When I left the treehouse after shouldering my bag, a flash of lightning revealed Ky watching me warily. Frowning, I chewed my bottom lip because his eyes lacked the golden hue I was used to, and I swallowed nervously upon realizing Kyler was in control. “I’m returning,” I whispered, and his amber eyes widened. A crack of thunder made my ears ring, and I stumbled a step. Shaking my head, I looked to where he was only to find no sign of the wolf.
Shrugging, I started towards the deer trail that would take me back to my apartment only to falter when I noticed a man-shaped shadow. Fear filled my soul, and I took an instinctive step back, seeing that the shadow took one towards me. Gulping, I retreated, with the man matching me step for step. However, since he towered over me, each of his steps ate more ground than mine. Soon he was only a yard from me, and I trembled while eyeing his long arms. Any closer, and I’d be within reach. I couldn’t sense Jax’s presence and hoped he was summoning Marcus or something because I didn’t know who this stranger was, but I doubted they were good news for me.
“Hello, Angel,” he greeted in a purring voice that caused goosebumps to erupt across my body. It was velvety with a hint of steel so cold I feared I might freeze if he spoke again. “I wondered how long it would take the dogs to drive you off. I see you aim to return for another dose of punishment.”
Swallowing nervously, I sidestepped, my anxiety rising when he did not do the same. What nasty surprise was in store? Still, I edged around him, keeping my eyes on him. “Pity,” he chuckled when I was past him, although he had not turned his head to watch me. “I suppose it’s only fair to take your state of mind into consideration.” Fear made my mouth go dry because he had something terrible up his sleeve. “After all, how else do you explain that you never noticed the absence of the email informing you they arrived safely.”
I froze in place, my heart sinking while my soul radiated pain. No. No! “Matty will be so disappointed. He keeps telling me how his big sister will kick my ass when she comes for him.” A cold chuckle made me shrink back in fear of the cruelty within the noise. “So, big sister, what will you do? Return to the dogs who hurt you, who you no longer trust? Or take the only opportunity you will receive to be reunited with your precious baby brother?”
Shaking like a leaf, I forced my stiff legs to traverse the distance to the stranger. He either has Matty or had him to know about the emails. A tear rolled down my cheek, lost within the raindrops already there, while I imagined my little brother with this terrifying man. Straightening my spine, I stopped shaking and stood tall for the last couple of steps. I’ll save you, little brother, even if I must become lost to ensure your safety. I didn’t know who this man was, but I didn’t think he was human. Did he hurt Kyler? Was that why the wolf was gone? Regardless, I stopped in front of him and swallowed nervously while fighting my desire to tremble. I might not be strong, but I wouldn’t shake like a leaf before my fate. I’m coming, Matty.
Defiantly, I raised my gaze to stare into the eyes of the man that took my little brother. In the darkness, I couldn’t determine their color, but his cold gaze chilled me to the bone. I didn’t know what he was, but I harbored no doubts he was malevolent. Still, I wouldn’t leave my baby brother at his mercy. At least, I wouldn’t allow him to suffer alone. He didn’t say he would release him if I came along, nor did he promise not to hurt him. But, at the very least, we would be together. Misery loves company and all that.
A twig snapping behind me had me turning around. Before I could make out what caused the noise, a hand covered my nose and mouth with firm pressure. I grabbed it but was pulled back against the stranger, who laughed darkly. “Come and get her, dog.” I didn’t even have time to struggle because he did something that made my world go black.
When I woke, I sat in an overstuffed chair near a blazing fire. Other than the light from the dancing flames, the room was dark. Swallowing nervously, I realized someone watched me from the murky depths of the room, albeit I couldn’t see them. Still, the feeling of their eyes made my skin crawl, and my body tensed.
A soft chuckle reached my ears, and I curled into a ball on the chair, feeling like a child scared of the dark. Perhaps because I knew something lurked within the inky blackness. “Cold, bunny?” A soft voice asked when I shivered. “You look just like him,” he added when I stiffened.
