"Okay," Tony said, "we have a plan. While you go there to retrieve whatever you can find, I’ll prepare what we need to break the bond. Is there a place we can meet that has strong community ties but isn’t too crowded?” “There’s an old barn on the south end of town. They have most of the ceremonies there, but it’s not used during the day,” I said. “Good, we’ll meet there once you find what you need,” he said. “How do we do it?” I asked. “Break the bond, I mean.” “Greta gave me some tips, things we can try while you’re closer to him.” He moved closer to me, and I held my breath. I could see him better out of the shadows of the trees. Even in the darkness, seeing him naked sent a wave of lust through me. I still wanted him.

As I finally arrived at the wretched trailer I had grown up in, a sense of foreboding washed over me. The exterior was adorned with layers of rust, and what little paint remained was chipped and peeling. The trailer seemed even more decrepit than I remembered. How was it possible that everything had deteriorated further in the mere week I had been away? With the thought that my approach mattered little, I decided to use the front door, hoping it would be less noisy and my mother might mistake me for a visitor. My plan was to reach my old bedroom down the hall before she even reached the living room. I turned the door handle cautiously and pushed open the aluminum door. It creaked, but not as loudly as the back door had when I last used it. Upon stepping inside, I was met with an unexpected sight. I was not alone. "I told you never to come back," my mother's voice hisse

  My wrists throbbed, raw and chafed from the unforgiving restraints. Every twist and turn only served to deepen the pain, and I grunted in frustration as I attempted to free myself. Suppressing the urge to cry out, I exhaled slowly. Time was a meaningless concept within this dimly lit room. I had drifted in and out of consciousness numerous times, the effects of whatever they had injected into me refusing to release their grip. It felt as if my own body conspired to keep me asleep, shielding me from the agony. This bout of wakefulness was different, however. My mind was clearer, and I surveyed my surroundings with greater awareness. Squinting in the dimness, I sought any clue that might help me identify my location or devise an escape plan. Apart from the bed to which I was bound, a dresser and a window were the sole features in the room. A glimmer of hope flutte

  "Why would he do that?" I inquired, a sense of dread welling up within me. "Because, for him, the bond is already complete. For him, you are his true mate, and he will stop at nothing to have you," Viki explained somberly. I swallowed hard, the reality sinking in. "So, I don't have a choice?" "I'm afraid not," Viki replied, her voice heavy with sympathy. This was my moment, my one chance to escape this nightmarish situation. "Alright, then. Let me freshen up, so I can be ready." I sensed Viki's relief. "I'll let them know." My mind was a whirlwind of emotions. I knew I had to plan my escape carefully, for this was my only opportunity. Questions and doubts flooded my thoughts. What if I couldn't break free? What if Ra

  Ray's voice dripped with anticipation as he spoke, his confident demeanor unwavering. "I had a feeling you'd attempt something of this sort," he remarked. "Taking her clothes, as expected, didn't deter her. Although I must confess, I half-expected you to go all the way and sprint down the corridor in the nude." I tightened my grip on the towel, desperately trying to preserve some semblance of modesty. "You're well aware that I want none of this. Why do you persist? Just release me." "We've had this discussion, Elisa, and your time is running out," Ray replied firmly. "Tonight, I will make you mine. I'd much prefer it if you agreed willingly. There's a chance you might even find some enjoyment in it." He extended his hand toward me, but I turned away, refusing to meet his gaze. I pushed myself up from the floor, clutching the