Page 73 of Come for Me
He wouldn’t, and he didn’t.
I walk into the lonely woods, the moon lighting the way. The castle appears farther and farther away, disappearing behind me as I move deeper into the forest. I stop to look at the balcony attached to what was once my bedroom, where Dax will soon have Olivia take my place as his queen. Someone who always chose him, made him feel enough and desired no matter what.
My wolf doesn’t growl or whimper at the thought of someone else loving him the way I should have. The way he wanted me to.
Tears pool in my eyes, and I lick my lips and taste the bittersweet drops.
I don’t get to cry. I caused this.And there’s nothing I can do to change it. I need to move on.
After taking one last look at the castle, the place I was destined to call home, I turn and continue my path. I don’t think I ever accepted it as home to begin with. I never gave any of it a chance.
Even when you’re a werewolf, the woods can be creepy. I’ve walked through the woods naked and welcomed the moonlight on my skin many times before, normally after a long run with my wolf. Someone would usually help if I got into trouble.
This time, no one is coming to help me. I’m an outcast, no better than a rogue. Even worse, I am a rejected mate of the king.
The soil feels cold on my bare feet. Every now and then, a branch snaps under me. I’m thankful for the summer nights making being naked bearable so I don’t freeze. Trees sway and softly hiss in the breeze. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hoots, while bugs chitter around me. Fog adds a nice horror-movie touch, along with the whoosh of flapping wings and birds sounding like alarms.
I’m cautious and do my best to not alert anyone. Not everyone knows I’m an outcast. Some may still believe I’m someone that holds leverage over the king. Not to mention, I’m naked and alone.
My heart races while my mind conjures up scenarios that do little to calm my nerves. It doesn’t help that I get this sense I’m being watched.
Chapter Twenty
Dax
Imindlink the pack to warn them to stay out of the woods. Close behind her, I watch her wet hair stick to her back, sending droplets down her perfectly round ass, getting lost in her crevice. Her hips sway as her toes press into the soil, tits bouncing as she carries them in her arms.
Alaina thinks she’s alone and that I’ve sent her away. And for now, I’ll let her believe that.
I meant what I said, but what she thinks I meant by it is far from the truth. She puts so much effort into trying to convince me she doesn’t want this life, this pack,me.
It hurts.
She wanted to stay when she realized the choice wasn’t hers but mine. When she tried to grab her things to leave, I stopped her. I want her bare, just as she’s stripped me of my walls. Making me no longer an immortal beast but a beast who bleeds and finds life within such a wild beauty.
She’s quickly becoming a headache, disrespecting and disobeying me like this, but pain can be pleasurable.
Feeling pain is quick proof you’re alive. Self-inflicted pain stops the numbness, offers a sense of control, and distracts you from the true pain of the world. The bleeding that follows becomes just as addicting. But my darling queen has provided much more than a reminder that I’m alive—she has shown me how it feels to live, and I only bleed for her now.
I wanted her to run from me. She would have if she knew of the plans I have for her. If only she’d left me, I would do anything to make her happy, but I couldnevertruly let her leave me. That’s the one thing I can never give her. All I could offer her is the illusion. I thought she wanted to run, for the chance to leave. Why else would she continue to push me? But I saw her tears as she gazed up at the castle; she wanted to stay just as much as I want her here.
She doesn’t realize I would never let her go, though. Part of me had to laugh when she cried. It’s humorous she even thinks I would, let alone I would just let anyone have her. From the moment I met her, she was doomed to spend the rest of eternity with me, never to be without me.If she only knew how fucking addicted I am.How her mark is forever the flame to my moth within. Despite her defiant nature, no one else will have her. No one fucking touches her. And I swear to kill anyone who tries.
In the shadows and darkness surrounding us, she bathes in the moonlight of her actions, regretting it all now, calling out that mutt’s name.
But regret is not enough this time, darling. I want us to share this pain.
Despite my powers showing me her intentions weren’t to hurt me by saying his name, it won’t save her.Not this time.
Even with my powers, I had a moment where I allowed her playful brattiness to get to me, and I doubted myself, my abilities, and my worth to her. I showed her that I was hurting but only momentarily. I wanted her to understand there are lines not to be crossed. While some may think this punishment is too harsh or makes us even, it doesn’t. Not even close. Everything I do is to keep her safe. Whereas what she did was to keep herself safefrom me.
Damn her walls and her efforts to push me away.
I’ve dealt with forces of nature and creatures her little pack still believes are nothing more than stories told by the campfire. She can fight with me for the rest of our lives, but she can’t fightagainstme anymore. A king and queen at odds displays weakness and invites destruction.It ends now.
My very vulnerable queen looks behind her after I purposely step on a branch. She doesn’t know it, but at times, she stares right at me, wondering what lurks in the dark woods.
Since meeting Alaina, my abilities have only strengthened. My hearing has reached new heights. Her pulse drums loudly in my ear, and it’s only increased since I’ve stalked her through these woods. My sense of smell is impeccable. I can practically taste her blood as cuts form on her bare feet. What’s become better is my strength, especially my speed. She makes me better. I can only imagine how much stronger we will be when she marks me and accepts me as hers.