Swallowing nervously, I realized this stranger stood at the back of my chair but didn’t look. Perhaps because it was easier to pretend he wasn’t there if I didn’t see him. Still, while I feared this unknown male, I didn’t feel as terrified of him as I did the other. Although they must be in cahoots since we were in the same room. I shivered again, and he made a soft noise of disapproval. “I told Liam he shouldn’t have allowed you to be in the rain so long. Poor little thing. You were soaked to the bone when he brought you in. He turned so long ago I fear he has forgotten the limits of humanity.”
Well, at least I was right that he wasn’t human. Strangely, that didn’t make me feel the slightest bit better. Still, while I was wary of the new stranger, he hadn’t threatened me yet, so I should give him props for that. And he called me bunny. So he knew Jax. I didn’t yet know if that was bad. Since he knew what Jax called me. So, either Jaxy was a prisoner or a friend. But since my friendly ghost was absent, I had no way of knowing other than by asking. However, who was to say the man would answer with the truth?
“Are you warm, bunny?” His voice sounded concerned, and while he kept his words soft, I sensed untold strength behind them. His voice almost seemed lilting in a hypnotic way, and that scared me. As much as I wanted to listen to Kyler’s, which I understood at least, I wanted to hear him speak even more. His voice was beautiful, albeit darkly. Mysterious, and not friendly, although he tried to make it sound as if it were.
“Yes, thank you,” I whispered, my manners catching up to me. Grimacing because my voice sounded scratchy and rough, I cleared my throat. “Is Matty all right?”
“No need to fear, little bunny, your younger brother is fine. Well, mayhap a little bored and miserable in his fear that you’ll show up here. He wants to save you, and he’s terrified you’ll find out he’s here and come charging in. Mostly because he knows that’s what Liam desires. Wolves are not the only ones who can appreciate an omega,” the stranger explained, his voice giving me the feeling that he was quite satisfied.
“So, Matty was bait?” I questioned, knowing it would upset him that another person used him. It drove him crazy that my monster dangled him like a carrot before me as it was, I could only imagine how much this would hurt him.
“Yes and no,” what I assumed to be my captor mused. His voice wrapped around me, and I swallowed audibly when I wanted to give in to whatever he desired. “I would not have allowed the boy to suffer harm had you not come, nor would I have released him, however. Still, I won’t use him as your monster does. That’s what you call him, correct? Matty seethes about him, comparing us even. I have no intentions to hurt you either, bunny, but I will if you force my hand. And, well, what I do will make your monster seem like a tame little lamb in comparison. I am far older than your human tormentor, and there are many games we can play. For example, we could discover everything you can live through together.”
My heart raced in my chest while terrifying images flashed through my mind, but I forced myself to not tremble. I had dignity, and I would cling to it. “Alas, I have frightened you, little bunny. Like I told you, I have no intention of harming you. But, if you don’t obey orders or stir up strife, I will put you in your place, little one.” Even though his words were terrifying, his voice was gentle, and I was torn between feeling scared or comforted. How was that comforting in the slightest? I suppose because he had rules and if I followed them, he implied he wouldn’t cause harm to Matty or me? Either way, I doubt I’ll escape from here soon.
“Come, bunny, it’s time we get you something warm to eat,” he murmured after a moment, and my fear returned suddenly. I did not understand why, but the idea of ea
ting and this stranger together was terrifying. Uh oh. Please, not that. Although it would explain the conversation between the man he called Liam and whichever werewolf found us.
A hand appeared out of the darkness, and I hesitated for a moment before accepting it with an inward sigh. No sense in pissing him off, especially if I was right. That would only bring about things I didn’t want to experience. “Brace yourself, bunny, the hall is not any brighter, so you must rely on my help to navigate the darkness.” I wanted to balk, but forced myself to nod and shakily put one foot in front of the other when my captor gently pulled me forward.
The hall was darker. I did not believe it possible, but it was. Still, I trudged on, blindly following the hand that led me. “Bunny!” I was pulled tight to a muscular chest while something passed us, my hair moving in the breeze left behind. “Watch where you’re going, you bitch!” He snarled, and I shivered at the cruelness anger lent his voice. “Are you all right, little one?” Shakily, I nodded, and he chuckled. I shuddered when fingers under my chin forced me to look up. Even though the darkness was absolute, I knew without a doubt my captor saw me and fought a tremor. Not seeing someone who can see you is very disconcerting.
