He is the Bad Wolf

AND SO THEY STARTED

There are plenty of reasons why discussing Sia's plans with the countess was such a bad idea. But the main one was, Sia would end up getting hurt by the Countess's insidious agenda. Indescribable pain began to seize Caden's chest as they made their way to the damned woman's chambers. It was bad enough having the Countess force him to work his ass off to make Sia fall in love with him. It was a cruel move. Caden realized once and for all that he was just one more pawn to the true Alpha of the pack. What options did Caden have? Run away with Sia and abandon Silver? Drug them both and take them away to a place where the Countess couldn't find them? He doubted that plan would even freaking work, the safest thing was to see it result in a resounding failure. Eventually they would be hunted and killed, worse yet ... they would be thrown into The Pit and Sia would not survive it. He hadn't been completely honest with her about what was going on in there. If she only knew ... A tremor ran through his entire body just imagining her there, fighting for her life and what little was left of her dignity and modesty.

“Are you feeling alright?” She asked him as they rounded the corner. “You’re looking kinda pale. Why don’t you go get some rest and I’ll talk to her?”

"No!" Caden yelled, the force in his voice startling them both and echoing in the barren hallway - save for some paintings that adorned the walls - Sia regarded him with concern, more than she already had in her as she tried to put her hand on his forehead. Caden wouldn't allow it and swatted at her hand - gently - and with composure said, "No."

"What's wrong with you?"

“Nothing.” He lied. He hated lying. More than anything in this world, keeping this information from her ... for her, was a small price to pay to keep her safe. For now. He would have to follow the wishes of the Countess until he could find a more viable solution, something better for her. “Don’t worry about it, let’s just go in with her.”

She nodded and stepped right into the bedroom once they were before its door. When they went inside, they were received by a completely different setting. The Countess had moved her bed somewhere, there was a huge round crystal table with three chairs. Foods of all kinds, from savory to sweet delights overflowed the surface. Not to mention the wine and several other beverages. Soon after she emerged from her walk-in closet wearing a cocktail dress. What the hell?

“You’re here!” She gave them both a huge grin full of happiness and glee, but Caden knew better. She wasn’t happy to see them, no. The Countess was ecstatic for the wrong reasons. “Please, sit down.” She waited for them to approach the table and sat down right after Sia did. He didn’t bother in helping her with the chair. The murderous glit in her eyes let him know he would be paying dearly later for his lack of interest in her. "I hope the food is to your liking, Sia. Please eat freely.”

"I don't mean to be rude but what does all this mean? You always order so much food?" Sia ran her huge eyes throughout the table. "Wolves have a huge appetite, I see." she said in amazement. The comment shouldn't have mattered to him; however, it had a small impact on his mood. He smiled at her feeling warm and mushy on the inside as she saw her help herself to roasted chicken and peas. Such a simple choice. Such a simple girl. Such a big bad time to be alive again. He killed his own good mood effectively.

"Not at all." The Countess said as she took a sip from her glass of wine, her eyes devouring Sia without her noticing. "I thought we could have a little celebration."

“Celebration?” Sia was experiencing utter confusion. “For what?”

"Honey, Caden told me about your dream. Your mind and Gideon's are connected and that's fabulous. When I found out I was filled with great joy." She sighed dramatically pressing her hand to her chest – her chilled heart - and continued to chatter as Sia put the peas in place. "Do you know how you will use that to your advantage?"

“Hmm, yes and no.” Sia said shrugging nonchalantly. “I may have a plan, but Caden doesn’t approve.”

“He doesn’t?” her eyes went hard, a warning to Caden. Apparently, he wouldn't sleep in his bed tonight.

“I guess he’s right, though. It wouldn’t work anyway.”

“Tell me all about it.” The Countess insisted with a cool smile upon her face.

Sia seemed to feel more encouraged as she shared her ideas and part of the plan. He could not deny the idea was quite good, however he was convinced it would not be completely effective. She had exposed herself to Gideon already during the dream, it would be difficult for him to believe anything that might come from her lips. Gideon might be suspicious at first, decide it was all a trap, and kill her right there. Again.

“And?” Caden snapped out of his private thoughts. When he crossed eyes with the Countess, she seemed bored. “It was a dream. He can’t possibly know you’re actually alive just because he dreamed of you.”

“But what if he can? What if he already knows? He saw her,” Caden snapped. “Gideon might be a brute but he’s not an idiot.”

“That’s what you think?” The Countess raised her brows, a mocking look crept over her elegant features. “A man in love will succumb to his desires instead of listening to his brains.” She stood up, walking leisurely around the table until she stopped right behind Sia. Carefully and so, so gently she wrapped her slender fingers around Sia’s throat. He held his breath. He knew she was teasing him; he knew she wouldn’t kill Sia because she’s necessary for whatever monstrosity she has planned but still… she toyed with Caden. “A man in love will feel before he thinks. Trust me, I know.”

Sia breathed heavily, “Do you think it would work? Is it even worth keep planning around the idea?”

The Countess laughed so cruelly it gave him the chills. What is she going to do now? “As a matter of fact, I think we should start right now.”