The Alpha novel Chapter 44

Scarlet's POV

When I awake again the sun is setting and the sky is a blur of colors. I'm upside down on one of the twin's shoulders again as they run with me like a sack of potatoes. The scenery zips by me as they use their inhuman speed to run down what looks to be another overgrown interstate. This time I try to remain still and limp as I observe my surroundings. I don't want them drugging me again. I need to figure out where we are going and how to get out of this mess. Ethan must be going crazy by now. Surely, he is aware that I've gone missing...

Ethan! That's it! Maybe I can use our mate-bond to mind-link him. I've never tried it before, but mates should be able to link just as easy as one can with their own pack. My eyes search the horizon for any information I can give him to help him find me. We are clearly heading north along an interstate. My gaze moves along to the side as I watch for a sign or mile marker that I can give him. Finally, I spot one. My eyelids close as I try to focus all my energy on building a connection with Ethan. "Ethan... Ethan can you hear me?"

After just a moment I hear his voice come through loud and clear in my head. "Scarlet! Thank goddess! Where are you?! Are you okay?!" he exclaims and I can hear both the relief and the panic in his voice.

"I've been better, but I'm okay. It's Ryder and Rowan. They took me from The Scourge, sprayed us with something to cover our scent. I'm not sure where they are taking me yet, but we're heading north on some old interstate. We just passed a sign for a ramp to Joliet," I answer him as I try to get as much information to him as I can before the twins catch me.

"Alright, hang on. I'm going to take a look at some old maps and see if I can figure out where you're heading."

"Okay."

Several minutes pass as I impatiently wait for him to say something to me again. When he finally does his voice has taken on a scary tone. He seems to be trying to hold back whatever emotions he's feeling as he speaks. "Scarlet..."

"I'm here."

"Based on which way you are heading, it looks like they are taking you to Silver City, where Alpha Lucien and the Silver Shadow Pack live."

"Shit... do you think Lucien put them up to this? Maybe offered them payment? Or a position in his pack?"

"I wouldn't put it passed him. He seemed hell bent on getting you..." Ethan remarks with a low growl. The idea of me with Lucien clearly angers him. As for me, I feel nauseous at the idea. He has turned out to be such a slimy creep.

"Well, he can't have me," I respond determinedly.

I can sense him smile at my response, it seeming to calm and reinvigorate him. "That's my girl," he replies before continuing. "But Lucien seems like the type that is used to getting what he wants. Just be careful my love. I'm assembling a team and we are coming for you. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Don't worry about me. I can handle Lucien. Just don't underestimate him and stay on guard. I'm sure he has already considered that it wouldn't take you long to find out he was behind me going missing. There's no telling what kind of precautions he has taken."

"I'll have my best strategists and fighters with me angel. I'll be fine. And I'll see you soon," he answers and my heart flutters in my chest.

"I'm looking forward to it."

A small smile appears on my lips and I can sense his smirk as well. Despite our predicament, we still have the ability to put each other at ease. I miss him and am looking forward to seeing him, holding him. It's crazy to think how quickly things change. Not long ago, I didn't even know Ethan. And then we had such a rocky start. I didn't think I'd ever trust him or feel safe with him. Now I can't imagine my life without him. Maybe it's simply the mate-bond, but he's all I want. He's everything. And I've definitely fallen for him. The way he looks at me, the way he touches me, his protectiveness, the tingles that travel through my skin, and the way he makes butterflies fill my stomach, I love it all.