Chapter Sixty Four

As expected, Emerald Pack was immersed in silence. The pack was asleep and it made moving swiftly easier for Nikolai and his men.

Once inside the pack, they blocked entrance into it and left some of the men stationed there before proceeding. Luther brought out the map of Emerald pack that Nikolai had provided earlier, it used to belong to Ada.

“We separate here,” he said looking up to meet Nikolai’s eyes.

Nikolai watched him for a few seconds. He would have doubted Luther’s loyalty if he didn’t think the man felt something for Natalie, but even that didn’t give him complete confidence. Silviu had betrayed his own brother, anything could happen.

“Yes.” And he moved towards the route that led to the dungeon, his men moved with him and together they headed off after he’d given Luther one last nod, after all this could be the last time they’d see each other.

“Natalie,” Nikokai called, knowing he wouldn't receive an answer. He could still very much feel the wall that stood in between their mate bond, its presence was daunting and constant.

He’d messed up, he knew that and he was going to do his hardest to rectify things. Everything would be fine once he had her in his arms, he knew that.

They traveled further through the path until from the distance the dungeon’s gate was visible but Nikolai knew she wasn't locked up there. His eyes flitted through the environment until they landed upon a building as tall as the trees it was tucked far behind in, he could feel his mate’s presence there… Natalie was there.

“Attack the dungeon!” he said to his men and as they moved, he left them and made his way to the building alone.

In front of the building, he pulled out his sword and stepped inside.

The two warriors who’d been standing guard looked up at him. The taller one squinted his eyes as though in disbelief of the figure who stood before him and before the realization could completely dwell in, Nikolai swung his sword, felling his head. The next man was forced into action by the death of his fellow warrior and he at least had managed to pull out his sword when Nikolai plunged his weapon into his stomach causing his stomach contents to drop to the floor.

The empty hall echoed with the sound of his footsteps as he continued further into the building.

“Natalie!” he called out loud. He was aware that the two men outside were likely not the only warriors stationed here but Nikolai was also aware he could take care of them on his own even without shifting. He could feel her presence in this building and it got stronger with each step he took, he only wished she would remove the barrier between them and let him in.

“Please,” he sent a word of plea through the bond.

“Nikolai?”

And he stopped so fast, he almost fell on his own damn face.

The bond had opened.

“Where are you?” he asked just as three warriors rushed at him, weapons and all.

Nikolai backed away slightly, they launched at him at once and he fought back with ease and quickness. More warriors poured out, a few of them shifting when they realized they were no match for an Alpha but Nikolai didn't falter, not even when he was obviously outnumbered.

He glided through the group with grace, his sword making its mark each time until only bodies lay in his wake. He took in a breath and with one last look at the casualties, Nikolai continued on his way allowing Natalie to lead him to her.

The sight of the cell she was in was enough to bring his anger to its limit. His hand grabbed the bars of the cell and he yanked it, pulling the door off its hinges. He flung it away and stepped into the cell filled with uncertainty.

She had been seated on the floor and when he stepped in, she got up barely looking at him.

“I would chide you over the consequences of your actions but it is of no use now. C’mon…”

And, much to the shock of Nikolai, she made to walk past him.

“Natalie…”

She turned to him sharply. “What are you waiting for? C’mon, we don't have all day now, do we?”

No, they didn't but this was far from what he would have imagined her reaction to seeing him would be.

He held her by the hand, stopping her. “Look at me.”

She refused.

“Nat, please.”

She turned to him sharply and Nikolai felt the air suck out from his lungs.

“Is that why you are here? To get me to look at you?”

There was no hint of affection in her expression and it caused him unimaginable pain to see.

“No,” his other hand dared to rest just above her hips. “But I've missed you and…” He swallowed nervously. “How are you?”

Her eyes narrowed. “I've been fine, thank you.”

“I'm sorry, before anything I need you to know how sorry I truly am.”

He wanted to hug her, he needed to hug her… Nikolai didn't realize how much he’d missed until she was here, right in front of him. His heart thumped wildly in a mix of pain, regret, and nervousness.

He knew how much he’d messed up their relationship and he wished more than anything that he could fix it all. She looked strong still, her eyes retained that fierceness in them that had drawn him on the first day —evidence of the powerful woman she was. He’d never met any woman like her and that had been one of the reasons she’d lingered in his thoughts the way she had and she’d never left.

He took a step closer to her and waited for her to pull away but her gaze upon him simply darkened.

“I will spend all of eternity atoning for my sins, Natalie. Whatever you want, whatever you ask of me…” His voice broke off briefly. “Whatever you need, I promise.”

Tears welled up in her eyes and Nikolai could have shot himself in that moment. He did this, he hurt her, the very thing he’d sworn not to do.

A tear escaped from her eyes and he brushed it off with his thumb, her pain enveloping him.

“You lied to me,” she said softly.

And he didn’t deny it. She’d bared herself to him completely, a feat that hadn’t been easy for her but she’d done it and he’d given her only half-truth.

“I was scared,” he admitted. “I didn’t know how to be so honest, so raw. I…” He shook his head. “There is no excuse.”

She leaned into his palm and shut her eyes, taking in a breath and Nikolai felt the pounding of his heart echo through the empty building.

“I missed you too, Nikolai,” she whispered with her eyes closed. “More than you would ever know.”

And he kissed her.

The kiss was slow, filled with pain and regret. He kissed her to let her know how sorry he was, and that he was prepared to do whatever it took to earn her forgiveness and trust.

His mouth trailed down her jaw. “I thought I would die,” Nikolai confessed. “The pain was crippling.” His teeth grazed her collarbone and she leaned closer to him letting out a soft moan. “The seconds felt like long horrifying hours.” His hand moved lower her hips, slowly caressing her bottom. “I thought surely this must be death, a life without you that is.”

His mouth went lower and lower until his tongue softly formed a damp spot on her clothes where her nipples would be.

“Nikolai…” she moaned, her fingers digging into his hair, her core pushing against his hardness.

“I knew I couldn’t live without you.” His other hand rested at the back of her neck, holding it back and forcing her to thrust her chest upon him. He moved back upward and kissed her exposed collarbone before releasing her.

He looked up at her, his eyes meeting hers filled with passion. “I love you, Natalie. I love you more than life itself.”

Tears gathered in her eyes and she nodded.

“I’ll tell you everything once we are back home. I promise.”

“First, let’s escape the mess you’ve made.” And she pulled him with her, exiting the cell.

She barely acknowledged the bodies that trailed the path back to the entrance as they hurried off. “Hurry,” she urged “A pleasure to have you join us, Nikolai,” a voice said just as they made their way outside the building.

They both stopped.

“I’ve been expecting you,” the Alpha of Emerald pack said, his arms folded across his chest. “It’s good to see you made it.“

Natalie stepped in front of Nikolai immediately and faced the Alpha. “Do not dare to think you will hurt him. You might have gotten away with hurting me but I swear you won’t survive it if you lay a finger on my mate.”

The man watched her, lips twisted in amusement. “Maybe this is more fun than I’d anticipated. Why, of course, you must join as I finally put an end to your most cherished mate.”

She walked until she was directly in front of the Alpha of Emerald pack. “I dare you!”

And with that, Natalie shifted. Her wolf was stunning —an enormous animal that stood proudly, and tall, its red furs shining brightly against the night skies. She let out a low, menacing growl baring her teeth.

Nikolai watched in horror as the Alpha of Emerald pack shifted and without warning pounced on Natalie.