Dragon Alpha's Special Mate

33. The Pit of Betrayal

Maxson

I should have known it was a trap when Ryder, my supposed ally, told me not to tell anyone. But my love for Sophia and my desperate need to find her clouded my judgment. Now, I find myself trapped in this dank, dark room that Ryder led me to. I guess I didn’t realize he wasn’t actually my ally, a mistake I won’t find myself repeating in the future.

Ryder handed me right to M, and by the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. I now find myself locked in this cell. I’ve tried relentlessly to reach anyone, but they severed my connection to my magic and, more importantly, to Avian.

It took me longer than I’d like to admit before I realized that Ryder was part of his daughter's kidnapping, but I can’t figure out why. At least I can take solace in the fact that I have to be close to her. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.

As soon as I figure out exactly what they want with her and me, I’ll find a way out of here. I don’t need my magic to kill anyone who stands in the way of finding her and getting her to safety.

The door leading into the cells opens, and I immediately go toward the bars, holding onto them as I yell at whoever’s there. The cold metal bites into my skin, grounding me in my desperation.

“You’ll regret not letting me out of here!” I scream at them until I can finally see them. I step back, realizing it’s Ryder.

“Oh boy, I’ve been waiting for this moment for far too long. Ever since that first time I met you and learned you’d been mated to my daughter. I couldn’t wait to see your downfall. I’d always hoped I would be the one to deliver that downfall, and I’m glad I am.”

“Where is she? Is she okay?” My voice cracks with a mix of rage and worry.

I don’t care what he says he’s going to do to me. I don’t care about my own safety in any capacity. I just need to hear that she’s safe.

“Sophia is completely safe, getting to know her new husband.”

“Husband?” I quickly ask, my heart pounding. “There’s no way.”

I watch Ryder's face twist into a sadistic smile as he sees the apparent pain written on my face, and I quickly try to wipe it away, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.

“Well, I suppose I should say future husband. Once she rejects the mate bond with you, she will marry and bring balance back to the world. But most importantly, she will fulfill the promise I made so long ago.”

I can’t even bear to look at this man, who claims to be my mate's father, as he talks callously about her future. He’s nothing but a sick man after his own selfish gains.

“She will never reject me, no matter what you say or do to either of us. We’re meant to be together.”

He smirks at me, showing off a row of deadly teeth I’ve never noticed before, when the door opens again.

“We’ll see about that. First, it’s time for you to meet your mate’s fiancé.”

I look over toward the door, where an intimidating figure walks out of the shadows, finally showing himself to me. I can take in his full appearance when he’s finally in front of me. Who is this man? He’s larger than I expected him to be and -

“You smell like her.” I take a deep breath, not needing Avian to recognize my mate's scent all over him. I can see Ryder bow his head to this man, keeping it low as he approaches and looks me up and down, finally settling on my eyes.

“Wonderful to meet you, Maxson. I’m Logan, ruler of the underworld and Sophia’s rightful partner. It seems there’s a small technicality for her to be mine truly. Would you like to see her?”

“Yes.” I quickly say, shoving down all the other words I would prefer to say to him. I have to keep my cool to see her. I know the second I do, it could awaken Avian, and we can fight to get out of here.

Then, I’ll go straight to my mom, and listen to anything she tells us to do. I’ll let her protect us. I’ll stop being headstrong and impulsive. I’ll let her win this battle if it keeps my mate safe.

Ryder and Logan both laugh at me, their eyes landing back on me.

“He seems so eager to sever the mate connection, but let’s have some fun with him first, yes?” Logan turns his attention fully toward Ryder, addressing him directly, “I want your daughter to be strong when she enters the pit. I want to see her full power. Make sure Maxson is here to watch her and in a place where she can see him. She’ll fight harder knowing he’s here and safe, even if it is temporary.”

“Pit? What pit? She can’t fight.”

My mind whirls back to Stefani and her fighting in class that first day, and I know there won’t be a chance for her to win if it’s any type of one-on-one combat.

“My demons will only accept her if she can fight in my pit and survive. If she’s truly meant to be the one to bring balance to the world with me, she will win.”

“And if not?”

Logan laughs deeply, his black eyes lighting up with something strange behind them.

“Then you’ll watch your mate die.”

“I’ll fight for her. Don’t let her go into that pit.”

Logan’s face twists slightly, and I see a smile curl on his face as he shrugs noncommittally, “Maybe I’ll let you. Maybe not. You’ll join us for dinner tonight, and if you’re on your best behavior, I might just let you fight in her stead.”

“But sir -” Ryder starts but is cut off by Logan slapping his hand on his shoulder.

“You’ll make sure he’s presentable for dinner tonight.” Logan turns and leaves, leaving Ryder to deal with me.

The bars are cold against my skin, but the fire of anger and determination burns within me. I’ll play along for now, but I won’t rest until Sophia is safe in my arms.

As the door closes behind Logan, I glare at Ryder. “You won’t get away with this. Sophia will never forgive you.”

Ryder smirks, leaning closer to the bars. “Forgiveness isn’t what I seek, Maxson. Power is.”

I clench my fists, feeling the burning desire to break free and tear him apart, but I know I need to be smart. I need to wait for the right moment. For Sophia.