Claimed By Her Step Brothers; Theirs To Own

Episode4

CHAPTER FOUR

~~FREYA ASHWOOD~~

I don't remember the walk home. I only remember the sanctuary of my bed, the sheets pulled over my head as if they could hide me from the destiny clawing at my throat.

Then, the world was ripped away.

Beatrice’s hands landed on my shoulders, brutally jerking me awake. "Get up! You’re leaving. Now!"

"Mother, please—"

"I am not your mother!" she hissed, throwing a backpack at my head. "You made a scene. You embarrassed this pack in front of the Elite. The Alpha wants you gone tonight. You’re being transferred to the Crescent Pack before dawn."

Tears rimmed my eyes. I couldn't go back. Not now that I knew who was waiting there. If I went back, I wouldn't just be just an abandoned daughter; I’d be a mate to a man who probably hated me as much as his father did.

“Please… Something happened” I croaked

She paused momentarily. “What. Have you found your mate?” She snorted in disdain

My lips pressed together into a thin line. I couldn’t tell her what it was. She’d think I’m going mad.

“Get in," she spat, shoving me toward a black SUV idling in the dark. As she reached for the door, I didn't think. I just ran.

I bolted into the tree line, my lungs screaming. I ignored the branches whipping my face. I wanted a choice. For once in eighteen years, I wanted to say No.

I reached a clearing, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I thought I was free.

“Running is a bad habit, Freya. One we’ll have to break you off.”

The voice was like dark velvet; deep, smooth, and dangerous.

I froze. Standing ten feet away, silhouetted by the moon, was. My mate. My step-brother.

"I won't go," I spat, my back hitting the rough bark of an oak tree. "I won't go back to that hell."

He closed the distance in three predatory strides. He didn't stop until he was inches away, caging me against the tree with his arms. His scent

overwhelmed my senses. My wolf purred, the traitorous thing.

“The Crescent Pack isn’t your decision anymore,” he murmured, his face inches from mine. His green eyes were no longer unreadable; they were possessive. “You’re coming with us. This is the last time you ever try to run from me.”

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a growl. “From us.”

I opened my mouth to protest, to scream that I wasn’t a piece of luggage, but he didn't give me the chance. In one swift, humiliating motion, he hauled me over his shoulder.

The air left my lungs in a sharp puff, my vision filled with the fabric of his suit and the rhythmic movement of his thighs.

I wanted to fight but I knew.. I wasn't strong enough to fight him.. With a stifled sob, I went limp, letting him carry me back to the waiting shadows.