Tish POV
The ropes that are binding me are beginning to chafe my skin. I don't know how long I have been tied to this chair, but I am beginning to get uncomfortable. My back aches, and my toes are going numb. I try to rub my hands together to loosen the restraints, but they are too tight. I grunt in frustration. The more I try to get loose, the more pain I am causing myself.
I try to ignore the fact that I smell like urine. I held it for as long as I could, but when it became clear that no one was coming to untie me, I couldn't hold it any longer. This has been the most humiliating experience of my life, and I am sure it isn't over yet.
I squint my eyes and try to look around the room. Jameson and Francesca have kept me in the dark since they brought me to the bad side of town. There is a broken bed in the corner of the room, but other than that, the room is bare.
I should have known better than to trust Jameson. I have seen what he is capable of. But I am so desperate to get Mae away from Kieran that I wasn't thinking. I thought I would be able to leave her behind and not look back, but I can't. I can't imagine my life without Mae in it.
The door to the room opens, and I am blinded by the light that floods the room. Closing my eyes, I try to block out the light. Squinting my eyes open one at a time, I see two figures standing in the doorway. As my eyes slowly adjust to the light, I know it is Jameson and Francesca.
Jameson wrinkles his nose as he steps into the room, and I am flushed with embarrassment.
"Why does it smell like pee in here?" Jameson grumbles under his breath.
"Because I have been tied to a chair for God knows how long," I snap at him.
A scowl crosses Francesca's lips. "This isn't how we treat our guests," she snaps at Jameson. "You were supposed to be checking on her."
Francesca approaches me, pausing right in front of me. "If I release you, do you promise to behave?"
"Yes," I whisper. I am desperate to be free of these bonds.
Francesca cuts the bindings from my wrists and my legs from the chair. I stretch my arms to my sides, trying to get more comfortable.
Francesca smiles at me sweetly, but I can't help but wonder what she wants from me.
"Jameson," she says quietly. "Go get her some clean clothes."
Jameson looks like he wants to argue, but he excuses himself from the room. Francesca waits until she is sure he is gone before she turns back to me.
"What do you want from me?" I ask her before she has a chance to speak again.
"It isn't about what I want," Francesca says slyly. "It is about what you want."
"I don't understand," I admit.
"We have a common interest," Francesca continues.
I wrinkle my eyebrows in confusion. "What could we possibly have in common?"
Francesca throws her head back and laughs sarcastically. "You hate Alpha Kieran, and we hate him as well. You want your friend back, and we want to see Alpha Kieran fall. If we work together, we can both get what we want."
"Do you want to kill Kieran?" I ask.
"Alpha Kieran has betrayed a lot of people over the past few years. There are many people that would like to see him dead," Francesca replies.
"What will that mean for Mae?" I can't keep the concern from my voice.
"It means that Mae will be free from his tyrannical rule. She will be able to live her life as she pleases. With you by her side," Francesca smiles.
"What about Jameson?" I counter. I know he wants Mae as well.
Francesca waves her hand dismissively. "What Jameson wants is of no consequence. He is just a pawn in this game. You and I are the major players."
I fidget awkwardly in my seat. I don't know how to respond to Francesca's proposition. She wants me to help her take down Kieran. I would love to have Mae back, but I don't want her to be heartbroken over the loss of her mate.
"What do you say?" Francesca interrupts my thoughts. "Are you going to help me?"
"What do I have to do?" I answer quietly.
Francesca claps her hands together happily. "I am so pleased to hear that you will help us."
"I didn't say that," I stop her. "I asked what I would have to do."
Francesca's mouth turns down, but she quickly hides her disappointment. "You will just have to wait here until you are rescued by the North Pack."
"What makes you so sure they will come looking for me?" I retort.
"Call it women's intuition," Francesca smiles.
"Kieran hates me," I laugh. "There is no way he will come to rescue me."
"But he loves his mate," Francesca assures me. "And he will do anything to keep her happy. To include coming to rescue you."
"What do I do after I am rescued?" I wonder aloud.
"You simply wait for instructions," Francesca tells me. "So, what will it be?"
Jameson walks back into the room with a handful of clothes. He looks between Francesca and me, trying to decipher what was said between the two of us.
"I will help you," I say confidently.
"Perfect," Francesca says as she takes the clothes from Jameson. "The bathroom is to your left. Get yourself cleaned up, and we will discuss more over dinner."
My stomach rumbles loudly at the thought of food. I get to my feet, and blood rushes to my head, making me feel dizzy. Grabbing onto the back of the chair, I steady myself before I fall over. Francesca and Jameson leave the room without another word and shut the door behind them.
I don't know if I am making the right decision, but if I can get Mae back, that is all that matters.