The New Mate

Chapter 4

Celia

The sound of her bare feet hitting the wet ground echoed in the woods. She stopped for a moment breathlessly and looked around. Celia was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt with a long-sleeved white shirt over it unbuttoned. Her feet were caked in mud and moss and her clothes clung to her as the rain came down in sheets. She had no idea how she had gotten so turned around. She had no idea where she was or how she’d gotten there; only that he was there. She could feel him. Celia looked around her frantically, her wet hair sticking to the sides of her face and neck and soon the realization hit her that she was dreaming. The sound of Madik’s laugh echoed from all around her and she took off in a sprint, looking for the edge of the woods.

“Looks like someone isn’t protected anymore.” Madik sang out and she stopped to catch her breath, knowing the power he held in this realm meant she couldn’t run or fight, she had to figure out how to wake up. “Bad girl. You ran away from me.” She turned around again only to be hit by an unseen hand. Her lip bled and her heart raced as the rain came down harder.

“Where are you?” She called out. She felt his hand around her throat as he came from behind.

“Oh, why in such a hurry, Celia?” He spoke against her ear and licked the length of her neck. “Not as good as real life, but it’ll have to do until I can bring you home.”

“I’m never going back to you.” She grunted out as she elbowed him in the ribs and took off running again. Madik’s sadistic laugh followed her as she wove in and out of trees. The woods seemed to go on forever and she stopped again to catch her breath as she slipped on the wet ground. But before she could continue, she felt his hand lifting her up by her neck and he slammed her back against a tree. His dark eyes bore into her with fire and his face was twisted into a sick smile.

“Someone gave you Belladonna.” He gave a dark chuckle and she dug at his hand to release his grip. “We have time to play.” Her vision darkened her feet dangled and he released her. Celia fell back to the ground coughing and gasping for breath, but before she could stand, she felt his leg kick her stomach and she was instantly on her back. Madik suddenly straddled her hips and she felt the roots of the trees lift out of the ground to hold her wrists tightly away from her body. He ripped open her shirt, exposing the tender flesh and laughed as he rubbed his hands up and down her torso. “What do you want to do first, baby?” He laughed wickedly.

“f**k you Madik!” She spat in his face and he backhanded her again.

“I almost forgot, you never did like it the easy way.” He held up a dagger, glowing red hot and he plunged it into the skin at her stomach. Celia screamed as the smell of burning flesh entered her lungs. As soon as the pain died down, Madik plunged the dagger again and again. Tears streamed from her eyes and she breathed heavily. “You know this is only going to get worse, the longer you’re away.” He chided, pushing the dagger slowly into her skin further. Celia held in the scream, but began shaking as her sobs took over. “I wonder what it would feel like a little lower.” Madik spoke slowly with a twisted smile. He pulled himself off her hips and pushed her legs open, sitting between them as he held her down with one hand.

“No.” Celia sobbed. “Please Madik don’t.” He pulled the hot blade in a trail down her stomach, making her scream as she begged him to stop. His smile twisted further and he lifted the blade, ready to plunge it deep between her legs. Celia closed her eyes tight as she fought against the heavy roots at her wrists and thrashed against Madik’s form; trying to get away before the pain.

“No! Please don’t! Madik stop!” Celia struggled as she sobbed.

“Wake up.” She heard a deep voice. “Open your eyes.” The voice demanded again. Celia snapped her eyes open to see Blaise above her holding her down with worry lining his face. She thrashed relentlessly, feeling the tears pour from her eyes. “Stop struggling. You’re awake now.” He said as he tightened his grip on her wrists. She stopped struggling as she tried to catch her breath. She had said his name and she knew Blaise had heard it. Her body shook and her stomach was sore in pain.

“Please let me go.” She said in a small voice, making her sound weaker than she had wanted. Blaise slowly released her and then quickly slipped off the bed. He stood at the foot of the bed staring at her with his brow furrowed. Celia slowly sat up and pulled the covers up closer to her neck. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him. Blaise ran a hand through his black hair and left her sight. He returned a moment later with a glass of water. He placed it firmly in her shaking hands, making her take the first drink and then lifted her chin to look at her swollen lip.

“Look at me.” He commanded and her eyes flew to his. “You’re running from Madik?” He stated more than questioned and Celia turned her eyes down. “Answer.” He spoke louder, making her jump slightly as she returned her gaze to his.

“Yes.” She whispered. Blaise gently rubbed her swollen lip with his thumb.

“Where else?” Celia pulled her head away as she sat the glass on the side table and began to get out of the bed away from him. Blaise caught her arm and held it tight. “Where?” He spoke more firmly.

“My stomach.” She said and tried to move again. Blaise pulled down the blanket and began lifting the gown. Celia stopped him with her hands and a glare.

“Stop.” He said sternly. “Let me.” He finished softer. She let him see the fresh burn marks on her abdomen and he clenched his jaw before standing up. “Stay.” He told her and left the room. Moments later he came back with a small wine bottle, a hand towel, washcloth and something clenched in his fist.

“Lay back.” Celia hesitantly obeyed. Blaise lifted her gown again, his gaze lingering over her nakedness before he dipped the liquid onto the towel. The towel was soon soaked in a deep red and he placed the cool wet on her stomach, letting it rest there for a moment. He placed a chain around Celia’s neck that held a small round metal medallion with strange symbols on it. “It will keep him out of your head.” He explained. He dipped the washcloth in the same red liquid and held it to her lip. “Madik has no allies in this pack. You’re safe here.” Celia gently pulled his hand away from her and shook her head.

“No. You put your pack in danger keeping me here.” He met her gaze and put the washcloth back on her lip. He peeked under the towel at her abdomen then lifted it off completely, before checking her lip again. Celia looked down at her stomach to see it was flawless once again. Blaise silently gathered the wet cloths and bottle then stood to leave. Celia stopped him with a hand on his arm and he sat back down beside her. “Celia.” She said quietly then met his gaze again. “My name is Celia.” Blaise gave her a small smile and pulled the blanket over her with his free hand and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

“Go back to sleep Celia. He can’t get to you now.” He said gently and stood. “I expect you to eat when you wake.” He said more sternly, before exiting the room. Celia was still afraid to close her eyes, but the Belladonna was still pulling her and she quickly fell into a dreamless sleep.