Chapter 79
Giselle’s POV
My body ached everywhere, my wrists rubbed raw from the ropes, my cheeks swollen. But it wasn’t the pain that kept me awake—it was Blake’s words.
He’d leaned in just hours ago, voice dark and low, that wicked little grin on his face. “You really think Zarkhan will make it here alive? I hope you say goodbye, Giselle.” He’d left me with that warning, his laughter echoing in the dark, like a curse.
What did he mean? My heart beat faster every time I replayed it. Was Blake planning a trap? Was Zarkhan already on his way, walking right into danger for me? The thought made my stomach twist.
The old metal door creaked, making me flinch. I barely lifted my head, my throat too dry to speak. The click of expensive shoes across the cement floor told me it was Blake. Again.
He came close, leaned down, and brushed hair from my face. “You look nervous. Afraid for your hero?”
I glared, refusing to show fear. “You’re a coward, Blake. If you want to fight Zarkhan, why not do it to his face?”
He grinned, dragging a finger along my jaw. “I plan to. I just want you right here, watching when I finish him off.”
A tremor ran through me—fear, fury, something darker. “He’ll kill you before you touch me again.”
“Still so loyal. It’s sexy.” His eyes trailed over me, lingering on the ripped edge of my blouse. I pressed my knees together, refusing to give him the satisfaction.
He chuckled, dropping a hand to my thigh. “Keep acting tough, Giselle. You know, I love a woman who bites. Zarkhan’s going to hear you scream my name before I’m done.”
“Dream on,” I spat. “He’s coming. You’ll be dead before you ever hear me beg.”
He pressed his lips to my ear, hot and slow, his breath sending unwanted shivers down my spine. “You want to see him again, don’t you? Maybe I’ll let you watch while I take him apart, limb by limb. Or maybe I’ll let him watch while I fuck you on this chair.”
My skin crawled, but I made myself smirk. “If you touch him, if you touch me, you’re already dead. Zarkhan will rip your throat out, and I’ll laugh while you bleed.”
His hand slipped under my chin, forcing me to look up at him. I bit at his finger, hard. He cursed, yanking away, his face red with anger. “You little bitch!”
“Untie me and let’s see who’s begging,” I taunted, even as my heart raced wild.
He slapped me again, a ringing blow. “Just wait, Giselle. Soon you’ll be begging. And when Zarkhan walks through that door, I’ll make you both scream.”
He stalked away, leaving me gasping, my head spinning.
I slumped forward, mind racing. Is Zarkhan really coming? Part of me wanted to scream for him to stay away, to save himself. But I knew him—he’d never leave me. My stupid, arrogant, sexy alpha. My heart squeezed tight with fear and longing.
Images of him flashed through my mind—Zarkhan’s icy blue eyes blazing with hunger, his mouth hot and demanding on mine, the way his hands gripped my hips, pinning me to the bed, making me burn and melt until I screamed his name. Even Hakkan’s gentler touch, his soft lips at my throat, the way he whispered that I was his, that he’d protect me.
God, I need them. I need them both. If I die tonight, at least let them know I loved them.
I closed my eyes, fighting the panic clawing at my chest. Every sound from outside—the crunch of gravel, a distant shout—sent my heart racing. Was that Zarkhan? Or Blake’s men, coming to drag me to hell?
Please, Zarkhan… don’t be stupid. Don’t let him kill you for me.
But I already knew—my stubborn wolf wouldn’t give up. And I wouldn’t either.
My body trembled, part fear, part fury, and—shamefully—a twisted heat that wouldn’t die, even now. I remembered the way Zarkhan teased me, the way he bent me to his will, his growl in my ear, his hands everywhere. I remembered Hakkan’s kisses, the promise in his eyes. I wasn’t giving up.
A new resolve fired through my chest. I wasn’t Blake’s victim. I was a wolf’s mate. Even bound and beaten, I’d find a way to fight.
If this was my last night, I’d meet it with teeth bared and claws out.
I heard the slam of a car door, men’s voices outside. The tension in the air thickened, electric. My heart leapt—Is it Zarkhan? Or is this the end?