Page 24 of Claiming His Rejected Mate

My wolf is restless, her pacing matching my own. Every few minutes, she growls softly, the bond tugging at her in ways I wish I could ignore. My heat is starting to settle in my body. That mind-numbing need for my ate that incapacitates me with desire. He took advantage of that. He took advantage of what he knows about me, of this connection that we are cursed with.

Kieran.

Even thinking his name makes me clench my fists.

I glance at the door, knowing Kieran must have placed a wolf there to watch me. I saw the sentinel trailing behind us as Damon threw me into the room. The sentinel looks like a stoical man with sharp eyes and a sharper sense of duty—no chance of slipping past him, at least not without causing a scene.

How did I get into this mess? When I thought I had gotten away from the worst time in my life, Kieran reappeared. He’s the reason my life was ruined in the first place.

I sink onto the edge of the bed, my head in my hands. My chest tightens at the thought of Ayana, who’s been my constant these last two years.

Is she safe?

The memory of Eldon’s men circling her flashes through my mind. Her wide eyes, shaking hands, the faint bruise on her cheek she tried to hide. She escaped once, but Eldon doesn’t give up that easily. And now that I will be nowhere to be found, they will come for her to get to me.

My nails dig into my palms as my stomach twists with worry. I need to talk to her. I need to know she’s okay.

My eyes dart toward the door again, and an idea forms. It’s risky, but it’s my only option.

I force myself to lie back on the bed. I need to relax even though itfeels unnatural. My body is stiff and my mind is racing, but I have to wait to execute my plan.

Minutes pass, maybe more, before I hear the faint rustle of movement outside the door. The sentinel’s pacing is rhythmic, his boots scuffing lightly against the floor.

Perfect.

I get out of bed and walk to the door. My fingers curl around the knob, and I twist it gently. It’s unlocked, just as I’d hoped.

I crack the door just enough to see the guard standing a few feet away, his back to me.

“Excuse me,” I say, my voice soft but firm.

He turns, his expression blank but watchful.

“Yes?”

“I’m thirsty,” I say, holding his gaze. “Could you get me some water?”

“There’s a tap in your bathroom. Drink from that.”

Shit. I didn’t think this through. I have to think fast. He raises an eyebrow at me, waiting for me to go back in before he forces me back.

“I’m allergic to the metal in the water. I need some fresh water.”

“And what makes you think I should care?”

The only other option is to use the one thing I have going for me to get what I want. I open the door a bit more and stand my ground. They can't deny me basic things just because I'm kept here against my will.

“I'm the key to making sure you find your enemies. So, whatever you feel, your Alpha has you here to protect me, and I'm sure you will not want to report to Kieran that you watched me die of poisoning or dehydration.” I cross my arms and raise a brow, urging him to refute my reasoning.

His brow furrows slightly, but he nods. “Stay in the room. And if you try anything funny, there are guards posted at every corner of this floor.”

He walks away, his boots echoing as he disappears around the corner. Of course it works. Kieran's dogs are loyal to his orders. But I still can’t run.

I move quickly, stepping into the hallway and scanning for anythinguseful. My eyes land on the jacket draped over the back of a nearby chair, the telltale outline of a phone bulging in the pocket.

My pulse quickens as I grab it, the sleek device warm in my hand.

I retreat into the room, closing the door quietly behind me. My fingers tremble as I unlock the phone, the screen lighting up with the default interface.

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