Chapter 16
For twenty minutes, I keep myself occupied by checking emails on my phone. When Paul still hasn’t stirred, I grow impatient and backhand him. He startles and curses.
I let him ramble on for a minute before asking, “Are you done?”
“When I get out of here, I’m gonna make sure you and that bitch of yours regret laying hands on me.”
Smiling, I crouch down to his eye level. “You never were the sharpest tool in the shed. You’ll be leaving here in a body bag.”
Paul snarls, baring the teeth he has left. “In that case, there’s no point in me talking anymore.”
“That’s fine, but you may change your mind when I take your other pinky, purely for symmetrical purposes.”
His Adam’s apple bobs. “Please, just let me go!” he pleads. “I won’t retaliate. I’ll leave the country. You’ll never hear from me again.”
Grinning, I shake my head at his patheticness. “You changed your tune fast.”
“I’ll tell you anything you want to know if you let me go afterwards.”
After everything, he’ll be lucky to leave this world with his body in one piece: drugging Lexi, killing Hunter, Kayleigh and many packmates... Paul doesn’t deserve a shred of mercy. I’ll make his death as slow and painful as possible.
Looking at him like the huge pile of shit he is, a growl vibrates in my throat. “Tell me where Kayleigh’s body is.”
He pulls on his restraints, hissing as his flesh sizzles. “How the fuck would I know? You’re the one who killed her!”
Tilting my head, I study him. I figured he’d cracked when he kidnapped me, but this is next-level. “You’ve lied to yourself so much you actually believe that, don’t you?”
“Of course I believe it! It’s the truth. I saw you do it,” he scoffs like I’m the deranged one here.
Without another word, I leave the cell and head to my study. The halls are empty. It’s later than I realised. After collecting Paul’s journal from my office, I return to his cell.
“Recognise this?” I swivel it, watching his reaction.
“Where did you get that?” he growls.
Ignoring his question, I crouch and search for his confession. “You see, Paul, the truth of what you did is on these pages.”
Fighting a wave of nausea, I read his confession out loud, taking deep breaths to stop myself from ripping his head off.
“Lies! I didn’t write any of that.”
I show him the confession clearly in his handwriting and wait for him to accept the truth. It looks like his face drains of colour, but the blood makes it difficult to be sure. He lets out a roar and thrashes around like a rabid beast; chains clang against the wall. An overpowering stench of burning flesh fills the cell as silver fries his wrists.
”Her death is on you,” he spits out with venom. “I wouldn’t have done it if you didn’t have everything.”
Standing, I begin to pace the small six-by-four space. Rage burns me up inside, making me tremble. I remind myself and my wolf that we will make him suffer after getting the information we need.
“No matter how much you convince yourself I’m to blame, you fucking killed her.” I glare at him. “If you loved her, tell me where her body is. Her family deserve answers. You at least owe her that!”
Paul’s shoulders slump, and he breaks down, sobbing, muttering useless apologies. The truth hurts. This is the most torturous part of his night thus far—accepting what he did to Kayleigh.
I remain silent, disgusted by his presence and the fact he still breathes.
When he exhausts himself, he tells me what I need to know. “There’s land just off the A818, near the river, about a mile after the farm. Look for the viburnum opulus I planted. That’s where you’ll find her.”
Having spent as much time near him as I can stomach, I exit his cell.
“Can I write a note to her family to apologise? You can give it to the police along with my confession,” he whispers.
Without acknowledging his request, I lock the cell and head upstairs. Exhausted, grieving and infuriated—one thing makes me smile—the promise of executing Paul with Lexi by my side.
Entering my room, I freeze when I see Lexi sprawled out on the bed like an offering, naked except for my unbuttoned shirt. All blood rushes to my cock. Her eyes are closed. The rhythmic rise and fall of her chest confirms she’s asleep. For a while, I watch her, completely entranced by her beauty. She’s the one good thing those damn Fates got right. The only person that can make me forget, for a little while, how goddamn much it hurts to have lost my best friend.
I head to the ensuite and quickly shower, then lay beside her, pulling her body close to mine and covering us with a king-size satin sheet. My dick still throbs to the point of pain, but she needs rest. I bury my nose in the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet scent, then drift off with her in my arms.
Alexa
The following morning, I wake, cocooned in Darius’ arms. His fingertips lightly trace a line from my navel to my breast and back again, making me tingle. His rigid shaft pokes a tent in his boxers, pressing into my ass. A shot of desire flutters in my stomach, and a shiver travels down my spine.