After my heartbeat returned to normal, he released me, and I followed his lead once more. Deep within my mind, I reasoned that this was a trust-building exercise and I should fight it, but how could I? Nothing like encouraging the good old Stockholm Syndrome, eh? Shaking my head, I dispelled my thoughts to focus on the present once more. If that was the case, then I needed to keep my wits about me. Else, I would become lost.
Moments later, we entered a dim room, heading straight for a door framed in bright light. I didn’t even risk a glance at the man leading me along. Instead, I braced myself for the onslaught of light that would sting my eyes. It did a little, but not as much as I feared. I suppose the dim light of the previous room was to thank for that. Once I blinked away my temporary discomfort, I looked around.
We were a few feet inside a spacious kitchen where a beautiful young woman stood in wait for my captor. “Good evening, Ryker, I see you have your little lamb with you,” she greeted in a beautiful, musical voice. Hers also had that cold steel beneath it, which made me take a step back, and she smiled. It was not a friendly, comforting smile in the least. Instead, it was the smile I imagine a snake gave a mouse before devouring it.
“Stella,” my captor, Ryker, replied coldly. “We’ve been through this. Angel is not a lamb because she’s my little bunny. To you, it’s not important, but to me, it’s critical.” Stella flinched from his rebuke while I shivered because of the coldness of his voice. I didn’t care what it took, I never wanted him to speak to me like that because I feared the consequences.
“My apologies, m’lord, I will not make that mistake again,” Stella murmured.
“I know,” Ryker chuckled. “I’m seeing to it. Personally.” Before she could move, or even react to his words, my captor stepped forward and punched through her chest. I stared in horror at the heart he held in his hand, watching him crush it with Stella’s scream of agony cutting off while she and it turned to ash. Well, I suppose the good news is I was right, they’re vampires. The bad news is, I was right. They’re vampires. How the hell did I get myself into these situations?
“I’m sorry you had to see that, bunny, but she disrespected you,” Ryker murmured. Belatedly I noticed the dark blood on his hand had turned to ash as well and shuddered. “My poor little bunny.” He pulled me to his chest again, with his hand that so fiercely ended Stella, gently stroking my hair. I gagged but kept my bile down. Suddenly my previous problems seemed so unimportant. It’s amazing how easily your perspective can change, isn’t it?
While I kept from shuddering, a soft whine escaped my throat, and he clucked his tongue. “You needn’t fear the ending of your life, bunny, I plan on you living for a very long time,” Ryker soothed. Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about. I learned firsthand there were far worse things than death.
“I stopped fearing death a long time ago,” I murmured honestly. I sensed his disapproval and fear trickled down my spine. Stella referred to him as m’lord. How does one address a lord? Do you even dare speak to one? Swallowing nervously, I debated on the punishment for speaking out of turn. Does one get their tongue ripped out or cut out? Surely not burned off?
“I suppose I should give you a few rules since the unknown distresses you,” Ryker murmured. “You may speak or not as you desire. Do not refrain from unleashing your sarcasm either, since I find it endearing, little one. However, if I ask you a question, I expect an answer. You are to only obey my rules, regardless of what any others may try to tell you. The only time you should follow another’s is if I tell you in person. There will be no calls, texts or letters. I find it’s too easy to mimic handwriting and voices. If anyone tries to force you to obey, I will deal with them. If I give you orders, I expect them to be followed. However, some will be up for debate if you explain why you desire to refrain. If you behave, I will allow you to have alone time to do as you desire. You may expect time with Matty daily. He is not a pawn, and I do not want you to feel he is used against you. If you do not behave, well, I will punish you if I must.”
