Page 47 of Met Your Mate

In the back of my mind, I wonder if he will always feel like a storm. I yearn for a time when I might experience if Luke feels like the adrenaline before a storm rages and the calmness of one after.

With thoughts like that comes worry I'll never experience anything ever again. Maybe all I'll ever know is my mates’ feral panic, and the broken strands of the other ones trying to tie themselves back together.

Whimpering, I curl in on myself while trying to control my panic. I just can't see us getting out of this with only a few bumps and scratches.

'I'm here, Freya. Deep breaths.'

Choking on a gasp, I worry I'm going crazy or maybe I hit my head harder than I realized.

Suddenly, it's like he's here. Like Elliott is here with me, warming my arms and soothing the ache in my temple.

Maybe I'm not crazy or concussed.

'Eli?!’ I project as hard as I freaking can, knowing he's my weakest bond and fearing I won't reach my broodiest alpha if I don't try my absolute hardest.

'I'm here now, Ray. Lucas has you, we're coming. Just focus on me, okay? Deep breaths, relax your muscles as best you can.'

A tear slips from my lashes as I sink into the strong presence Elliott brings to our connection. I feel like I can let go, like as long as he has me, everything will be okay.

'Alpha...' I breathe through the connection, feeling my muscles loosen and air reach my lungs.

Where Lucas felt like a tornado about to barrel through the world for me, Elliott is my shelter. These two pack mates are the perfect balance, and I couldn't be more thankful for Elliott taking hold of our bond and soothing me when it felt like everything was about to shatter.

Then the vehicle slows, and the bumps bruising my tail bone become fewer.

"Don't you dare stop," Ken threatens the driver. "Don't fucking stop!"

Peeking beneath my lashes, I see trees. Nope, not just trees. Tree trunks!

"Sir, I have to!"

I don't hear much else of the argument happening in the front seats until the two enforcers stiffen and reach for us.

"Don't fucking touch me!" Kate fights, but I'm caught between thinking this is a promising change of events or the end of the line.

I don't have much time to think about anything when the back doors are thrown open and Ken is latching onto my hair and dragging me out of the van, while one of the gun-happy enforcers does the same to Kate.

My muscles give way, sending me crashing into mud and exposed roots. I don't hear the shouts or demands being thrown around as blood pounds my ears into a beat of naivety.

Turns out, I kneeled just as he needed.

With rain pelleting my T-shirt clad body and my legs sinking into the mud beneath me, I'm at the perfect height for the barrel of his gun to press into the back of my skull.

Defenseless and weak, I'm at the mercy of a madman.

Chapter Forty

CASEY

Idon't know whether or not I'm grateful to be a beta right now or pissed about it. Everything about me, from my smaller build to my scent and quieter growl, is drowned out by Ronan, Lucas, and Elliott. Not to mention two of the three agents in this tank of a vehicle are alphas.

Elliott had a few moments of calm a minute ago before all hell broke loose. His eyes were closed and his face relaxed with a small smile. I wanted to ask so damn bad what he was doing, but refused to interrupt whatever it was. I'm sure he made contact with Freya.

I've been too afraid to tug on mine and Freya's minuscule tether for fear of overwhelming my omega. We all felt the moment she hit her head, but without our bond being complete, it hasn't left a lasting headache like I can tell it's doing to the others.

"They've stopped! Slow down, shit!"

Remy's dad ignores the panicked screeches of the agent beside him. If anything, I'm pretty sure Mr. Peters accelerates. I'm so focused on his white knuckled grip with the windshield wipers whipping across the windshield that I don't notice Elliott lunging for me.

---