Chapter 67

Selene

As I slowly regain consciousness, a sharp, searing pain radiates through every inch of my body, forcing a groan from my lips. The sensation is overwhelming, a far cry from the pleasant soreness that comes after having sex with Phoenix.

Goddess, I knew Phoenix and I fucked a lot this week, using muscles I didn't even know I had, but this is extreme.

A chill creeps over me, pulling me fully awake. My eyes fly open, and find myself in almost complete darkness. This isn't Phoenix's bedroom. Usually, when I wake up in Phoenix's bed, it's always warm, even a bit too hot. I try to reach out to touch his side, but quickly realize that I can't move my fucking arm. Panic surges through me as I realize it's bound.

What the hell is going on?

I tug at my restraints, my breath quickening as memories from earlier flood my mind, piecing together the nightmare I'm trapped in:

I walk into Philip's office, feigning casualness as I greet him. "Hey, Philip," I say, trying to keep my nerves under control. "Have you seen Amanda? I was going to give this to her, but she's not at the front desk."

"Just put it on her desk," he murmurs, barely looking up from the paper in front of him. I nod, turning to leave, but his voice stops me.

"Wait." Philip sits up straight straight, his eyes narrowing as he studies my face. "Have you heard from your mother?" He tone is quieter, almost concerned, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.

Panic surges through me. Does he know that I know about him?

That Phoenix knows about him?

"I think a few days ago," I lie smoothly. "She told me her and Aunt Denise are laying on the beach and sipping mimosas. It sounds like she's having fun."

He sighs, a rare sadness glimmering in his usually cold eyes. "I'm ready for her to come back," he says softly, almost to himself.

For a fleeting moment, I wonder if he truly misses her—if he's truly capable of caring for someone other than himself. But I can't afford to be swayed by this moment of vulnerability. My mother's safety depends on her staying far away from this place.

"I'm sure she'll be back soon," I reassure him, though I know it's a lie.

He nods. "Are you heading home with Phoenix now?"

My heart quickens at the mention of him. "Yes, he's escorting me home."

"Good."

Wanting to escape his office as quickly as I can, I wish him a good weekend and rush out the office, my heart hammering against my ribs.

As I walk down the hallway and head towards Amanda's desk, I pass a woman with a headful of blonde hair. From the designer outfit she's wearing, I can tell she doesn't work here. She must be one of my colleague's wives of something.

I can feel her watching me, but I don't pay her any mind. I'm just ready to go home and spend a fun, relaxing weekend with Phoenix. I'm still a little sore from this morning's session, but I'm more than ready for more of him.

Lately, I've felt the happiest than I've ever been in my life. It feels like ever since we told each other our feelings, everything's been so much more intense. I'm enjoying every moment with him, in and out of the bedroom.

I thought it would be weird having him here with me at work each day, but I actually look forward to it. I love the way he watches me, his eyes full of love and adoration. I've purposely been wearing short skirts all week, just to tease him, and we barely get through the bedroom door before he's tearing at my clothes, ready to be inside of me.

I place the file on Amanda's desk, finding it weird that I haven't seen her yet. As I turn to head towards the elevator, I feel a sudden movement behind me. Before I can react, a sharp prick pierces my neck, followed by an excruciating burn that spreads through my body like a wildfire.

As I begin to lose consciousness, I realize that I've seen that woman before.

The woman from the bar that was groping Phoenix.

Kate.

End of flashback*

Now, as I lay in this cold, dark room, the reality of the situation crashes down on me. Kate. That bitch injected me with wolfsbane. My wolf is silent, unable to heal me or help me escape. I try to survey my surroundings, but the lack of light makes it nearly impossible. The walls are barely visible, but I can make out enough to know that I'm lying on a bed, though the term "bed" seems generous for this hard, uncomfortable surface.

My legs are bound as well, and no matter how much I pull on the restraints, they don't budge. Fear bubbles up inside of me, but I force it back down. I can't afford to lose control. Not now.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the air is thick with the stench of dampness and something metallic—blood, maybe. I can't be sure. The scent only heightens my nausea, and I have to fight the urge to vomit.

Where am I? And why has Kate done this? I struggle to piece together a motive, and all I can remember is how jealous she seemed at the club.

Is she going to kill me because she wants him all to herself?

"Phoenix, please help," I plead in my head, hoping I can mind-link him, but I don't hear anything, and I still can't feel the presence of my wolf. I'm not sure how long wolfsbane lasts in our systems, I don't even know how long I've been here, but I'm pretty sure she'll likely drug me again to make sure I can't protect myself.

I'm bound, weak, and alone.

Utterly alone.

As another wave of nausea hits me, darkness claims me again.