Darius kisses the back of my neck. I feel his smile. “Morning, little wolf.” His thumb rubs lazy circles around my right nipple. I arch my back, craving more.
”Morning, mate.” My voice is breathy, betraying how much I want him.
Biting back a moan, I turn to face Darius. My erect nipples press against his chest. He helps me remove the shirt I fell asleep in and takes time to study my naked form. His tongue darts out, licking his lips as he stares at me hungrily.
Desire ripples through the bond, heating me up inside. His hand cups the back of my neck and pulls me in for a kiss, his tongue dancing with mine, slow and sensual. His other hand slowly trails down my spine until it rests on my ass, giving my cheek a gentle caress.
My fingers trail through his silky hair, gently scraping his scalp, ghosting down his nape, and exploring the solid muscle on his back.
He peppers kisses across my jaw to my throat, sucking my pulse, then moving to my collarbone.
Tracing the indents of his abs with my fingers, I make a mental note to explore them with my tongue later. I moan when his mouth captures my nipple.
“I’ve been dreaming about these tits since I saw you in that tight black dress at the club,” he confesses between nibbling and sucking, switching attention to my other breast.
I dip my hand lower, rubbing his shaft through his boxers. He groans on my pebbled bud, sending tingles straight to my clit.
Darius pushes me onto my back, then makes his way down my torso, kissing, licking, sucking. My pussy leaks, arousal trickling down my thighs. He spreads my legs while continuing his painfully slow descent. I gently pull on his hair, fighting the urge to push his head to where I need it.
Darius kisses everywhere, paying extra attention to the dagger tattoo on my inner thigh. I’m trembling, needy and greedy for release, biting my lip so I don’t beg.
“Look at how wet you are for me.” He glides his fingers along my slit, collecting my juices, then shows me the evidence.
Nodding, I lift my hips without thought.
Smiling, he lowers his mouth to my pussy, his eyes trained on mine. His tongue sweeps through my folds, and he hums like he’s tasting his favourite dessert.
Spreading my folds, he finds my pulsating clit, and swirls his tongue over it. “Yes! Just like that.” I throw my head back, gripping his hair to keep him there.
He starts devouring me like I’m his last meal. His thumb rubs my swollen bud while he fucks me with his tongue. My hips buck as I writhe beneath him, making him pin my thighs to the mattress, spreading me wider.
Closing my eyes, I pant as he licks, sucks and bites, moaning and slurping at my centre.
“I could happily drown right here.”
“Don’t stop!” I feel my orgasm approach, tingles and heat spreading through me.
Darius slips two fingers in my entrance, finger fucking me while his tongue focuses on my clit. I grind into his face, chasing release.
Dots line my vision, and I explode into a million pieces. “Oh God!”
Darius doesn’t let up, licking me until my body stops convulsing. Then his mouth is on mine. I taste myself on his tongue.
I pull at his boxers. His hard cock slaps against my stomach as it springs free. Darius lays on his back, lifting his hips to help me remove his underwear. Straddling him, I rub my wetness along his length.
Darius sucks in a breath. “You’re killing me, little wolf,” he groans.
Smirking, I say, “I guess you better show me who’s boss, then.”
His eyes darken as I challenge his dominance, and a devious smile crosses his features. “I planned to make our first time slow and sweet.“ I gasp as he lines up at my entrance and jerks up while slamming my hips down, impaling me with every inch in one thrust. “Now you’re getting fast and dirty.”
Liquid fire burns my core at his words. I moan at the feel of him filling me completely.
Shit. I’m about to say we need a condom—wolves are immune to disease, so there’s no risk of STDs, but I’m not ready for pups—until he swivels his hips and pistons me fast and hard, making me lose my train of thought.
I rock my hips, meeting his thrusts. The room fills with moans and the sound of our bodies slapping together. Somehow, he flips us, so he’s on top, pinning my hands above my head. His free hand lifts my thigh, wrapping it around his waist, allowing him to hit deeper.
“Darius,” his name comes out, a desperate plea.
Our bodies are sticky with sweat. Our breathing is heavy. My mate slides his hand between us, rubbing my swollen clit while fucking me hard and fast, hitting my spot repeatedly.
”Oh shit!” My eyes roll to the back of my head as I come again.
