Page 9 of Nightmare Island

Yeah, Mom. Message received. Secret’s safe, but a fat lot of good it’s doing me now.

My heart thunders in my chest. The man’s calls behind me don’t relent, but there’s something in his tone that turns my stomach. He’s enjoying this, taking his time, savoring the chase. It’s too familiar, too much like?—

No. Don’t think about him. Don’t think about Jarl.

A hand suddenly snags my hair, yanking me back. I cry out, my feet skidding on the muddy ground. Water streams down my face as he spins me around, pinning me against a tree with his body while still holding the flaming torch. All while I’m pushing my hands against his chest, but he’s moving. His flame is burning hot so close to me. And the bark’s digging into my back, but it’s nothing compared to the revulsion I feel at his touch.

“Now, where did you come from?” He laughs in my face, a sound that sets my teeth on edge. “Did you ride in on this storm that came out of the blue?”

If only he knew how close to the truth he was.

“Get your hands off me.” I spit the words, pushing against him.

His grip tightens on my hair, unmoved by my outburst. He’s grinning, and I hate the way he smiles. His eyes are strange, almost glassy, as if they’re not quite real. He stares at me likehe’s trying to read my soul. Fresh scratches mar his shoulders and arms, evidence of recent fights.

“You’ll come with me,” he commands like he owns me.

“Fuck you,” I snap back.

“Such a mouth on you.” He clicks his tongue, pressing closer. “We’ll have to do something about that.”

Fury climbs up my spine, hot and familiar. I feel myself slipping into that headspace, the one I visited so often with Jarl—where emotions shut down, replaced by dark fantasies of revenge. The weight of the blade at my hip, stolen and hidden before boarding the plane, is a lifeline.

I soften my expression, forcing a smile. “You’re right. I’m sorry. This is all just so… overwhelming.”

His gaze lights up. Predators always love when their prey stops fighting.

“You’re such a beautiful creature,” he purrs. “Men are going to fight to the death to get a chance to fuck you, you know that?”

I bat my eyes, channeling every submissive Omega stereotype I can think of. “And you’ll protect me?”

One of his hands is still tangled in my hair, but his hold loosens slightly as he preens at my apparent submission.

“Of course, little one. I’ll keep you safe.” His grin widens, showing too many teeth. “Now, why don’t you tell me how you got here?”

“Oh!” I let my gaze go wide, as if struck by a sudden thought. “I almost forgot. I have something that might help explain everything.”

His curiosity piqued, he leans in closer. Perfect.

In one fluid motion, I draw the blade from its hiding place. My brother’s words ring in my ears.Our ancestors, the Vikings, never backed down. They were never afraid.

I lift my hand to strike.

The Alpha’s face whitens, his gaze locking on to the blade. Fuck!

Rapidly, my arm arcs forward, the blade glinting in his flame. He jerks backward, dropping his flame while releasing me slightly, and my intended killing blow swings at him wide. Instead of his throat, the blade rips across his broad chest, opening a long, angry gash from collarbone to sternum.

For a heartbeat, there’s silence. Then a guttural growl rumbles from deep in his chest, his eyes glinting dangerously. Blood wells up from the cut, stark red against his tanned skin, mixing with the rain.

“You whore!” he snarls, his hand darting out faster than I can react. The back of his hand connects with my face with a hard crack. Pain explodes across my cheek and nose, bright spots dancing in my vision. The metallic taste of blood fills my mouth, and I feel a warm trickle running down my upper lip.

I stagger back, my free hand instinctively going to my face. When I pull it away, my fingers are smeared with red. My nose and cheek throb, a sharp, insistent pain that makes my eyes water, but I blink back the tears, refusing to show weakness.

My insides are trembling, but I don’t back down. I won’t give him the satisfaction.

Instead, I straighten, meeting his gaze defiantly. I can feel my nose swelling, but I ignore the pain. I’ve endured worse. I’ll endure this, too.

“Is that all you’ve got?” I spit, along with a mouthful of blood.

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