I shivered, I couldn’t help it, and he tutted before pulling me closer to his chest. “You belong to me, little bunny, therefore no one but me may touch you in any form. If they dare try, they will regret it. Liam is the only exception at the moment, in that he may pull you out of harm’s way. Unless you seek comfort from him, then he may do what you require to feel better, little one. I consider Matty exempt from this rule. But, like all of my other rules, unless I tell you otherwise, in person, it’s absolute. I will smell another on you, bunny, and I’ll be most displeased,” Ryker added. I tried to not shudder, but I failed. “Matty belongs to me as well. However, if another takes an interest in him, well, we shall see what comes of that.” I sensed his frown when I stiffened, and my hands clenched into fists, but I could not help it. I didn’t want anyone claiming ownership of Matty. He wasn’t a thing to be owned. “I see you do not appreciate such a thought. Very well. Perhaps Liam will suit him better. In his way, Liam is fond of the boy, and Matty enjoys besting him. Nor will Liam hurt your baby brother, in fact, Matty is far more likely to hurt him.” While I did not experience complete relief, some of my worry eased.
Gently, he stroked my hair again, and I bit my lip. What am I meant to be? A prisoner? A pet? A pawn? Swallowing, I tried to find words, but they were beyond me for the moment. “For now, that’s all you need to know, little bunny. We can discuss other rules as needed. We need to get food in that belly of yours. After that, you need a bath. You carry the scent of those damn mutts, and I refuse to tolerate it for a second longer than I must. But food first,” he murmured. My cheeks cooled, and I took a step back at the idea of bathing and what must follow. Ryker quirked his brow and patiently awaited my explanation. I found that surprising and worried that it might not last. What would I do if he changed his behavior? What could I do?
“After that, a bandage change?” I whispered with a grimace. I tried to refrain, but my dislike of the idea was too strong to hide. Especially since I didn’t know if Ryker would be gentle, or would he expect me to do it myself? Or worse, would he ask Liam to do it? I hoped Liam took Matty under his wing to protect him, but I still feared the cold vampire. Although if he didn’t, I would take him on to protect my little brother. I sensed Ryker’s frown and barely kept from shuddering.
“Bandage…? You mean that pissant human hurt you bad enough to require bandages? Matty thought the dogs ran him off before he had much time with you. I hoped that to mean he didn’t touch you at all. Oh, my poor little bunny, I’m so sorry. We must rectify that you suffer, little one. Now that I know you’re in pain, I cannot fathom allowing your suffering for another moment,” Ryker sighed. As a vampire, couldn’t he smell my wounds? Or at least the blood on my bandages?
I backed away, afraid of whatever he intended to d
o. He sighed heavily, and my next step back, I ran into something substantial. My eyes registered that the man disappeared, and I swallowed audibly while goosebumps broke out across my skin. “Fret not, little bunny, it will not hurt you in the least. I daresay it might even help that spine of yours. I’m afraid it’s unlikely to do anything for the sensitivity of your back, however. Oh yes, I’ve watched you for a long time, little one. Your entire life, to be exact. While Jax did not allow any wolves to follow him, that was not extended to me.”
I tried to respond, but when I opened my mouth, it could not force my throat to work. Not that I knew what I would have said, anyway. But still, so many questions lay in wait deep within my mind. Ryker’s voice softened when he added, “he called you ‘bunny’ because you bounced on the balls of your feet whenever he came to visit. It was adorable. We met, believe it or not, my shy little bunny. You’ve belonged to me since you were born, little one, you are just only learning this now. Jaxy… well, he did not like the idea. However, after what the dogs did, I fear he would no longer side with them so adamantly.”
Perhaps not. Jax encouraged me to run. Although he also, in his way, tried to convince me to go back too. Perhaps he was torn? Or did he know from the start that Liam lurked in the woods? Was that why he picked the treehouse? But after I reached my destination, he regretted ever sending me in that direction? I suppose the question I was most worried about was how long was Liam watching? Long enough to snatch Matty once he left Wolfram. Or did he ever leave town? I’m sure Matty would fill in some blanks when I saw him. I almost asked to see him now, but Matty hasn’t witnessed my injuries firsthand since the accident. Thankfully, he doesn’t remember his toddler years very well.
Bouquet of Regret (Angel's Shifters Book 1) Page 20