Bound to Kill

Darius

As I stared down the proverbial barrel, all I had were regrets—a missed opportunity to learn everything about Lexi: where she grew up, her interests, what makes her toes curl, what she’d sound like moaning my name… Fighting the bond was by far the dumbest shit I ever did.

When I wake to Lexi’s beautiful face, I think I’m hallucinating until our bond flares, her joy surging into me like a dose of endorphins, making the pain bearable. I have another chance to be the mate she deserves. No more pushing her away.

Gazing into her eyes, I brush my thumb across her soft skin. “I can’t believe you came for me.”

I laugh when she throws my words about getting no peace back at me. Then Hunter’s voice sounds in my mind.

Thank the Fates! Where are you, D? Are you okay? Is Lexi okay?

In the dungeon. We’re fine.

Well, get your arse outta there. We’ll keep Lakeside busy. Head west. Lana’s parked on the south side of Ivy Cottage.

Thanks! See you back at the mansion.

Allowing my wolf out is both torturous and wonderous; making the shift while injured is never fun, but having the freedom to shift again is euphoric.

We travel toward Lana, one of our healers. My entire being aches, but I continue to run by Lexi’s side, pushing through the pain. During the trek through the park, we communicate mentally, sharing our experiences since we were last together. One thing is for sure; I’m gonna make that motherfucker Paul wish for death.

Alexa

Although I try using our connection to ease Darius’ pain, my efforts barely take the edge off. After a ten-minute run, we arrive at the pick-up point. A woman with silver hair and a kind smile opens the side door for us to jump in.

As she checks over his wounds, I shift to ask, “Why isn’t he healing?”

“There’s still magic in his system. It’ll take a few hours to flush it out. After a wee rest, he’ll be braw.”

“Braw?”

“Fine.” She pats my hand. “He’ll be just fine.” The doctor moves to the front seat and drives back to the packhouse.

Darius rests his head in my lap, mind-linking me to say, Thanks for saving me, little wolf.

With the warm fuzzies, I reply, That’s what mates do.

A short while later, Lana and I help Darius into bed. My stomach flips over the words he whispers before drifting off. “Stay, please.”

I will.

While he sleeps, I use his shower to scrub away the dungeon stink, then slip into one of his flannel shirts. His scent is everywhere. Every part of me wants to slide under the covers with him, hold him, feel him, but I fight the urge.

Worrying my lip, I pace back and forth in his bedroom; thoughts of Paul killing my dad and torturing my mate drive me to madness. When my burner pings, I’m relieved for the distraction.

Hacker: I found this on Kayleigh, but I’ll need another gander at the fella.

I open the first link. It’s a possible CCTV sighting of her in the South of France. The image is too unclear to tell for sure.

The other links are police files: logs, incident reports, suspect lists and statements. They have two suspects: John Higgins, her older cousin, and Paul Murray.

No. Way!

I scan a timeline log.

22:00 - An anonymous call reports a disturbance at 1716 Old Mill Crescent on April 4, 2020.

22:16 - Darius Clark calls from that address. Reports a possible home invasion and his fiancée, Kayleigh Higgins, missing.

22:18 - APB sent out.

22:21 - Patrol officers arrive on the scene. A canvas of the apartment and surrounding areas fails to detect blood or suspicious persons.

22:53 - Darius Clark brought in for questioning.

00:03 - CCTV footage shows Mr Clark hail a cab outside Scarlet’s at 22:07, corroborating his alibi.

I knew he was innocent, but this is proof for the SEB.

00:15 - CCTV footage shows Kayleigh Higgins exiting a cab at a cabin in Lomond Woods. She entered the residence of Paul Murray at 23:01 and left alone, on foot, at 23:16.

I click another link.

Missing Person Case LS5861

Kayleigh Higgins—27-year-old Caucasian female, 5"7, shoulder-length, auburn hair, no tattoos or distinguishable features—reported missing on April 4, 2020. Bank and telephone records reveal she hasn’t used either since the night of April 4. No further CCTV footage of Kayleigh found. Search dogs and patrols canvassed a 50-mile radius around Darius Clark, John Higgins and Paul Murray’s properties. Patrol recovered Kayleigh’s passport from her residence. A BOLO is in place throughout the UK. Fiancé Darius Clark, Paul Murray—her lover and last person believed to have seen her, and John Higgins—Kayleigh’s cousin, were brought in for questioning.

I click the link to see Paul’s statement.

404

Page not found

What the fuck!

However, there’s no issue with John’s statement. I discover he and Kayleigh had a dispute on April 3 over money John owed her. Could fifteen thousand pounds push someone to harm their blood? He was in London for business from April 4 through April 9. But the motive is there. Could he have hired a hit?

Now I’m not so sure she is alive. A wave of nausea rolls through me. I need to go to Paul’s cabin to see if there’s any way he could slip out after Kayleigh left without being caught on CCTV.

Alexa: Anything suspicious on Paul’s phone?

Hacker: He deleted a large file on April 5. I can’t retrieve it without physical access to the phone.

Fuck!

Alexa: Let me know if anything else comes up.

At the very least, this proves Darius is innocent and should get the SEB off his back. But I have a horrible feeling the Agent won’t let it go.

“You’re still here.”

My head snaps in Darius’ direction. He flashes me a sweet smile that has my legs moving without thought. I sit at his bedside. “You look so much better. How are you feeling?”

“Surprisingly well.” He reaches for my hand and traces circles on my wrist. His desire shoots through the bond, giving me tingles. I hold my breath, desperate to see what he’ll do next. “Can we talk after I shower?”

Not trusting my voice, I nod.