“That’s it, baby. Fuck! You’re so tight.”
He pumps me until his balls tighten, then pulls out to shoot his load into his hand; some cum spurts onto my stomach.
After we catch our breath, he uses the shirt to wipe me. I can’t help but steal another kiss.
“I’ll run us a bath,” he whispers against my lips.
Once ready, he carries me to the tub and sits so my back rests against his front. I groan as the water works its magic.
Darius massages my shoulders, then washes my hair. Who would have thought the big bad wolf had a soft, cuddly side?
When we finish, he wraps me in a fluffy white towel and smiles. “Lana linked. Amanda’s awake.”
We walk hand in hand to medical. Darius knocks before opening the door. Amanda is sitting up, looking well-rested and healthy. She smiles as we approach.
“There she is. How are you feeling?” Darius asks.
Her smile falters. “Physically, fine. I can't believe Hunter’s really gone.” Just the mention of his name breaks my heart all over again. “Why did I get to live when all the others—” she chokes on a sob.
I round the bed and wrap her in a hug. “If I hadn’t come up with that plan. I’m so sorry.”
She hugs me back, then wipes her tears. “Dinnae blame yourself, Lexi.” Her fierce gaze finds Darius. “Same goes for you, Alpha. It was our best move with the information we had at the time. The only people at fault are Paul and the traitor. I trust ye both tae find the mole and make him pay.”
Nodding, I let my anger drive me. I’ll do whatever it takes to find the rat. Nothing is more important.
Lana enters, stopping my thoughts from going down a dark path.
”Good morning, everyone,” she says with a smile.
“Morning. What’s the verdict, Doc?” Amanda asks.
”I’m happy to discharge you. Any problems, just come back and see me.”
Amanda beams. “Thank the Fates. My wolf needs tae run.”
“You know where I am if you need me,” Lana says before leaving.
Darius gives Amanda a pensive look. “I know you’ve been through it, but when you’re ready, I want you to be our Beta.”
Amanda gasps, and her eyes widen. “Thank you, and of course, I accept.”
I’m happy for her; however, it brings my grief back to the forefront. It’s clear how much the thought of replacing Hunter hurts Darius, too. But the pack needs a Beta.
We leave Amanda to get dressed and make our way to the cells. Darius fills me in on what he learned from Paul last night. Although it doesn’t bring her back, I hope Kayleigh’s family can find peace.
Paul startles awake as Darius forcefully slides the bars to his cell open. A clang echos obnoxiously.
While keeping Paul’s wrist shackled, Darius gives his chains enough leeway for one arm to be mobile, then tosses a notepad and pen at him. “Write your apology and a confession for the police saying where they can find Kayleigh.”
After shaking some life back into his hand, Paul starts to scribble. I busy myself by checking my messages.
Hacker: The good news is, I have a photo and address for Theo Murray. But there’s nothing on the phone about Shadow Creek.
”Oh. My. Fucking. God!”
Darius takes his eyes off Paul to look at me. “What’s wrong?” I show him Theo’s picture. He gapes. “That’s your handler!”
“That’s my handler!” I confirm with excitement. Finally, I have the fucker’s name and address. I text my hacker back.
Alexa: Not all heroes wear capes. I owe you one. That’s my handler. Next time I’m in Dublin, drinks are on me.
I send the beer cheers emoji; his response comes instantly.
Hacker: Now we're cooking with gas. Glad to help. Kick his arse!
Feeling giddy, I pocket my cell. Just then, we hear gurgling. I snap my focus to Paul and see the pen sticking out of his neck. With the last of his strength, he twists the pen and rips it out, taking a chunk of flesh, too. His head flops. Blood spurts from the wound.
“That slimy motherfucker. I wanted the pleasure of ending him.”
Darius growls his agreement. Safe to say, neither of us will mourn his death. The Alpha retrieves the journal and notepad, then we make our way upstairs.
”I need to give Amanda and Neil time to prepare to hold down the fort while we go after Theo. ”
Though I’m eager to lay hands on Theo, I understand Darius needs to put the pack first. We’re a team now, and I like that a lot.
Squeezing his hand, I nod and say, “I’ll book our flights to LA for the day after tomorrow. If Theo is anything like his cousin, he’ll expose the rat in no time.”
Finally! I dunno bout you, but I'm ready for Theo to get a beat down. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reading. Gem xx