Page 11 of Forced Wolf Bride

Zack and I head off to the meeting, but my mind is still fixed on the woman waiting for me at home.

Chapter 6 - Diego

Sitting on the window seat overlooking Diego's estate, I can't believe it's been nearly two weeks since I was taken. We've fallen into something of a bizarre yet comfortable routine. I'm under no illusion that I’m a prisoner here, but it's beginning to feel like a gilded cage. One I'm not even sure I want to escape as the days merge into each other.

When Diego came home late that first night, I'd fallen asleep on the comfortable sofa, unsure what to do. I braced myself as he approached, pretending to still be asleep. He must have known I was awake, but he said nothing. Simply lifted me into his arms and carried me to his bedroom.

My heart was racing by the time he laid me down, my core wet and my body primed to be touched. I knew it was the mating bond, but I'd never felt anything like it before. It was completely overwhelming.

But Diego didn't touch me. He just covered me with a blanket and left the room, not returning for hours. When he did, he remained on the other side of the bed.

The pattern has been the same every night since.

I should be grateful he's not forcing me to sleep with him. So why can't I shake the memory of being with him? Why doesn't the idea disgust me the way it should?

And why does my body respond every time he looks at me? I can't be that starved of affection that I want my kidnapper to have sex with me?

The hardest aspect of trying to maintain my distaste for Diego is that he's actually being so damn nice to me.

I was instantly suspicious on the first day when I saw a young red-haired woman leave a bag on the doorstep. She looked so nervous when she heard me banging on the door, begging for help. She didn't even look up, just kept her head down and ran off.

Diego gave me the bag when he got back, and I discovered it was full of clothes and toiletries. There was even a pair of hiking boots—not that Diego has ever let me go far from his cabin.

On the third day, I was surprised to find him out on the deck. The doors were wide open. Desperate for some fresh air, I crept out. I didn't approach him, and he kept his back to me. As I scanned the steps and the forest, I calculated how fast I could shift and run.

"Don't even think about it, girl," he says, his back still to me. "I could take you down faster than you can even shift. And once I get hold of you, I'm not sure I'd let you go."

I shivered at the possessiveness in his voice. A slight thrill ran through me at the thought of him chasing me down, catching me. What would he do to me? He must have sensed me wavering as he finally turned to look at me, a glint of satisfaction and something else flashing behind his eyes.

I scurried back inside but was later surprised to see him approach me, holding my boots.

"I take it you need some fresh air. Why don't I give you a tour? You can run if you want. It’ll make things more interesting."

I was too dumbfounded to answer right away, and he tossed the boots on the floor near me. "Come if you want. If not, I'll set the alarms."

"N-no, I'm coming," I said, scurrying to my feet, suddenly desperate for some fresh air. Plus, If I wanted to find a way to escape, I knew it would help to know exactly where I was and which direction I should run in if I ever had the opportunity.

That first day, our walk only lasted twenty minutes, and conversation was awkward and stilted. He kept up his stony-faced bravado, but I couldn't help but think that was all it was: bravado. He talked about the pack’s property, its history, and his plans for expansion as though he reallywantedme to know about his home. When I shivered, he handed me his jacket. It was an abrupt gesture rather than gentle, but as our hands grazed, the fizz of electricity between us was unmistakable.

I turned on my heel and rushed back into the cabin, unable to shake the unfamiliar and unwanted need rushing through my soul.

Diego didn't chase after me or try to talk to me again that night, but since then, our walks have become a daily ritual.

As usual, he's left me alone in the house. After days of searching, I know there's nothing that can help me here, so I've been snuggled up in the window with a book I found. My mind keeps wandering to Gina. She must be going out of her mind with worry. I'm sure she's got others in the pack looking for me, but I'm pretty much a stranger to them. I'm sure they'll be concerned, but it’s really only Gina who will be genuinely worried about me.

And that's quite sad, to have no pack, no real family. I try not to dwell on the things I lack, but given my current situation, it's hard not to consider how few people will miss me.

Before I get too wrapped up in my sad reverie, I hear the security system deactivating, signaling Diego's return. My breath catches in my throat as he walks in, his gaze turning predatory the moment he sees me.

He's pure sex appeal, and I can't tear my eyes away from him. He has silver flecks in his hair and is wearing a plaid shirt that barely contains his biceps. His muscles ripple beneath the fabric as he strides toward me, and I can feel my heart thundering in my chest. He must be able to hear it.

I draw back from him, but he doesn't seem to notice as he hands me a bag of supplies. "I had someone pick you up some more things," he says gruffly before putting away a bag of groceries.

But something has changed between us since the day I was snatched. Sincethatmorning. The air is thick with tension now, and I can sense something unspoken yet powerful passing between us. A connection that neither of us can ignore or deny any longer.

I think the situation has surprised us both, even if he won't admit it.

He keeps looking at me from the corner of his eye, and I can feel my face flush as I try to look away. He doesn't make any moves toward me, but I can sense his desire. It's primal and almost too much to handle.

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