BOUND BY FLAMES

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Laura

I stumbled backward, my heart racing.

Aloha Dylan was my mate, Alpha Dylan?… How was this possible?

I had been trying to run away from a life of hell and in doing so, I had somehow encountered the devil himself.

Just my f*****g luck!

I should have known.

My chest instantly tightened as his name echoed in my mind. Dylan Jefferson. The Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack.

Everyone and their grandfather knew his name and his reputation. Ruthless, commanding, a leader who took what he wanted without question or hesitation. I’d heard so much about him, none of which were particularly great. He had killed his ex-wife in cold blood because she'd not given him an heir.

There was no way in hell I was his mate.

The mate bond should’ve felt like a blessing, a gift from the Moon Goddess, my escape but standing here with the devil himself, it felt like a death sentence.

“I asked you a question,” his voice cut through my thoughts, low and impatient.

I blinked, trying to pull myself together. “I…” My throat felt dry. “I don’t know how I got here. I was just…trying to cross the road, and then your car—”

“You shouldn’t have been in the middle of the road,” he cut me off coldly, his arms crossing over his broad chest as his gaze turned me to Stone.

My mouth opened, but no words came out. His arrogance was infuriating. “I wouldn’t have been on the road if you weren’t driving like a maniac,” I snapped before I could stop myself.

His eyes narrowed, a flicker of something dangerous passing through them. “Watch your tone, Omega.”

The way he said “Omega” felt like a slap in the face. Like I was beneath him. My wolf growled softly in my mind, but I silenced her. This wasn’t the time to pick a fight I couldn't win.

“I didn’t ask to be here, I don't want to be,” I said quietly, lowering my gaze. “I just want my things and I’ll leave. I won’t cause any trouble, please.” my voice trembled.

His brow furrowed slightly, and he studied me for a moment. “Your things?”

“My satchel,” I said, my voice trembling slightly despite my attempt to stay calm. “It has everything I own in it, please. Just give it to me and I'll be on my way.”

He didn’t respond immediately, and I wondered if he even cared.

“I’ll have someone look for it,” he finally said, though his tone made it clear he didn’t consider it a priority. “In the meantime, you’ll stay here with me.”

“What?” I took a step back as panic set in.“No, I can’t stay here. I have somewhere I need to be.” I lied. I couldn't possibly stay here. Not with a ruthless Alpha like him.

“Do you, now? ” he asked, one eyebrow arching. “Because from where I’m standing, you look like you are on the run.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. He wasn’t wrong, but the way he said it made me feel small. Trapped.

“I'm not on the run neither am I your prisoner,” I said firmly, though my voice wavered slightly. How did he know I was on the run? Was it that obvious?

“You’re my mate,” he countered, stepping closer. His towering presence was overwhelming. I instinctively backed away until my back hit the wall. “That makes this your home now.”

I shook my head, my heart pounding. “I don’t even know you,” I whispered. “And you don’t know me and I'm an omega. You can't possibly want me.”

His eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought he might argue. Instead, he took a step back, giving me space. “You’ll have time to adjust,” he said, his tone softening just a fraction. “But for now, you need to rest. You’re injured and being an Omega doesn't stop you from being my mate.

“I’ll rest once I’m gone,” I said stubbornly, pushing past him.

I half expected him to pull me back and kill me but none of that happened. Instead, I came face-to-face with another man just as I was about to take a turn in the hallway.

He was tall, leaner than Dylan, with sharp features and piercing gray eyes that felt just as intimidating.

“Leaving us so soon?” the stranger questioned, his voice dripping with mock amusement.

“She’s not going anywhere,” Dylan said from behind me, his voice deep and assertive, leaving no room for any discussion whatsoever.

The man’s gaze shifted between us, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Ah. So this is her, huh?”

Her? What did he mean by that?

“She is more beautiful than she looked when we thought she was dead,” he said, amusement dancing in his eyes.

A shiver ran down my spine. Why would he say something like that?

“What's your name?” He asked like an afterthought.

“Laura,” I blurted out before I could come up with a lie.

Shit.

His lips twitched into something that might have been a smile. “Pleasure to meet you, Laura. Though I wasn’t expecting the Alpha to find his mate in such an unconventional manner.”

“Neither was I,” I muttered, earning a chuckle from him. He seemed to be less intense.

“Ethan, you’ll need to prepare the guest room for her.” Dylan suddenly said, ignoring the exchange.

“Guest room?” Ethan’s brow lifted in question. “She is not staying in your quarters?”

“No,” Dylan said sharply, his gaze flicking to me for a second before looking back at Ethan.

I blinked at him. I was his mate and he didn't want me in his quarters? That was odd but I suppose I should be grateful. There was no pressure to do anything with him even though my wolf desperately wanted to. I was both hurt and relieved. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. Maybe, I could hide out here and offer my skills as a healer here.

“Wait,” I said, my voice louder than I intended. “You can’t just decide things for me. I’m not part of your pack and I don't want to be.”

“What you want is inconsequential now that you are my mate,” Dylan cut in, his voice low but commanding. “You are part of this pack whether you like it or not and you will obey me.”

I clenched my fists, my frustration bubbling over. “I didn’t ask for this!”

He stared at me, a little shocked at my statement.

The air between us was thick with tension, and for a moment, I thought he might walk away. Instead, he took a deep breath, his expression softening ever so slightly.

“Get some rest, Laura,” he said quietly, exhaustion playing across the edges of his face. “We’ll talk more in the morning.”

Before I could argue, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone with Ethan.

The Beta watched me carefully, his expression unreadable. “You might want to listen to him,” he said finally. “He’s not used to being challenged.”

“I don’t care what he’s used to,” I snapped, my anger flaring. “I’m not staying here.”

Ethan tilted his head, his gaze thoughtful. “You’re brave,” he said, almost as if he were impressed. “But bravery can only take you so far, especially with someone like Dylan.”

I didn’t respond, my jaw tightening.

I had been with my stepmother almost all my life, and I had been able to leave her.

Ethan sighed, gesturing down the hallway. “Come on. I’ll show you to your room.”

I hesitated but eventually followed him. What choice did I have? For now, I will play along. But the moment I got the chance, I was leaving.

As Ethan led me down the hall, I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting Dylan to reappear. He didn’t, but his presence lingered, heavy and pressing.

*****

I woke up to the sound of yelling. It sounded distinctly like Alpha Dylan's voice.

“Please, just give us a couple of days, we'll pay you back.” A man begged.

I walked towards the window to find two men and a woman kneeling on the floor and pleading with him.

“Unfortunately for you, your time is up.” He said and stretched out his hand to his beta. Ethan handed him a handgun. He pointed it at the man and before he could plead, he shot him.

I jumped in fear, covering my mouth in shock.