Page 50 of Knot Quite Ready

Pulling me inside the bedroom that was supposed to be mine, he closes the door behind him, “We will get you cleaned up and put in a nicer outfit,” Miro still holds my hand as he drags me through to the bathroom and then shuts the door behind him—Locking us both in here. Did he think this was a community bath?

The shock wears off, and I yank my hand out of his, “Despite the really good drugs you must be able to afford that are completely scrambling what is left of your brain, I’m not going to have a shower with you in here.”

A sharp crack followed by a stinging pain draws a growl from my lips, and I bring my hand up to rub my cheek. My eyes flash, and I feel myself start to lose it. Kidnap me. Choke me. Throw me in a small room with a shitty bed, and have several long-winded soliloquies, but I’m drawing the line at being a punching bag.

“You will never disrespect me…I warned you that my patience was running low. You are mine. I am going to be your mate and alpha, so you better get used to it.” He brings his face into my neck and slowly licks up the side of it. “You will love it eventually, and after all, I’m a better-looking version of Casimir, and I’ve heard bitches love a sugar daddy.” He presses his lips to mine in a possessive kiss.

Nope. I feel my claws burst from my hand as Agatha surges forward with a howl. Using every shred of strength, I rake my hand down his face, leaving four long red lines dripping with crimson liquid. He jumps back with a strangled yelp. I look at the still dangling silver cuff and, pushing a partial shift, I slip it off. I feel a surge of power race through my body and reach for my bond. Still there.

Before Miro recovers from the shock, I move forward, and holding his gaze, I press my claws into his neck, drawing fresh blood with every word that flows from my mouth. “Let’s get several things straight. I am going to fucking kill you. Then, I am going to kill my useless fucking grandfather. But first I’m going to shower and get dressed. Then, if you’re a good little bitch, I’ll give you a head-start before I fucking rip your head off. Or Casimir catches up to you. Either way, your lifespan just became very, very short.” I rear back and slam his head into the wall behind him with every ounce of strength and watch him crumble with a satisfied sigh.

Did I sayIwould die before going back to my grandfathers? Change of plans.

* * *

Keepingan eye on his crumpled form, I take a hot shower, scrapping the ick off of my skin. I feel my bond tug, and I send waves of reassurance. I know Casimir would be coming, preferably with an arsenal in tow, but first, I needed to get to my grandfather. There is no future with him in it. Miro was one chess piece in this long game my grandfather was apparently playing. I step out of the tub and grab a fluffy towel and hum as I dry myself off. Miro stirs behind me, and I skip forward happily and slam his head back into the ground. Insurance.

I’m not sure if I can get out of the pack lands without some form of protection. An unconscious alpha seems like a pretty good one—a dead one…not so much.

I jump slightly at the sound of a knock on the door. Taking a breath, I scent an Omega, so I open the door slightly. A girl, looking to be a little younger than me, stands just outside the door with her hands raised as if afraid that I would strike her. I shake my head sadly, “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m one of the good guys,” I toss in with a smile.

Eyes cast on the floor, she murmurs, “I’m sorry to disturb you, Fa—I mean, Alpha wanted to make sure that you were dressed for the occasion, and he said for me to tell you that if you decline to wear the dress he chose, it will be not only disrespectful for him but also to the pack.” Her tone wavers ever so slightly with a hint of anger.

Injured, but not broken. I can help with that.

Something shealmostsaid snags at me, “Wait, is the Alpha your father?” She flinches again, and I know I’m on the money. “Holy fucking shit, he is! What’s your name?”

She presses a trembling hand over my mouth. “Aoife. Please. Don’t say I said anything.”

I laugh and push open the door, showing her Miro’s unconscious body. “Even if I did, he can’t hear much right now.”

Her eyes fly open, and wonder laces her tone, “How?”

I wave my hand, “Ah, you know, hell hath no fury like a pregnant she-wolf and all that jazz.”

“Anyways, I have a plan. Get dressed, go to my grandfather’s house. Kill him. Then I’m going back to my mate…” I pause with a turn of my head. “Wait. Your Casimir’s sister? I’m his mate!”

“Change of plans then,” I say as I move forward, spotting a white gown on the bed. I whistle, Miro is fucking psycho, but he certainly had good taste in dresses. I toss the towel and start to tug on the dress as I look back over my shoulder. “You’re going to come with me. We are going to blow this fucking popsicle stand. Then Storm and I are going to toughen you up and show you how to kick some ass.” I pause and frown. Wait. How the fuck am I going to get out with Casimir’s sister and his father? I try to channel my inner Storm. What should I do?

Well, first. You’re going to wait right fucking there until we arrive. We are about ten minutes out, Council in tow. Then, we are going to fuck shit up. I have a plan. A majestic one. Don’t fuck up my entrance.

I blink. That was way more than a metaphorical channeling. It was almost as if…

Yes, bitch. It is me—the bracelet. I’ve upped my microchipping game. Lynsday had it made for us.

Well, then… this works.

ChapterTwenty-Six

* * *

Casimir

Moments before we cross the boundary of my old pack lands, I feel my bond come back to life, and waves of reassurance flood through. I expel a sigh, and my eyes flick to Storm, who is dressed in all black with war pain on her face, “I feel her now.”

She claps softly, “Fuck yes. I should be able to talk to her then. Great success!”

I resist the urge to bolt across the pack lands, get Aneira into my arms, and chain her to me so she never leaves my side again. The idea has promise. As it is, I’m having a hard time trying to tamp down my emotions so that I wouldn’t alert anyone to our presence. It would be ineffective for the witches to shield us if I gave us all away by going on a rampage. My father was unpredictable at the best of times. But with Aneira pregnant, I need to play it safe.

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