Page 15 of Alpha Fate
“He’ll have need, you ass. He’ll be fine. Besides, she just hasn’t been ready.”
Ready?
A shiver runs through me, but I remain silent. If I’d heard those words a day ago, I’d have felt dread. Now, I don’t.
He’s coming back for me.
They can threaten me, forget about me, leave me without food or water. Gage will be back. It’s going to be okay. He said it would be okay.
The pair leave the dank dungeon, leaving me alone again, and for the first time, the silence brings solace. I settle against the wall, eyeing the water that’s been set on the floor near my feet.
Don’t touch it.
Even though my tongue feels like it’s sticking to the roof of my mouth, I ignore it. Gage warned me not to. I have to stay strong and wait for him…because I know he’s coming back. He promised.
But as the hours drag on, doubt and anxiety gnaw at me. What if something happened to him out there? What if he couldn’t find a way back? I squint at the bowl, still just within reach.
Just a drop…
Reflexively, I kick out, flipping it over and sending the water splashing across the floor, removing all temptation.
No! Don’t give up hope!
I cling to his words, imagining his voice saying them to me again. I can be strong. I can!
I slip in and out of a fitful sleep as more hours pass. Again, the men come, this time with food. Soundlessly, I watch them, not paying attention to their taunts.
“Rack really lucked out with this one. No wonder he’s been so preoccupied.”
“Not preoccupied now. Gonna be a while before he’s gonna have use for her…or anyone else.” There’s a dry chuckle.
“Hey! Show some respect. He’s our Alpha.” The first one seems upset.
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. But if he doesn’t pull through, maybe I’ll be in with a shot. Chet thinks he’s first in line, but there’ll be enough for all of us.”
“In your dreams! Anyhow, Rack’s tough. He’ll definitely pull through. And then he’s going to have your balls for even thinking this way.”
Pull through?
I tilt my head, trying to make sense of it. Rack must be the big male who’s been coming to me. Why does he need to pull through?
“What’s going on?” I finally find my voice, curiosity winning out.
“Oh, look; it can speak,” one of them says drily.
“What’s going to happen to me?” I wish I didn’t sound so pitiful. I straighten my shoulders.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” the first one sneers.
“Why the fuck is she always so out of it?” the other one says.
“Rack said to keep her on the Tranq. After the last one got away, he’s not taking any chances with this one. She’s basically been roofied.”
Roofied? What other one? What the hell?
“What do you mean?” I interrupt. I don’t get an answer. Ignoring me, they leave, the conversation continuing out of earshot.
My mind spins in dizzying circles. What’s going on out there? It’s been a while since Rack was here, and that’s been a relief. But maybe it hasn’t been such a blessing. I’m pretty sure that he’s been the only thing between me and these others.