Page 76 of Wolf

I shake my head frantically, tears streaming down my face. “No, no, I promise. Matias never?—”

The man backhands me across the face, the force of the blow snapping my head to the side. I taste blood, my vision swimming.

“Don’t say a fucking word unless it’s what I want to hear,” he snarls.

My body trembles uncontrollably. I’ve never felt so helpless, so utterly alone. Is this how it ends for me? Tortured and broken, with no one coming to my rescue?

As if sensing my thoughts, Suraez leans in close, his breath hot and rancid against my ear. “He’s not coming for you, you know. Matias. He doesn’t care about you. You’re just a plaything to him.”

I want to argue, to scream that he’s wrong, but the words stick in my throat. Deep down, I know there’s a chance he’s right. Matias is a predator who thrives on domination and control. Why would he risk his life to save me?

I may have fallen for him, but I don’t know if he feels the same for me.

A cruel smile plays on his lips. “But don’t worry. I’ll take good care of you. You won’t even remember his name when I'm done.”

He raises the blade again, and I brace myself for the pain. A searing agony rips through my body as the blade tears into my flesh again and again. I scream until my throat is raw, the sound echoing off the damp, cold walls of my prison. My vision blurs, the edges darkening as unconsciousness threatens to pull me under.

Through the haze of pain, I hear Suarez swearing viciously. “Fuck! Stay awake, you useless puta!” He slaps my face, trying to force me back to alertness. But it’s too late.

The blessed darkness is already sweeping over me, dragging me into its merciful embrace. I welcome it, eager to escape this nightmare, even for a little while.

As my eyes flutter closed, a sense of relief washes over me. The pain is fading, replaced by a numb, floating sensation. I know I should be afraid, terrified of what will happen when I wake up.

But right now, all I can feel is a twisted gratitude. Gratitude that, for a few precious moments, I don’t have to feel the blade slicing into my skin. I don’t have to look into those cruel, merciless eyes and wonder how much more I can endure.

I can simply drift away, letting the void take me. It’s a small mercy, but I’ll take what I can get in this hell.

40

MATIAS

Two days. Two fucking days since those bastards took Kali. I slam my fist against the wall, relishing the pain that shoots through my knuckles.

“Matias, you need to calm down,” Thiago says, his voice steady. “We’ll find her.”

I whirl on him, snarling. “Calm down? They have her, Thiago. Who knows what they’re doing to her?”

My brother’s face remains impassive. “Losing control won’t help us find her faster.”

I ignore him, grabbing my jacket. “I’m going out. There’s gotta be someone who knows something.”

Thiago sighs but doesn’t try to stop me. Smart move.

I get into my car and hit the streets, my rage fueling every step. I interrogate anyone with even the slightest connection to Suarez. Some I threaten, others I beat. I don’t care. I’ll destroy this entire damn city if that’s what it takes to get Kali back.

Hours pass in a blur of violence and frustration. No one knows anything useful; if they do, they’re too scared to talk.

My phone buzzes. It’s Miguel.

“Tell me you have something,” I growl.

“I found him,” Miguel says. “Suarez. I’ve got an address.”

My heart pounds as he reels off the location.

My body thrums with adrenaline. I return to the apartment, covered in blood—some mine, most not. Thiago eyes me warily as he sits on the couch, his arm wrapped protectively around Luna. For a moment, I feel a pang of envy. At least he knows his woman is safe.

“Any news?” Thiago asks, not mentioning the state of me.

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