Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
But now, faced with losing her, the answer becomes a clear and resounding yes.
So, maybe that’s the answer.
That’s what I need to tell her.
I have to apologize for having my head up my ass and explain that I want her as-is. I’ll take Rayne the Runt with her supposedly defective genes and her omega status.
Hanging onto that thought is the only way to make it through the game. I move robotically, call the plays, watch the game, but in my mind, I’m already with Rayne.
I’m celebrating everything she is–a small but infinitely powerful presence. Far stronger than I am. Far clearer. Far more balanced. Rayne sees things other people don’t see. She’s kindness and acceptance to everyone, even after the way she’s been treated.
I allow the team to excel in the second half of the game, downright slaughtering the other team by the fourth quarter. The guys grin as they score touchdown after touchdown.
With two minutes left on the clock, I challenge them to get one more.
The crowd is rowdy–chanting and cheering.
I turn to scan the bleachers. I don’t know why I’m looking for Rayne. She made it clear she was leaving. Said her mom would pick her up.
I spot her human friend, Lincoln, and his twin sister up in the back.
I see my buddies Austin, Cole, and Bo have come up from Tempe. Sloane and Bailey are with them, along with Slade.
The sight of Bailey makes my chest ache all over again for Rayne. She should at least be with her friend right now while she’s upset, not home alo–
Suddenly, I take in two figures sitting in the middle of the crowd.
My dad and Leslie.
Which means…
Rayne didn’t get a ride home.
I tip my head back, barely stopping myself from letting out a full-on wolf howl in front of the humans from the other team.
Rayne–my gorgeous, darling female–is somewhere out there alone.
Rayne
I wake to the smell of mold and cleaning solution and soap. It takes a huge effort to unstick my eyelids and get my eyes open. I’m in some kind of cheap motel room, with my wrists tied together above my head and high heels on my feet.
High heels?
I lift my head to squint at my feet. It takes huge effort–my muscles barely work. My head weighs as much as my mom’s Subaru.
There’s a large bed pillow under my calves and–yes–I’m wearing a pair of stilettos.
Not just any pair.
The Manolo Blahniks.
The ones I sent to Footlover352.
As things click together in my mind, a surge of adrenaline runs through me, giving me the strength to try to tug at my arms. I can’t break free, though. I’m too weak. The knots are too strong.
I listen for any sound but don’t detect anyone else in the room. There’s no breathing or movement. I look at the clock beside me. It says twelve o’clock. Is that twelve noon or midnight? I can’t tell with the blackout shades drawn.
How long was I out?
That’s when I realize I’m naked.
I was so focused on the shoes, I hadn’t picked up on the fact that Footlover stripped me naked before tying me up.
Oh Fates, did he…
No. I don’t think so. At least, I don’t feel tender or used.
I resume my effort at tugging free of the bonds, but I’m still too limp. All I succeed in doing is chafing my wrists with the rope.
The door clicks open, and an unshaven guy in a windbreaker walks in carrying a bag from In-N-Out Burger.
He’s younger than I’d pictured. Like, in his mid-twenties, with dark hair that sticks up in several directions.
“Hi, Rayne.” His familiar voice seems so much more sinister now. The guy is as dorky as I pictured, but now I know he’s not just shy, he’s unhinged. Dangerous.
I’m nauseated by him and my situation, but the smell of the food makes my stomach rumble. It must be twelve noon based on how hungry I suddenly am. Fate, I hope it’s only been a half-day since he grabbed me and not more. I know we’re not in Wolf Ridge because there’s no In-N-Out there.
I summon all my inner strength and glare at him. “Untie me now.” I use my best domme voice.
I wouldn’t exactly say it works, but it does seem to fluster him. He drops the bag of food on the floor, then scrambles to pick it up.
“Now.”
“Um…no. I can’t do that.”
“You can’t keep me here.” I keep my tone brusque and confident, despite the trembling in my legs.
His gaze travels to my feet, and I see the bulge in his crotch area grow.
Fates. I need to get out of here.
Think, Rayne, think.
You need to think your way out of this.
“You’re even more beautiful than I imagined.” He advances slowly.
“You can’t have me.”
Some of his awkwardness drops away. He meets my eyes for the first time. “I do have you.” There’s not a threat in the words. He’s not gloating. He just states the irrefutable fact.