael is looking between them, but I can tell he can’t figure out which one is his tormentor.

I grind my teeth, hoping and praying that Mael doesn’t respond to their taunts.

The door is slammed shut.

“Have a good sleep, my pets, don’t die because, tomorrow, the fun begins. A certain tiger has been dying to be let out to play.”

I watch him walk away, wishing for so many things, but, above all, that Selene wasn’t sitting at home alone wondering where we are.

“Edric, we have a problem.”

I turn really slowly.

Mael is breathing hard, his eyes unfocused, and his teeth bared, and he’s gone completely and hopelessly feral. I throw myself at him and pray to the universe that I have the strength to bring him back.

Chapter thirty-three

Selene

It’s been half aday, and I haven’t seen them. Night is closing in, and I can’t shake the feeling something is wrong. The bonds are quiet, and I’ve messaged a few people who have also reported they haven’t seen them. We’ve basically been on top of each for weeks, and now, all of a sudden, they’re all gone. I walk to the front window and stare at their house. No movement. Nothing.

Dark windows.

Where are they?

I reach up and press my palm over Kingston’s bond mark. Why can’t I feel them through the bonds? I know we talked about building mental guards to give ourselves some privacy, but all four of them at once? This isn’t funny.

Have they left again? I hate that that’s my instinctive thought. The panic churns in my chest, and I rub my sternum. I go into the kitchen and check the fridge. I could make up some pasta.Stay busy, don’t panic, don’t break.

I bite my bottom lip, but what if they are in trouble? What if they were in a car crash and are lying in a tangled wreck, dying?

I reach up and rub at the bond marks on my neck, harder this time. I just need a sign of life. They wouldn’t leave me. There’s no way.

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