Chapter 0062

"Sure thing, Mr. Grumpy Pants." I shift awkwardly to exit the car, my limbs stiff from the restraints. The moment my feet hit the ground, I straighten—only to be met with complete darkness.

"Uh, hello? You want me to pee right here? I can't see, and I can barely move, genius."

A growl rumbles from him as he yanks me forward, his rancid breath seeping through the hood. I gag. "Shut your mouth, little girl, or I'll shut it for you."

A vicious snarl cuts through the air. Suddenly, he’s ripped away from me.

The Beta.

Even through the rogue’s stench, I recognize his scent. "My apologies for my companion’s poor manners," he says smoothly, pulling the hood off my head. The sudden light makes me blink rapidly until my vision adjusts.

"Right. Kidnapping? Fine. Bad manners? Now that’s worth a beating."

"Has anyone ever told you your mouth is too smart for your own good?"

"Once or twice," I reply with a saccharine smile. "So, where’s this luxurious facility I’ve been promised?"

He leans in, his breath warm against my ear. "I’m going to enjoy breaking you in."

"Not happening, Beta," I emphasize his title.

"We’ll see." He guides me past the unconscious rogue who had threatened me earlier. The Beta leads me deeper into the woods, gesturing to a secluded spot. "Over there."

He turns away, giving me privacy.

"How exactly am I supposed to pee with my hands cuffed behind my back and my ankles shackled?"

He glances back, smirking. "Very carefully."

"Jerk," I mutter, knowing full well he hears me. I find a sturdy tree to brace against, maneuvering into a precarious squat.

While I relieve myself, I scan the surroundings—nothing but endless trees.

Selene, can you hear anything? Any clues where we are?

She stirs weakly, the silver suppressing her strength. Barely. I can’t pick up anything distinct.

Damn. Neither can I.

"Hurry up," Victor barks.

I do my best to shake off before shuffling back toward him. The forest offers no landmarks—no power lines, no distant sounds of civilization. Just wilderness.

"How much longer?" I ask.

"Still a while. Get comfortable." He motions me back to the car. The rogue remains unconscious on the ground. Will they just leave him?

I don’t ask. Instead, I relish the small victory—my hood stays off.

"It’s getting dark," Victor muses. "If you behave, I’ll leave the hood off for now."

"I’ll be an angel," I promise, flashing an innocent smile.

He snorts and orders me back into the car. The cargo cover drops over me again.

Voices murmur outside. Someone asks what to do with the unconscious rogue.

"Leave him. If he can’t follow orders, he doesn’t belong in this pack."

Interesting.

I reach out to my father through the mindlink. Dad?

Silence.

Dad, if you can hear me… we stopped in the middle of nowhere. Just woods. No signs of civilization. My scent’s here now. I’m okay.

Still nothing.

I rest my head back, closing my eyes. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to conserve energy when I can.