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Chapter14
I’d been in this room for hours. It was impossible to know how long because I’d fallen asleep on the hard metal table a few times.
At the roadblock, I’d been surrounded by what I thought to be police. However, it became apparent this was more like some sort of special forces unit. For one, they wore no uniforms. Just tactical gear and enough weapons to take out an entire cartel.
I was never read my rights or even asked for my name or ID. Instead, I was pulled away from the car, bound with zip ties around my wrists, and thrown into the back of a van.
The men in the van had ignored my questions and, for the most part, pretended I didn’t exist.
It was infuriating and disrespectful, but I had to admit I was happy they weren’t taunting me. There were much worse ways for a group of soldiers to treat a lone and defenseless woman.
Defenseless. The word filled me with anger. I should never be defenseless. My entire life was filled with accomplishment after accomplishment, and suddenly I was surrounded by men of brute strength and magical power. No, I wasn’t defenseless. I was at a disadvantage, sure. But as long as I kept my wits about me and stayed alert, I’d get out of this.
I had to.
Worst of all, there was a part of me, a deep and not so hidden part, that hoped Jaiden would come for me. He’d killed Grant for me. He’d declared me his.
But I wasn’t naive enough to believe in all that nonsense. Men were full of pretty words and false promises. I could think of Jaiden during steamy nights and fantasies, but I couldn’t allow my daydreams to lead to false hope of a rescue.
After a few hours in the dark van, a hood was placed over my head, and I was led into a building. The echoes of footsteps suggested a wide and empty hallway.
The hood was only taken off after I was pushed into a bathroom and one of the soldiers handed me a change of clothes.
Were they being nice or did I smell that bad? No matter. I was grateful to finally get out of my skirt and change into the gray sweatshirt and navy sweatpants. There was also a pair of small men’s boxers. Apparently there was a lack of women’s clothing, not that I minded. Right now I’d rather be as unfeminine as possible.
After changing clothes and using the restroom, I splashed some water on my face.
There were dark circles under my eyes, and my hair needed shampoo desperately. I’d never been one to fuss over my looks that much, but even I had to admit I wasn’t at my best.
No wonder Jaiden let me go so easily.
I ran water through my hair but didn’t get far before the door was pushed open and a soldier signaled me to follow.
The next thing I knew, I was pushed into a windowless room, with just a few chairs and the table. And that’s where I stayed for who knows how long. There was no clock and the hours blended together as I fell in and out of unconsciousness.
Sleep came easy when there was absolutely nothing else to do.
I tried to keep my mind focused on other things, such as my latest research projects and what I wanted to switch to now that my work had been stolen. Considering Grant was dead, I had no idea what social protocol was for getting my name accredited to that work.
It would be rude to besmirch the name of a dead man, but he did steal from me first.
As academic as I tried to keep my thoughts, they kept on going back to Jaiden.
Was he safe? Had the attack continued for long? Maybe he had retreated back to his home to look for a more suitable woman?
Someone graceful and beautiful. A submissive queen to be looked at and who would stay silent. Surely better than what I could provide.
And why did that not give me comfort? The chaotic fae could spend his life as far away from me as possible and allow things to go back to normal.
Though normal now seemed so boring in comparison. And I’d never been bored! For as long as I could remember, I’d filled every waking moment with studies and the pursuit of more knowledge and respect.
And now it all felt so...small. And that was saying a lot for someone whose entire field dealt with subatomic particles.
When the door finally opened, I didn’t raise my head. For one, I didn’t want to give the newcomer the respect of seeming relieved to see them. Two, the technique of leaving me here alone for so long had done the job of making me disoriented and sluggish.
It was only when I felt it that I finally looked up. The buzz of electricity that I only felt when I was around Jaiden.
Though it wasn’t Jaiden who entered. This man was different. He looked normal enough. Tall, blond hair streaked with white, and bright-gold eyes. His ears were curved and the hair was cut in a short style as opposed to the long and intricate braids of the fae.
