Chapter Seven

I felt the blade dig into my skin until it drew blood and from the deepest corners of my mind, I could feel my wolf stirring awake, ready to take control now.

“Don’t do this, Asher.” I pleaded but my pleas were not for me.

Enough people have been killed and I didn't want to have Asher’s blood on my hands too.

“You killed him,” his broken voice said harshly. “How could you be so monstrous, Scarlett? How couldn't you have been able to control yourself? Control it?”

Tears poured down my face and I let out a cry just as Asher released me.

“I don't know…” My voice was a soft whimper “I don't know how it all happened, I swear.”

He shook his head, pain clouding his eyes. “You should have tried. Everything I've done, everything I keep doing, I was motivated by the fact that I would be able to save my brother from…”

He stopped himself, swallowing the rest of his words.

“From what?” I asked, standing straight. “Was Caspian in danger?”

“It doesn't matter now, does it? Thanks to you, he’s dead!”

The venom in his words caused me to flinch and recoil but I didn't blame him. He had all the right to be mad at me, to hate me, to want to kill me.

Asher threw a towel at me. “For your neck,” he murmured.

I caught it and pressed it to my neck, stopping the blood flow.

“Go inside before the Alpha finds out you tried to escape. Trust me, you don't want that to happen.” Asher said.

My heart rate picked up. “What is this place, Asher? What is going on? Who is he?”

“You'll find your answers when you are ready.”

I shook my head. “I'm not going back there. I am sorry about Caspian and about everything else, I killed him and my life has been ruined in retribution and I know that doesn't change a thing but it is the least of what I deserve. Thank you for…”

“You can't leave, Scarlett.” Asher interrupted me. “Rowan wants you here and you are not powerful enough to make an enemy out of him.”

There was a distinguishable threat to his words that I didn't miss. “This is ridiculous, you can't keep me here wherever this is against my will.”

Asher let out a bitter laugh. “Rowan can and he will.” he shrugged. “You best get back to your room and say nothing or you continue on your way but I must warn you, you won't make it past the gate and things can only get worse for you then. Take this as an advice from an old friend.”

And with that, he disappeared into one of the doors that led to the manor.

His warning rang in my ears but I ignored them, there was no way I was willingly going to be held hostage here. Rowan was the Alpha of his pack and obviously, his people feared and obeyed him but I wasn't one of his people. I wasn't obliged to listen to what he had to say or remain his prisoner simply because and with that thought in mind, I proceeded through the vast land that surrounded the estate, hiding from guards that patrolled the grounds. It was easy to do so, I simply stayed away from the path lit up by the lamps until I began to catch sight of the large gates ahead.

I was just about to leave my hiding place when the sound of approaching footsteps caught my attention and I slid back, halting my breath as I waited.

“What are you going to do with her?” I heard the voice of the woman whom Rowan had ordered to lock me up earlier.

Rowan stopped and I felt my panic surge. I knew they were talking about me and it didn't help that I was right there.

“She's a Wild Wolf, Kara. There are a lot of things a Wild Wolf can do for my plans.”

There was silence for a beat before Kara said. “I don’t like her, why does it have to be her? We can find others of her kind for our use, we have enough of her kind actually.”

Disgust coiled through me at the dismissive way she spoke about me as though I were an object to be used and discarded at will. I fought the urge to reveal myself and say all the nasty words on the tip of my tongue.

“She is a Reed.” Rowan’s deep voice rumbled. “I need her.”

“And then what? She doesn't want to be here? Are you going to convince her or keep her locked up forever? What about when the beast in her takes over and we'd all be prey to her viciousness?” Kara asked wildly. I couldn't see her expression even though she was facing my direction but I could see the tightening of Rowan’s back as he listened to her.

“That's enough!” He said.

“I’m sorry,” her voice dropped down a notch until I had to strain to hear her. “I overstepped and I shouldn’t have, I am just worried about you, you know that?”

Silence met her words.

“I know how important this is for you and I would do anything for it. I’ll fight right beside you against the Elders and…”

“Go to bed,” he said. His voice was quiet but it held a certain harshness that caused a shiver to run through me.

“But Rowan…” she tried to touch him but something in his face must have stopped her because she stepped back, bowed at him, and walked away.

I waited, my teeth clenched tightly until my jaw hurt for Rowan to continue on his way but he stood there unmoving for what felt like hours and I began to feel my legs cramping but I couldn't switch positions because I knew for certain any move I made now and he'd know I was here.

Finally, he broke the silence. “Heard enough, Reed?” He asked, his back still turned to me.

I couldn't stop the quiet gasp that escaped my mouth. He knew I was here. How did he know I was here?

I didn't move still, believing he must be mistaken and if I remained quiet, he'd walk away and realize he'd guessed wrong.

I was wrong.

Slowly, Rowan turned toward me and took two steps closer until the reflection of the lamp from the pole fell over his striking dark features, illuminating them.

“Come out,” he said, but I remained in place.

“I won't ask again, Reed, because if I drag you out myself, you're going to wish I didn't.” His voice was low but the threat was ear-splitting.