Page 30 of Fate Awakened

Fuck. There goes plan A.

The enormous winter dog, which I’m now affectionately calling Snowball, settles back on the blanket. A wide yawn falls from his jaws before his eyes slide closed. The room falls into a peaceful quiet, his breath coming slowly and making a rhythmic sound.

Back into planning mode, I pull my hand up, peeking behind the curtains to see if maybe I could just go out the window when I realize not only does it not open, but it’s completely covered on the outside by planks of wood. Firewood, if I were to guess from the size.

Well, there goes that idea.

I try recalling the dateline episodes Liv watched all summer, sorting through the kidnappings where the victim got away, and trying, rather unsuccessfully, to remember how. Most attacked their abductor or could break out a window while they were left alone. Neither option seemed feasible for me.

Fuck Bri, think.

But the more I try to come up with an idea that doesn’t have me tiptoeing past the sleeping Hudson into the freezing winter air, the more my mind wanders to home. All the ways I could’ve avoided being here in the first place.

If I hadn’t just run away from my problems like I always seem to do. If, instead, I’d gone back in and confronted him. If I only possessed the courage to look him in the eye, to argue with him, to fight, to hear his side. None of this would be happening.

If I had followed my gut and gone to Keith's place instead of mine. Then Cain wouldn’t have been able to follow. I could’ve been there wallowing in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s on his couch.

Shit, I could’ve even texted Liv and told her what happened instead of leaving it until later; at least she would know I was taken.

Are they looking for me? Do they realize I'm missing yet?

As I let my mind spiral down “what-if” valley, I imagine what each of my friends would be doing today.

I wonder if Cain has gone to my apartment and if he even tried to fight for me once I left. If he hadn’t, Liv would assume I was with him. And, while I know she would’ve sent a text or two by now, I also know deep down she wanted me to let loose and have fun with Cain, so she wouldn’t intrude upon that.

If Cain didn’t fight for me, Keith wouldn’t notice I was missing until tomorrow when I didn’t show up for work. He works the late shift and will expect to see me when he comes in. I’m not the type who calls in sick, so he wouldn’t hesitate to call me and, subsequently, Liv.

If Cain did try to find me and sat waiting until Liv got home, she would side with me immediately and not allow him in. Once inside, she would know I wasn’t there and would reach out to Keith if she couldn’t get ahold of me. This may have them both on alert that I’m gone, but it still doesn’t scream foul play, especially if I got into a fight with Cain and ran off to lick my wounds.

Would it be enough for them to call the police? It hasn’t been twenty-four hours, but maybe…

It could be another whole day before they realize I’m even gone.

My breathing quickens as I think about how my life has come to this inconsequential moment. One choice could be the thing that changes everything forever. I didn’t even realize how important it was until just now.

They’re trading me to some evil guys. Mafia? Gangsters? Who knows, but one thing I’m certain of. If I end up with this Marlo guy, I won’t survive. All this because I took that stupid video. There has to be a way out of this.

Chapter 13

Cain

Iftherewasaworld record for the fastest shower, I might’ve broken it. Every second I stood in the bathroom reminded me of her. The way she smelled with my soap on her skin, her hair, wet and curly, like she’d spent the day on the beach. Even brushing my teeth reminded me of her minty breath in those final moments.

I rush out of my room, dressed and clean, in less than five minutes. Jake’s eyebrow raises at my hasty return, but he says nothing. I’m sure the look on my face matches my internal struggle as we both exit my apartment, headed for the conference rooms. We’ll be early, but I don’t care. I want whatever information our team has discovered.

As we head down the hallway to the meeting, the sound of arguing meets my ears as I strain to hear what’s being said. Jake makes a point to clear his throat loudly, notifying Dante of our approach. The bickering stops immediately, and the room falls into silence.

The tension feels thick as we enter. Pres is behind her laptop, and Dante sits in his seat at the head of the table, fingering his beard with a tense jaw. His eyes snap to mine as I enter, and I can tell he’s assessing my mental state, wondering if I’ll be able to handle myself and keep my wolf in check.

Cain: I’m in control.

I send through the mind-link nodding at him before taking my seat.

Dante: Good. Stay that way.

“Will the others be joining us for this one?” Jake asks, his voice assertive.

“Yes, we’re waiting on the full council for this,” Dante replies before turning his attention back to the presentation screen, which currently shows only the VP Securities wolf emblem.

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