Nic! I miss Nic, I wish he was here. Where is he? I’m sure he’s doing great, just like me.
“Nic? Who’s Nic?” My mom asks.
I don’t remember answering out loud… Did I? I’ve been on cloud nine for what feels like forever but for the first time worry works its way into my brain. Should I not be talking to them about Nic?
“Is he one of your… mates?” My mom sounds disgusted. Does she not like my mates?
I miss my mates. I miss Nic’s demanding presence, he would know what to do right now, Jay’s easy humor that always makes me happy, Kiran’s flirting that brings a smile to my face, Jax’s sweetness, and Jeremy’s strength.
“Focus Aly. How did they convince you that you guys were mates?”
Convince me? I touch the mark from Nic and I feel his confusion and heart break. He’s in pain? What’s wrong?
“She looks confused,” my dad whispers but I hear him.
" It’s okay Aly. We are going to help you. Those horrible boys lied to you, we will break whatever they did so you’re free.”
Break? Lied? My guys would never lie to me. I can feel the mating bond, I know it’s real.
Oh my god. They want to break my mating bond? I can’t let that happen. I need to stop this. I need to get back to them!
Calmness presses in on me from all sides but I need to fight it, I need a clear mind to survive this.
But it’s okay. I don’t need to worry about it. I’ll be fine, they’ll be fine, everything is fine.
No! No I can’t. I can’t fight it. I think they drugged me. I can feel it pressing down on my mind.
I know I can’t fight it. I need to stop the next dose. No more eating or drinking until I have a clear head. I repeat that command over and over in my head even when it stops making sense.
* * *
My parents bring in a tray of food. They stare at me after setting it down. Why are they watching me?
I don’t know why or care but I promised myself I wouldn’t eat or drink again. It feels pointless but I try to trust myself so.
They keep staring at me.
“What?” I ask, confused.
“Eat up dear, we don’t want you to get hungry,” my mom responds.
I take a pretend sip of water, and they visibly relax, so I do it again. After a couple fake sips they seem a lot calmer.
But I need to sell it.
“Whoa! Is there a bird in here?” I ask pointing behind their heads. I’ve actually seen birds in here the last few days so it’s a real possibility.
They both turn to investigate and I take the chance to dump my water out under my pillow. I bring it up to my lips and pretend I just finished drinking as they turn around.
“Okay well we will let you finish your meal in peace,” my dad says, leading my mom out of the room.
Hmm, seems like they only cared about the water but just in case I take my food to the bathroom and flush it.
I’m hungry but it’s not unbearable. If nothing happens after skipping this meal, I’ll eat the next.
* * *
I can think. For the first time in a long time, I can actually use my brain. I remember them drugging me, how high they’ve kept me. I don’t know why except the obvious answer of compliance. They want me to behave.