When he returns wearing nothing but grey sweats, beads of water still glistening on his chest, my pulse races. His eyes trail up my bare legs, and a primitive growl escapes his lips, sending a jolt of heat to my core. I stand up, squirming under his intense stare. “I hope you dont mind; I borrowed your shirt.”

Darius closes the distance, his eyes eating up the sight of me. “Why would I mind when you look so good wearing it?”

God, why is his voice so sexy?

Maybe I projected my thoughts because his eyes twinkle with amusement.

“I have a question. Well, two questions.” The way he’s staring at me makes my mouth dry. “Can we start over? And would you still like to join the pack?”

Words, Alexa. Use your words. Instead, I nod enthusiastically like a damn bobblehead.

Darius smiles, then slowly leans forward, eyes searching mine. I feel his breath on my lips, his hunger for me through the bond. I shiver as his fingertips trail up my arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake. Then his mouth meets mine. What starts as a sweet kiss quickly heats up, our bodies moulding together perfectly. Tingles run through me as our tongues mingle, tasting and exploring. Darius’ hands brush against my thighs, lifting his shirt. He groans into my mouth when he finds I’m not wearing panties, the sound shooting straight to my clit.

He breaks the kiss, resting his forehead against mine. “Do you want to slow down?”

Fuck no! But then Kayleigh enters my mind. A look of concern crosses his face as I pull away. “There’s something I have to show you.” I pass him my cell to read over what my hacker found. Rage thrashes through the bond like a plane in turbulence.

He throws on a tee. “I should debrief the pack.” Expecting him to storm toward the assembly hall, I’m surprised when he grasps my hand. “Let’s go, mate.”

Five minutes later, we’re all gathered in the great hall. Hunter immediately embraces the Alpha. His relief at having his friend back safe is clear as day and warms my heart. Darius sits at the head of the table with me at one side and Hunter at the other. The room buzzes with excitement.

“Firstly, everyone welcome Lexi to the pack.”

Cheers sound, and my cheeks begin to heat up. Darius holds my hand under the table, the contact immediately calming my nerves.

“We’ve had a rough few days, fighting the hybrid and Lakeside back to back.” Mutters of agreement fill the hall. “Thank you all, especially Lexi, for saving my arse!”

The pack cheers and whistles.

“Paul didnae have witch pals when he was pack. How’s he gettin’ spells?” one of the pack enforcers asks.

“That’s what we need to find out,” Darius growls. “In the meantime, we need a defence against his magic. Cathy, can you put wards in place?”

A beautiful blonde responds, “Aye, Alpha.”

Mind-linking Darius, I ask, is she a witch hybrid?

No, but she has an affinity for magic.

“Thank you, Cathy! If Paul plans another attack, he’ll have to face me like a wolf.”

Darius, ask the wolves close to Paul to hang back when the meeting’s over. And make sure Stacey’s there, too. I request mentally.

Why?

To dangle the carrot. We still have a rat to find.

His look is curious, but he doesn’t ask questions. After debriefing everyone and getting security updates, Darius ends the meeting.

“Sentries will remain in place for the time being. That’s all for now. Get some rest. You’ve earned it.” My new packmates begin to rise. “Stacey, Adrian, Michelle, Brad and Steve. Please hang back for a few minutes.”

They share a confused look but do as asked. Once everyone else has left, Darius waves his hand, offering me the floor.

“I’m looking for volunteers to infiltrate Lakeside. We need to take Paul out without any more casualties.” I feel Darius tense, but he doesn’t interrupt. “Can we count on your help?”

“Obviously!” Stacey comments.

Adrian doesn’t hesitate. “I’m in.”

“Just say when,” Brad adds.

The woman sitting next to Stacey and the man beside Brad also agree.

“Great, it’s getting late, so we’ll meet here tomorrow afternoon to strategise. Darius said Paul has a cabin. I’ll head out there at three a.m. If he has any spells stashed away, I’ll find them.” I feel his concern through the bond but focus on the other five bodies in the room. “We’ll fight fire with fire!”

What are you playing at, little wolf?

We have to flush out the rat. I’ll be the bait.

“Are you going out there alone?” Stacey asks, her permanent scowl trained on me.

“Yes. He’ll be at the packhouse licking his wounds. So don’t worry, I’ll be safe.” She rolls her eyes at my sarcastic tone.

“Alright, that’s all for tonight. Get some rest. We’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.” Darius ushers everyone out and locks the door. He swings my chair around and boxes me in. “Have you lost your mind? We’re not using you as bait. You’ve seen what his spells can do.”

I place my hands on his chest and slowly glide them upward, wrapping them around his neck. “Do you have a better idea to find the mole?”

“No! But I dont like it!”

“It’s the best way to find the rat. If Paul turns up, we’ll know it’s one of the five you suspect.” I plant a brief kiss on his lips. “Call in a team of wolves you trust to surround the area. Ask Cathy to conceal everyone’s scent and set up wards to alert us when Paul arrives.”

“Okay, mate. We’ll do this your way.”

Handler

Knocking back my fifth shot, I struggle to rein in my rage. I handed that imbecile Paul Darius on a platter, gave him spells to incapacitate and kill the Alpha, and he still fucks it up. That bitch Alexa is becoming more of a problem than I anticipated.

My cell vibrates with a message.

Anonymous: Lexi is going to Paul’s Cabin alone at 3 a.m.

My mood begins to pick up.

Handler: Excellent! I’ll let Paul know.

I bring up the fool’s number.

Handler: Time to redeem yourself. Lexi will be at your cabin alone at 0300 hours. Capture her. When Darius attempts to rescue her, end him!

Paul: Consider it done!