Chapter 1
Chapter 1
ALONE AND EMPTY
“It’s time to wake up, Alora.” I could hear the smile in his voice as he pulled the blindfold away from my eyes.
I groaned and screwed my eyes shut from the bright light blinding me. I blinked a few times until I was adjusted to the light. I pulled against the restraints, holding me down against the metal pathetic excuse of a bed, attempting to move away from him.
Just once I’d like to face someone other than him, I’m always blindfolded, unless he’s here. I never see anyone, but him.
“Oh my darling, I have missed you.” He grinned, brushing his thumb against my cheek.
“What have you done?” I choked, jerking away from him.
My wolf was gone; I couldn’t sense her. All I felt was empty, I didn’t feel whole at all. Usually, I can sense her, it isn’t strong, but she’s there. Now there is nothing, she’s gone. Without her, I’m completely alone.
“Your wolf has gone into a deep sleep for a while,” he smiled sweetly at me. “If the mark takes and we believe it will this time, and you behave, you can have her back.”
“You bastard,” I whispered.
I huffed and turned my head away from him. I closed my eyes and craned my head back enough to give him access to my neck. I need Allie, I can’t escape without her.
I have to play his game, only until I get her back. I felt his breath against my neck and braced myself for the impending searing pain.
I bit my tongue to silence my whimpers as he plunged his canines into the crease of my neck. He’s done this so many times, that I quickly came to realise he gets off on hurting me. I’m not going to give him the satisfaction of knowing he’s hurting me.
The pain is like nothing I’d ever imagined; nothing like what I was told growing up. My body was on fire, like a thousand needles were piercing my skin. As soon as he retracts his canines, the pain vanishes and I can breathe again.
A low, deep satisfied growl vibrated against my neck before he stood up and raked his hands through his hair. I let out my breath and felt myself relax.
“Your wolf is dormant, you’re defenceless,” he mused, “this is it. I can feel it.”
Fatigue was setting in, like it always does. I struggled to keep my eyes open. I laughed bitterly and glanced at him from the corner of my eye. I need to bide my time with him. If I change my mind and attitude quickly towards him, he’ll see straight through me.
“It wasn’t only my wolf stopping the bond,” I chuckled, “I’m a vampire too, you f*****g idiot.”
He glared at me, a low rumble coming from his chest, “you will be mine, Alora.”
He leaned forward with a slight smirk on his face, his canines poking out from his top lip.
“Don’t count on it.” I shot as he hovered over me.
“No matter how many times it takes.” He whispered eerily before sinking his canines into my neck again.
I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as a small whimper slipped out. He moaned, pushing himself flush against my body, and bit harder until black dots danced around my vision and I passed out from the pain.
I woke up startled, pulling on the restraints. I hissed as they bit into my skin.
“Careful, Alora.”
I sighed and stopped struggling when I heard the voice. I knew what it was, my face and neck were being cleaned. It always happens after he’s attempted to seal the bond.
I know it’s not my mate, this guy is different. His voice is always calm, quiet and shaky. His touch is gentle, but I can feel him shake. Whoever he is, whatever he is, he doesn’t want to be doing this. I can’t tell what he is, there are definitely witches involved, he doesn’t have a scent.
I don’t know how long it has been since I was taken. I tried keeping track, but with no window, I couldn’t work out whether it was day or night. There is an old clock on the wall opposite the bed. I could track with that, but it stopped working after I reached fifteen days.
“My family,” I choked, “are they alive?”
I’ve tried asking both of them. This guy seems like he wants to tell me, but he hesitates and decides against it every time, whereas the f*****g wolf smirks at me and shrugs.
I know my brother is alive, I can feel him through our twin bond. My mum and dad though... I can't sense them. Even when Allie, my wolf, was present, even in her weakened state, I couldn't sense my mum's wolf. I hate not knowing, I hate not knowing whether they are out there; if they are safe or not.
He flinched, pausing the washcloth on my neck, and sucked in a sharp breath. I gasped as I felt his breath against my neck.
“I’ll find out for you.” He whispered.
“Thank you.” I sighed. “What’s your name?”
He sighed and continued rubbing the cloth against my neck, but didn’t move away from my ear. I heard him take a deep breath, almost like he was inhaling my scent. It confused me.
“What the f**k are you doing?”
My body went rigid as his voice sent shock waves through me. The guy stayed next to me, but removed the cloth from my neck.
“Exactly what you asked me to do, Luca.”
My head shot in the direction of his voice. He’s usually so quiet and nervous, but not like this. This time, his voice held some authority, I felt it.
So, the wolf’s name is Luca.
“Brody, if you don’t have any good news for me, get the f**k out.” He growled.
“You can’t do it again, Luca.” Brody sighed, “without her wolf, her body will need longer to heal.”
“She’s mine, Brody, not yours.” Luca growled. “You’ll do well to remember that.”
The bed creaked as Brody stood up with a snarl that echoed the room. I flinched as the door slammed and the blindfold was pulled from my eyes.
