Chapter 8

Bianca’s Point of View

It’s still dark when I wake.

For a second, nothing makes sense.

My body is warm. Too warm. My mind feels hazy, like I was pulled out of something deep and heavy.

I shift slightly, trying to figure out what woke me.

A low groan sounds behind me.

Strong arms tighten instinctively around my waist, pulling me closer.

Panic explodes through me.

My heart slams violently against my ribs and I suck in a sharp breath, already twisting, already preparing to fight—

Wait.

The voice comes from my wolf, calm and warm.

You’re safe.

I freeze.

The scent hits me then. Familiar. Overwhelming. Wrapped around me so tightly it feels like a shield.

Him.

Memory crashes back in all at once.

The bond.

The pull.

The kiss.

The room.

My mate.

My breath shudders out slowly as my panic dissolves, replaced by something soft and glowing in my chest.

“Oh,” I whisper.

The arms around me relax slightly, his breathing evening out again.

He’s still asleep.

Only now do I really feel it—the sparks dancing under my skin, the steady warmth flowing through me from where we’re touching.

My wolf hums contentedly.

Mate.

I smile despite myself.

Carefully, slowly, I shift just enough to look at him without waking him.

I study his face quietly.

The curve of his nose.

The sharp line of his jaw.

The faint crease between his brows even while he sleeps.

The bond tugs gently, like it wants me closer.

Stay, my wolf murmurs.

“I will,” I whisper back. “Just… a minute.”

Something clicks suddenly.

My mother.

I stiffen slightly.

“I need to tell her,” I murmur.

Now? my wolf asks.

“Yes,” I breathe. “She’s probably panicking.”

I inhale slowly, then shift carefully, easing his arm from around me.

He groans softly in protest, brows pulling together.

“Don’t go,” he mutters sleepily.

The sound of his voice sends a warm rush through me.

“I’ll be right back,” I whisper. “I promise.”

He doesn’t respond, already drifting again.

I slip out of bed quietly and pull on my clothes, moving as fast as I can without making noise.

My bag vibrates on the chair.

I rush to it and pull out my phone.

My chest tightens.

So many missed calls.

“Shit,” I whisper.

Before I can call back, the phone vibrates again.

Mom.

I glance at the bed.

He’s still asleep.

“I’ll be quick,” I murmur, then hesitate.

I look around for something to write on and spot a small notepad on the desk.

I scribble quickly.

I just went to my room to grab my things. I’ll be back. Room 214.

I hesitate, then underline the room number before placing the note gently on the nightstand beside him.

“I’ll be right back,” I whisper again, even though he can’t hear me.

I slip out of the room and close the door softly behind me.

The hallway is quiet.

Too quiet.

My wolf stiffens.

Move fast.

“I am,” I whisper.

I hurry down the stairs and across the courtyard to the other side of the motel.

My room.

I unlock the door and step inside, immediately locking it behind me.

My phone vibrates again.

I answer without hesitation.

“Mom.”

“Bianca!” she snaps instantly. “Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?”

“I’m sorry,” I blurt out. “I’m okay. I swear.”

“Okay?” she repeats sharply. “You disappeared! You didn’t answer any calls—”

“I know,” I interrupt softly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

There’s a pause, then her voice softens.

“Are you safe?”

“Yes,” I say firmly. “I am. I promise.”

My wolf purrs.

Very safe.

“I met him,” I say quietly.

Silence.

“…You met who?”

“My mate.”

Her breath catches audibly.

“Oh,” she whispers. “Bianca…”

“He’s an Alpha,” I add. “I can smell it. Strong. He might be able to help.”

She exhales shakily.

“That’s… that’s incredible.”

“I know,” I whisper. “I wasn’t expecting it. It just—happened.”

“Are you with him now?”

“I will be,” I say. “I just came to grab my things.”

“Bianca,” she says carefully, “you need to be cautious.”

“I know,” I reply. “But I trust him. I feel it. The bond—it’s strong.”

She hesitates, then sighs.

“I’m so relieved you’re not alone anymore.”

“I won’t forget about you or Emily,” I promise quickly. “I’ll find a way to get to you. I swear.”

“I know you will,” she says softly. “Just… be careful.”

“I will.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

We hang up and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“Okay,” I whisper. “Let’s go.”

I gather my things quickly, shoving them into my bag, moving faster now.

My wolf is suddenly restless again.

We should hurry.

“I know.”

I sling the bag over my shoulder and head out, locking the door behind me.

I stop by reception, slide the key card across the counter.

“I’m checking out,” I say.

The woman smiles. “Already?”

“Yes.”

She nods. “Have a good day.”

“You too.”

I turn and head back toward his side of the motel.

I’m about halfway there when my wolf freezes.

Stop.

I do.

The scent hits me a second later.

Familiar.

Wrong.

My blood turns cold.

“Oh no,” I whisper.

They found you.

My heart starts racing.

“No,” I breathe. “No, no, no.”

I turn slowly—

And see him.

My brother’s gamma.

Our eyes meet.

Recognition flashes across his face.

“There you are!” he yells.

My stomach drops.

I spin and run.

Run! my wolf screams.

I push myself harder, legs burning, lungs screaming.

His room is just ahead.

You won’t make it, my wolf warns desperately.

“I have to,” I pant.

Footsteps thunder behind me.

“Get her!” someone shouts.

I reach the corner—

And suddenly arms wrap around me from behind.

I scream and twist, clawing, fighting.

“Let go of me!” I snarl.

He spins me violently to face him.

“You should’ve stayed put,” he growls.

I strike out, landing a hit to his chest.

He barely flinches.

A sharp blow crashes into my jaw.

Pain explodes.

My head snaps to the side.

My vision blurs.

I hear my wolf roar....

Then everything goes dark.