Chapter 9: Blood and Fear

The night had a biting chill, and the air seemed heavy with foreboding. I’d been on edge all day, the pack’s heightened patrols and Jack’s stern warnings ringing in my ears. But none of it could have prepared me for what was about to happen.

I left the safety of the house for a moment of solitude, my wolf restless and agitated. The trees loomed tall and silent around me as I wandered the outskirts of the territory, my steps cautious. A twig snapped behind me, sharp and deliberate. My body tensed as I turned, but before I could react, a heavy blow landed against my head, sending the world spinning into darkness.

When I woke, my wrists were bound tightly, the coarse rope digging into my skin. My head throbbed, and the metallic taste of blood lingered on my tongue. Blinking against the dim light, I took in my surroundings—a damp, decrepit cabin with boarded-up windows and the faint smell of mildew.

Ronan stood in the corner, his presence as menacing as his reputation. His eyes gleamed with malice, and a cruel smirk tugged at his lips. Around him, a handful of rogues lounged in varying states of disinterest, their postures predatory and relaxed, as if they had already won.

“Well, well, the princess is awake,” Ronan drawled, stepping closer. He crouched in front of me, his face inches from mine. “Did you really think you could wander around unprotected? Your pack’s arrogance astounds me.”

I met his gaze, refusing to show fear. “What do you want?” My voice was hoarse, but steady.

He laughed, the sound low and chilling. “You’re bait, sweetheart. Nothing more, nothing less. Dax, Jack, the whole pack—they’ll come running the moment they know you’re in danger. And when they do…” He trailed off, his smirk widening. “Well, let’s just say this little territorial war will end in our favor.”

“They’ll destroy you,” I spat, my anger outweighing my pain. “You don’t stand a chance against them.”

Ronan’s expression darkened, and he backhanded me across the face. The force of the blow snapped my head to the side, and the sting radiated through my jaw.

“You’ve got spirit,” he muttered, straightening. “But don’t forget your place. Here, you’re nothing but a pawn.”

The hours dragged on, each one more grueling than the last. The rogues kept me tied to a chair, my wrists raw and bleeding from the ropes. Every so often, Ronan or one of his lackeys would taunt me, their words laced with venom. They didn’t need to inflict serious harm, the psychological torment was enough. The thought of Dax finding me like this was unbearable, but I clung to the hope that he would come.

The cabin was eerily silent when Ronan finally approached again, dragging a chair to sit across from me. He leaned back, a dagger twirling lazily in his hand.

“You know, I almost feel sorry for you,” he said, his tone mockingly sympathetic. “Caught in the middle of a war you didn’t ask for. But then I remember who you’re protecting—Dax Carter, the alpha-in-waiting. How noble of you.”

I glared at him, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response.

“What is it about him?” Ronan continued, leaning forward. “Is it the title? The power? Or is it something else entirely?”

The implication in his words made my stomach churn, but I didn’t flinch. “He is everything you'll never be. You’ll never understand,” I said quietly, my voice steady despite the tears threatening to spill.

He scoffed, rising to his feet. “Oh, I understand plenty. But don’t worry, princess. Your knight in shining armor will come for you soon enough. And when he does…” He grinned, his teeth glinting in the dim light. “We’ll be ready.”

As the hours stretched into the night, I allowed myself a moment to close my eyes, drawing strength from the bond I shared with Dax. I could feel him—his anger, his determination, his desperation. He was coming for me. I just had to hold on.

But my captors weren’t done with me yet. One of the rogues—a burly man with cruel eyes—grabbed me by the arm, hauling me to my feet. I stumbled, my legs weak from sitting for so long.

“Let’s see how tough you really are,” he sneered, shoving me against the wall.

I braced myself for the impact, my shoulder slamming into the rough wood. Pain flared, but I bit back a cry. They wanted to break me, to make me scream, and I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.

“You’ve got a lot of fight in you,” the rogue said, his grip tightening on my arm. “But let’s see how long that lasts.”

He raised his fist, and I braced for the blow, but a deafening howl shattered the silence. The sound sent shivers down my spine, and the rogues froze, their expressions shifting from confidence to fear.

Dax.

I felt the bond between us flare to life, his presence like a beacon in the darkness. Relief flooded me, but it was quickly overshadowed by dread. The rogues were prepared for this, and Dax was walking straight into their trap.

Ronan barked orders, his voice sharp and commanding. “Get ready. They’re here.”

The rogues scrambled, arming themselves with weapons and shifting into their wolf forms. I was shoved back into the chair, my bindings checked one last time before they retreated to their positions.

As the sounds of a battle erupted outside, I closed my eyes, whispering a silent prayer. “Come back to me, Dax.”