Page 38 of Bind Me

Heart thundering, I frantically scan the room, grasping the bedsheet tightly as if, somehow, it’ll give me the answer. Three of the walls are arched windows, looking out into an aquarium with faint lights illuminating the water, casting a serene glow. Fish of every color—magenta, sun yellow, sky blue—swim gracefully, weaving between rocks, stones, and plants.

Am I in an aquarium and the fish are watching me? Is this a dream?

Panic crawls up my spine as I try to remember how I got here. I’d crashed in my bed from exhaustion, trying to forget the police encounter and me being mistaken for my mom in a murder investigation. I took a sleeping pill to ensure I slept, but clearly, that worked too well.

So, where am I?

A subtle smell of roses fills my nostrils, mixed with a powerful masculine scent that brings my insides to life. I know it instantly.

Kaden.

“Is this his room?” This can’t be the dilapidated mansion by the fjord. Can it?

Chowder is by the window, tapping the glass, making those chirping sounds, probably wishing he could reach the fish. Did he sleep through the transport, or is he a traitor now, taking Kaden’s side?

Pushing the blankets back, I’m still wearing my PJ shorts and tank top.

My feet touch the glass floor that has more fish swimming underneath, making it feel like I’m floating in the water. For a few moments, I forget about the whole being kidnapped from my home and brought here. Instead, I’m taking in the most glorious room I’ve ever seen.

The bed is covered in plush, silken sheets in deep ocean blues. Crystals glint from the chandelier, casting tiny rainbows across the room. The wall without the windows is adorned with intricate themed artwork of waves crashing, the pattern carrying over the closed door.

The situation washes over me. “Great,” I mutter under my breath. “He’s finally gone all serial stalker, hasn’t he? Just what I need.”

Chowder chirps again, and I walk over to him, the glass cool under my bare feet. “Gorgeous view,” I say, running a hand over his soft fur.

He turns his head up to me. “Who doesn’t like this place?”

“Right. It’s gorgeous, but we don’t belong here.” I make my way out of the room into a hallway that leaves me gasping. This place is built for a god.

Intricate carvings continue on the walls out here, the rolling waves that seem to move under the frosted, aqua-colored arched ceiling. More chandeliers hang from above, casting a soft, enchanting glow. As much as I need to speak with Kaden, I can’t help but be awestruck by the beauty of this place. It must have cost a fortune to craft something so elaborate.

Passing by closed doors, I peer into one and find an extravagant bathroom made of amethyst crystal for the bathtub, with black marble on the floor and walls and more windows to the aquarium. I stand here, my mouth dropped open, imagining how amazing it would be to have a bathroom like this. It’s easily bigger than my entire cabin.

At the end of the hall, I follow the curve to the right and enter a large living area. It’s circular, with bookcases made of dark wood lining the walls behind leather lounges facing each other. The shelves are filled with books, and there’s a fireplace nearby. Overhead, the arched ceiling is made of glass, with fish swimming above and small star lights resembling a night sky underwater.

I’m stunned, unable to believe this place exists. The carpet cushions my feet as I step out farther while Chowder bolts past me and darts onto one of the couches.

“What place is so magical?” He’s lounging against a cushion like he’s some baron.

I giggle, turning toward a half-circle bar, complete with stools and more glass windows, looking into the aquarium. It’s darker inside here, with most of the light trickling in from the water outside the bar.

The whole place is surreal, a scene from a fantasy novel.

Sensing movement from my right, I turn toward a figure standing in a shadowy doorway, filling the space.

“Morning, my little mermaid.” Kaden steps out of the dark, sporting a devious grin. “Welcome to our home.”

“I don’t know where to start,” I admit truthfully. “This place is absolutely breathtaking, yet you kidnapped Chowder and me, bringing us here against our will.”

He strolls into the room, not seeming bothered one bit by my words.

“Is it kidnapping if you are my fated mate and in danger? This is now as much your home as it is mine. Here, I know you’re safe. Out there, I can’t protect you all the time.”

I blink, taken aback by his honesty.

“You can’t keep me prisoner here.”

He turns to face me, sitting on the end of a couch, legs crossed at the ankles, hands gripping the armrest he’s leaning on.

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