Luca smiled down at me with a sinister look in his eyes. I grunted and rolled my eyes as he moved closer to me.
“Get it over with.” I grumbled, baring my neck to him.
The sooner he does, the sooner he leaves. He chuckled and shook his head while he sat beside me, and grabbed my clenched fist and pried my fingers open.
“I knew you would come around,” he linked his fingers through mine and stroked his other thumb across my bottom lip, “be patient, my love, we’re only going to talk.”
“I’m never going to be your mate.” I groused.
“Without an official rejection, I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, Alora.” He chuckled.
I rolled my eyes and huffed. “Well, we’re half way there.” I smirked, “I know your name now, Luca.”
Chapter 2
A VAMPIRE, SOME FOOD AND A DRINK
I think it’s been ages since Luca has been here. I know I should be relieved, it means he hasn’t sought to seal the bond, but I haven’t any food or water since he’s not been here. Not that I was given a lot, only enough, so I wouldn’t starve, but not enough to actually put me back in full strength. I haven’t been allowed to feed either. I don’t know how long I can go without it. I’m not a full-blooded vampire, so I don’t need much, but right now, my thirst is at an all time high.
I’m uncomfortable, my whole body is numb and tingly; it’s actually beginning to hurt. I am wallowing in my own self pity. My own comfort is Corbon, I can still feel him. I hope he can still feel me, then he’ll know I’m still alive. I don’t even know where I am, if I’m close enough for him to track me.
“Luca!” I called out.
If I can get him to come to me and play nice with him, he might take the restraints off and let me wander around this room. I just need to move around, stretch my legs a little; that will definitely make me feel a bit better.
I waited and waited for any signs of the door opening, but couldn’t hear anything. The door didn’t open at all. I huffed, then took a deep breath. Of course he wasn’t going to come running, I knew it was a long shot.
“Did you miss me, baby?” Luca chuckled.
I gasped, pulling on the restraints to the point it hurt, “Goddess, don’t scare me like that.”
A low, throaty laugh filled the room as the bed dipped and the metal clanged against the floor as he sat beside me. His fingers caressed my cheek before he pushed the blindfold away from my eyes.
“I’ve missed you. Sorry I haven’t been here.” He smiled at me.
I blinked quickly, trying to adjust to the light. Once my eyes had become accustomed to the light, I glanced around the room and sighed. I really want to walk around, actually I need it; my legs are practically begging for it.
“So, what can I do for you, beautiful?” Luca smirked.
“Is there any chance I can walk around for a bit?” I asked, “only around this room.”
He drew in a sharp breath before shaking his head.
“Please, Luca.” I begged.
“No, Alora. I don’t trust you.” He sighed.
I snickered, rolling my eyes. What is he expecting me to do? I mean, I’m not exactly a threat right now. I couldn’t do anything that would make me a risk.
“I’m not stupid enough to try anything, Luca.” I groaned. “I don’t know who or what is here, I don’t like my odds.” I added.
He sighed, then stood up. He stalked over to the open door and closed it. He turned to face me and leaned back against the door. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
“Do not make me regret this.” He warned through gritted teeth as he slid his rm behind his back.
“I’ll behave, you have my word.” I grumbled as the sound of the door locking echoed throughout the house.
He made quick work of unbuckling the straps over my thighs and ankles after he came back over to me. I lifted my legs as soon as I was free and sighed in relief.
“You’re safe.” I jested when he jumped back with a panicked expression on his face.
I rolled my eyes subtly as he started freeing my arms. He was huffing and grunting as he continued. As soon as my upper half was released, I sat upright and groaned, lifting my arms above my head.
“Goddess, it feels amazing to move.” I grinned.
I placed my hands either side of me on the bed and slowly stood up.
“Woah, easy there.” Lucas blurted as I stumbled into him when my legs gave out.
“This is what happens when you’re strapped to a bed without being able to move.” I snapped, shoving him away. “I’ve got it!”
I didn’t want his help, I mean, I’m grateful he caught me, but I don’t want him to touch me, and I don’t want him to touch me. I held onto the wall and made my way around the room.
“Can I ask you something?” I asked, glancing back at him.
“Sure,” he replied, keeping his eyes fixated on the door.
I glanced around the room again before settling back on Luca. He was watching me now, keeping his beady eyes on me.
“Where are you from?” I questioned, “I know you’re a wolf, but what pack are you from?”
He leaned against the wall and sighed. “I was waiting for this question,” he chuckled.
I stopped and stared at him as he seemed to ponder his answer. He raised his brow at me and smiled.
“Are you hungry?” He asked.
“Nice swerve there.” I rolled my eyes, “I am hungry.”
I’m not only hungry for food, I need to feed, I need blood.
“I need to feed.” I murmured.
“Feed?” He questioned.
“I’m a vampire, I need to feed." I groaned.
He nodded as he strode towards me. I resisted the urge to step back as he brushed his fingers against my cheek. I recoiled on the inside and had to stop the bile rising in my throat.