Page 58 of Midnight Mate
“I’m going to look for her.” I stalked toward the front door.
Rudy hurried behind me. “Where? I can check the clinic.”
I turned back and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Stay here in case she shows up. Call the police. Report her missing.”
“I should help you look,” he began.
I tightened my hand on his shoulder. “You know what I am?”
He nodded like he wasn’t sure if he was supposed to admit it. “Cat doesn’t think I know, but it’s hard to live in this town and not figure some shit out.”
“Then trust me. My wolf will find her,” I said. “I swear it.”
I was out the door before he could argue.
It felt like forever before I’d cleared the town enough to ditch my truck and shift again. On four paws, I tore at the earth and tipped my head back to let loose with a long, low howl.
Then, I inhaled a deep gulp of night air, calling on my senses to lead me to my mate.
17
Cat
Tucked back miles from the main road, the crumbling cabin had clearly been forgotten by its owners—and by everyone else. With a grip on my arm that I knew would leave bruises, Travis dragged me inside and abruptly let go, sending me sprawling on a threadbare rug.
I winced, sucking in a sharp breath through my teeth as pain registered along my hip and arm. Goosebumps rose along my legs, and I shivered from the cold, my teeth chattering with it. Or maybe that was the fear.
The entire drive here, Travis had been quiet but never without that crazy-ass smile. Like he’d already won and he knew it. Considering how far out we were, he probably had. Even if East got back from his pack meeting in time, the chances of him tracking us all the way here were slim to none. Tracking required a scent—and I was pretty sure the truck muted that almost entirely.
I tried to accept my fate with dignity, but the truth was I was terrified. So, when Travis threw me on the hard floor, I didn’t bother trying to get up right away. Instead, I forced my brain to work past the fear and used the pain and cold to regain my wits. Surviving this was on me.
“Darling.” In the darkness, Travis’s form loomed over me. He grabbed me, pulling me to my feet so that my chest bumped his.
I made a sound that was more disgust than pain.
“You’re so clumsy,” he said, a seductive smile twisting his mouth.
“You pushed me,” I snarled back.
His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he stroked my hair while holding me flush against him. My skin crawled at the contact.
The darkness inside the cabin was impossible to adjust to. We were too far out of town for street lamps or any kind of city glow. There wasn’t even a moon tonight. Or not enough of one to cast any light. Just a musty-smelling box and Travis’s body against mine.
I needed a way out. But how would I find one when I couldn’t see past his deranged silhouette?
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured then bent to kiss me.
I turned away, struggling. One of my frantic kicks landed hard against his shin. He winced, and I shoved away as hard as I could. His arm loosened, and I sidestepped then went tumbling as I fell over something.
The furniture I’d just knocked over crashed to the hardwood.
I threw out my hands to break my fall, but they got tangled in the wooden rungs of whatever had taken me out. My face hit the floor and exploded in pain.
Travis’s hands were on me before I could roll away.
He hauled me up off my feet then marched to the wall, shoving me against it. Pinning me, he leaned in close enough to let his stale breath wash over me.
“You’re not playing nice, kitty cat.” His tone was a mixture of lust and rage.
