Page 24 of Save Me Enemy

Killian steps between us, but I throw him out of the way and he crashes loudly into the wall. All around us shouts of surprise ring out, followed by the thundering roar of feet as men and women run to see what the commotion is.

I grab Rachel’s shoulders and shake her. “When did you last see her?” I demand, seeing the strongest woman I’ve ever known shrivel in fear. I squeeze her arms tighter, but it’s not me she’s afraid of. Her eyes brim with tears and they spill down her face as I shake her again.

She’s afraid for her sister, a fear that’s sinking into my mind and making me lose control.

“Let. Her. Go.”

A voice as cold as steel comes from behind her, and I can barely tear my eyes away from Rachel to see who it is. A thick arm snakes around Rachel’s middle, over her shoulders, and I stare into the eyes of my Alpha over her head. Rachel stiffens, looking over her shoulder slowly and shuddering so hard I can feel her vibrate through my hands.

Cole looks at me as if he doesn’t know me, like he’s about to rip me limb from limb, and I release Rachel’s shoulders with trembling hands. Cole growls menacingly, crushing Rachel against his chest, his eyes never leaving me as he turns his back to me and releases her hesitantly. Rachel looks at him, eyes wide and bottom lip trembling, and then glances at me.

“I’m sorry!” she cries, tears pouring down her face. “I’ll go look for her now. I swear I never thought…”

“I’ll help!” Chase calls out as he bounds around the corner at a full speed. He’s got his motorcycle keys in his hand, and he looks between Cole’s death stare and me as I take a step back.

“My mate, Cole, she's missing…” I try to excuse my behavior, try to make him understand, but his eyes are flashing with anger and his muscles are tight and bulging with the force he’s using to block me in the hallway.

“If you ever touch her…” he starts, blinks, and clears his throat. “If you ever touch any woman like that ever again, you’ll have me to answer to.”

Cole has rarely dueled, but it is considered the worst punishment after you’ve been deemed guilty by the pack. If his opponent loses, they’re banished immediately. I remember the last duel, Gabriel oversaw it and Cole fought. The wolf was killed. Justice served. I swallow hard and take a knee, exposing my neck to Cole in an act of submission.

“Go, find her,” Cole orders, and he steps aside to let me pass.

I stand wordlessly and storm through the house. Rachel follows on my heels, and Chase is already running out of the room.

“I can drive!” Rachel shouts as we pour out of the house, and I jump in the bed of her pickup before it revs to life.

“I’ll lead,” Chase calls out. “I know her scent. I can smell it…on you…” He grins and shoves his helmet over his head, hiding his face.

What exactly is that supposed to mean? I stand in the truck bed and slap the roof of the truck as Chase pulls out. Dust and debris spray from his tires and pepper the truck and me, but none of that matters. All that matters is the asphalt is disappearing under the truck, that the distance between me and my mate is shrinking.

I will find her.

And if I don’t, Cassius help whoever is near me…

I won’t be able to contain my rage.

Chapter9

Cricket

The interior of the truck is so cold I’m shivering before I’m buckled in. The man who picked me up seems kind enough, his brown eyes sparkle as he jokes with me and we drive away from town. I don’t hear a word he says, my mind—and my heart—are still back in that trailer.

I have to run, I have to go. I square my shoulders, trying to be brave, but my foot is tapping and I’m twisting a strand of hair around my finger as my eyes watch Zenith and the forests disappear behind us so fast. It’s too fast.

“So, whatcha runnin’ from?” he asks, voice pleasant, but somehow suddenly sharp.

I look up, focusing on the situation at hand. Besides the freezing cold blowing from his vents, the truck is dark and empty except for a bed in the back. There’s no sign of habitation here besides the man himself, and I shiver for a whole new reason. I’ve been in plenty of big rigs, long haulers—most people make it their home away from home. Most people’s trucks have a scent, a lived-in feeling, but all I can smell in this one is leather and metal. The trailer behind us shakes and wobbles on the road, he’s going far too fast on these winding mountain roads.

“I’m not running,” I lie. “Just time to move on…”

“Boy trouble?” He winks at me and my skin crawls.

How could I have been so careless? I’ve known men like this my whole life. Calm and decent exterior, dark and cruel heart underneath. I read his name on his lapel again. Corey, where do I know that name? It occurs to me then it’s a laborer’s shirt, he smells like a wood mill, and he’s hauling a refrigerated trailer. Realization has me stilling.

This truck was stolen.

I wrap my hands around my arms, squeezing my chest tightly. I know what to do in situations like this, placate, make him happy.Please him, do as you’re told, Zeta!My mother’s words echo in my mind on a loop.

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