The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 35

"Don't waste your apologies on me! Save them for the Alpha!"John yells. He stomps heavily across the stone floor, grabbing Amelia by the hair and dragging her into the cell next to mine. He throws her in and slams the cell door shut.

"Amelia!"I shout. We look at each other. Her eyes are red and puffy from crying. She has a few minor bruises on her neck. 

"Astrid, I'm sorry," she cries, looking away.

"I caught my little mate, Amelia here, rummaging through my father's things, and forced her to confess what she was looking for," John says, smirking. 

"You were supposed to be at work today!"Amelia yells at John.

"I was but came home early. We had some issues with Ryker from Shadow Crest, which we had to take care of. So dad sent me home to prepare the warriors. In case Ryker tries to break in and rescue his dear little Astrid," John says.

"Ryker is looking for me?" I ask excitedly. How did Ryker know to go to Zenith Creations? He must have found the business card. I left it in my room.

"Don't get too excited sweet cheeks," John says. "His beta, Seth and others found your scent in the city but lost the trail. Seth broke into our underground car park after picking up your scent again. Pack warriors patrol at night. We caught Seth, as you know, and he has been in the basement since. We only let him out to interrogate and rough him up," John laughs.

"Wait! That guy you beat up the other day was Seth?" I ask, in shock.

"Sure was," he chuckles. 

"You're a bastard! You know that, John?" I yelled, glaring at him. 

"Yep. I know it, and I like it," John laughs.

"What has Alpha Zenith told Ryker?" I ask, needing more information. 

"Dad told him you begged him for temp work, to skip town, so we gave you work for a few days, paid you cash, and then you left." he smiles.

"Did he believe it?" I ask. 

"I don't know. Hence, James and I came back to the house to prepare, just in case he trespassed and searched for you and Seth. Anyway, I'm sure your soon-to-be mate, James, will come to see you shortly. Alpha Zenith should be back soon, too. I'm interested to see what Amelia's punishment is for trying to help you escape," he says with a smirk.

John leaves Amelia and me, and I crawl over to her on my hands and knees on the stone floor and reach out to her. She is shaking and petrified, as am I.

"Amelia, look at me," I whisper. Amelia slowly looks up at me with her pretty brown eyes. 

"I won't let anything happen to you, okay?" I promise. 

"I look forward to your first shift tomorrow night. Ever since Ryker showed up looking for you, I haven't been able to stop thinking of you. The thought of him taking you from me is not good," he says.

"I belong with Alpha Ryker, not you! You'll be sorry when he finds me!"I yell. James glares and pushes me harshly against the bars. 

"You are mine! And I'll claim you as mine after your first shift. I'll ensure you're bearing my pups by the night's end!"He growls.

"I will never mate with you. I would rather die than bear your pups!"I yell. James strikes my face, and I fall to the ground. 

"Astrid!"Amelia cries out. James storms out of the cell, locking it behind him.

"I'm okay. I'm sorry you had to see that," I say. 

"Astrid, we need to get out of here!"Amelia cries. 

"I know," I say, looking away. Seth sits up. 

"Seth! Seth!"He raises his wrists to his face to take the calico bag off his head. He spends a few moments squinting before his eyes adjust.