Astrid's voice, soft as a whisper, graces my ears. 'Ryker, I want to be by your side forever,' she murmurs, her eyes locked with mine. Our lips draw nearer for a kiss, but she begins to fade from my grasp as I close the gap.
'Astrid! Wait, come back! Astrid!' I cry out, bolting upright on the couch. The room greets me with its emptiness, and I struggle to shake off the lingering emotions from the dream. It felt so heartbreakingly real, and the pain of her absence bears down on me.
Gathering my thoughts and scanning the room again, I shift my feet from the couch to the floor. That's when I notice a small, inconspicuous card lying on the ground. I pick it up and read the words printed: 'Zenith Creations CEO.' A surge of realisation courses through me. We were near that building yesterday, but why would Astrid be at Zenith Creations? And how does she even know Alpha Zenith? That pack has always been a source of trouble and conflict.
With a sense of urgency, I immediately mind-link Kane and Leon. 'Get the car ready. I think I know where Astrid is,' I urge them, tucking the card into my pocket.
Stepping out of the room and into the front yard, I climb into the car, ready to take action. Kane can't contain his curiosity and questions. 'Where are we going, Alpha?' he asks.
'Zenith Creations,' I respond curtly.
Both Kane and Leon exchange puzzled glances of concern. 'What does Alpha Zenith have to do with Astrid?' Kane presses.
'We're about to find out. And perhaps Alpha Zenith also knows what happened to Seth,' I reply, my thoughts racing.
Astrid's P.O.V
I've been trapped in this wretched cell for four agonizing days now. James has been incessant, making his way down to the cell at least five times each day in an attempt to force-feed me.
'Astrid, you need to eat,' James demands once more, sliding a tray of unappetizing food through the narrow gap below the cell door. I keep my eyes downcast and remain resolutely silent, refusing to acknowledge him. I've steadfastly declined his offerings each time he visits and ignored his presence.
Frustration gets the best of him, and he punches the cell door in a fit of anger. I flinch in terror, my heart racing.
'Damn it, Astrid! Why can't you just be a good little mate and do as you're told?' He shouts.
The sound of keys jingling signals as he unlocks the cell door. It creaks heavily as he pushes it open. James forcefully picks me up and sits on the bench, holding me tightly on his lap. I struggle to break free, managing to scratch his cheek in the process.
He grips my arms firmly, wrapping his own around me to immobilize me. His nose nuzzles into my hair, and his breath caresses my neck. 'Astrid, I could make you so happy if you'd let me,' he murmurs. 'You'd never think of Alpha Ryker again after a night with me,' he whispers.
I wriggle and squirm in his suffocating grasp, a shudder of disgust coursing through me. 'Did you know that after your first shift, I plan on marking you right away?' He smirks.
I stiffen at his words, dread coursing through me. 'I can promise you now, I'll have you crying out my name by the end of that night,' he adds, nibbling at my ear in a grotesque display.
In utter disgust, I shake my head to free my ear, unable to bear his advances. 'You may not like the thought of it now, but you'll learn to love me,' he insists.
Unable to remain silent any longer, I retort with vehement determination, 'I will never love you, James! So, you better start getting that through your thick head now!'
He seems pleased by my response. 'Finally! You speak,' he says with a chuckle. 'Four more nights, and your wolf will be here. Perhaps I might even watch your first shift, hmm?' He muses.
'I'd rather you jump off a cliff!' I snap back.
'Now, now,' he murmurs, moving my hair away from my shoulder and planting unwelcome kisses.
I can't contain my fury and discomfort any longer. 'Stop!' I shout, squirming in his grasp.
With an exasperated sigh, James places me back on the bench. 'I'll be back tomorrow for more bonding time with you,' he says, smiling eerily.
In silent disapproval, I avert my gaze and cross my arms, watching James step out of the cell and lock the door behind him. 'Goodnight, Astrid,' he mutters as he walks away. Without a moment's hesitation, I race toward the cell bars and, with a swift, furious kick, send the tray of food flying, the contents spilling haphazardly in every direction. With an air of defiance, I return to the cold bench to lie down.
Hours pass, and the dimness of the cell remains. Then, Amelia quietly descends the stairs with cautious steps. A sigh of relief escapes her lips when she realizes that James hasn't yet marked me. 'Alpha Zenith is going back into the city tomorrow for business purposes. I've heard James and John will be going as well. I plan on searching for the cell keys, and I'm going to get you out of here,' she whispers, her voice filled with determination and hope.
My heart swells with joy, and I nod eagerly in response to her plan. Stretching my hand through the narrow gaps of the bars, I grasp her hand gently. 'Come with me!' I urge, offering her a lifeline to escape this nightmarish place.
Amelia hesitates, her expression a mixture of longing and uncertainty. 'I can't leave; John and Zenith will hunt me down,' she murmurs sadly, her gaze averted.
'Let them! Alpha Ryker and my pack will protect you,' I reassure her.
She gazes at me, torn. 'I don't know if I could leave all the other pack members behind. I'd never be able to return. I'd never be able to see them again,' she admits, her voice tinged with sorrow.
'Until you find the key, at least think about it,' I suggest, my words filled with understanding.
Amelia nods her head, offering me a small, hopeful smile. She leaves the cell, her footsteps fading as she ascends the stairs.