AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Barrett…” I press. I search his face, desperate for any sign that he believes me, that he doesn’t think I’m capable of something so horrific. But there’s a flicker of doubt in his eyes that cuts me to the core.
My greatest fear has always been losing control and hurting someone I love, especially him. The thought that I may have actually done that is almost too much to bear.
I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling very small and vulnerable. “I’m scared,” I admit. “What if I did something terrible? What if I hurt someone?”
Barrett reaches for me, his expression softening. “We’ll figure this out.” But even as he tries to reassure me, I can’t shake the feeling that something has changed between us, a seed of doubt planted that may never fully go away.
Barrett pulls me close, his strong arms engulfing me. I cling to him, hiding my face against his chest as I fight back tears. “I’m so scared,” I whisper, my voice muffled.
“Shhh, it’s okay.” He strokes my hair, his touch calming. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
I want to believe him, but the doubt is there, that nagging voice whispering that maybe this time, it’s out of his control. Still, I force myself to push it away, focusing on the steady beat of his heart, the warmth of his embrace.
For a long moment, we stay like that, drawing strength from each other’s presence.
A sudden crash from the other room shatters the moment. Then comes the unmistakable sound of heavy boots from outside.
Releasing me, Barrett leaps from the bed, grabbing his jeans from the floor. “Stay here,” he commands, already moving toward the door.
I kneel on the bed behind him, clutching the sheet around me. My heart pounds as the footsteps grow louder. Whoever is out there isn’t being subtle.
Then the bedroom door crashes open with such force that it slams against the wall. I give a small shriek as Jagger strides in, flanked by several wolves I don’t recognize. His face is thunderous, his eyes blazing with a fury I’ve never seen before.
“It’s happened again,” he barks, not even bothering with a greeting.
Barrett moves to stand in front of me protectively. “What are you talking about?” His voice is low, a warning.
Jagger’s gaze flicks to me, his lip curling in disgust as he takes in the blood staining my skin. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. Another death. Savagely mauled. Barely a mile from Steel Lakes.”
“I told you it can’t be her, dammit!” Barrett yells.
Can’t be me? Another death? Has he known about this?
“Really?” Jagger jerks his chin at me. “I think that speaks volumes, don’t you?” His eyes drop to the bloody sheets.
“You’re jumping to conclusions.” Barrett holds his ground.
“We have proof this time. One of the guards spotted a massive golden wolf prowling outside the walls last night. She’s responsible for that killing.”
My blood turns to ice in my veins. No…it can’t be. I would never…could never…
“That’s impossible! She was right here with me, for fuck’s sake!” Barrett shouts, but there’s a tremor in his voice that fills me with dread. Does he think I’m capable of such a thing?
Jagger shakes his head, his expression grim. “I’m sorry, Barrett. But we can’t take any more chances. She’s too much of a risk to the pack.” He jerks his head to the others. “Take her.”
It all happens so fast. The wolves lunge forward, grabbing my arms and dragging me off the bed. I cry out in fear as the sheets are ripped away, leaving me completely exposed.
“No! Let her go!” Barrett roars, trying to push past them, but Jagger blocks his path.
“Stand down, Barrett,” the Alpha growls. “You know I have no choice.”
I thrash wildly in their grasp, panic clawing at my throat. “I didn’t do anything! You have to believe me!” I plead, looking from face to face desperately.
But there’s only cold accusation in their eyes. They think I’m a monster, a killer.
“Please…” I beg Barrett, searching his face for any sign that he still trusts me, still believes in me.
But all I see is tormented anguish as he’s held back, unable to get to me. In that moment, I know he’s not sure what to believe anymore.
