Page 43 of Demon Rejected

10

Matt

I woke up in silence.

My arms and back hurt like hell. The last few months passed in a blur. Still, I was more than happy to know that Scarlett found a new home at the SN HQ. It was entirely her choice whether she wanted to share the fact she’s a Fire Wolf. I was hoping she wouldn't, knowing that she can use the magic of fire would make her desirable as an Alpha mate. I had to correct myself, more desirable.

Even now, trapped and beaten, my first concern was her safety, her happiness. My Little Flame.

My lips were cracked, I could taste blood in my mouth, it dripped down my throat. As I hung there, I started to assess my injuries. My first reflex was to shift and get out of here, but I couldn’t. Great, the cuffs that held my hands and feet were silver and probably dipped in wolfsbane.

“You can’t shift, Matt, don’t waste your time attempting it."

I didn’t know that voice, but I felt a deep need, a wild desire to rip out his damn throat.

He chuckled.

My nose let me know that I found myself inside a damp cold basement. Water dripped on my head and slipped into my eyes. My legs are broken. I can feel it. Those guys stormed my cabin, which meant there was a traitor inside the ranks of the SN. There was no other way someone could know the location of my training center and what wards I had up.

Another fact, they had a witch who deactivated my wards to pass through, who destroyed my safe haven. And poor Tim--he was only fifteen years old. Those assholes killed him, and he was just a kid who had some trouble shifting and controlling his aggression.

“Why are you hidden? Step in the light, let me see you."

Another laugh.

“No, you’re not privy to see my face. Not yet. My associates will help you talk a bit more."

“I won’t say a damned word. You killed that kid. What’s your problem?"

“That was an unfortunate accident. He wasn’t important. Casualties happen in a war."

“I was not aware that we were at war." I spit the words out.

“But we are at war, my dear friend."

“Damn, is this the way you treat all your friends, or am I super special?"

That damn asshole laughed again. There was no paper trail around my house leading up to my Little Flame. She should be safe. I hoped. If they kill me now, the only thing that I regret is. And it hit me like a crowbar into my solar plexus. If I don’t escape this place, I’ll never see my Little Flame again.

My wolf whimpered inside me. Even though I rejected her, my wolf wanted her, ached for her. My mind rejected her. My heart was hers. She’s crazy, the type of crazy that makes it worth getting up from bed in the morning. Who cares if I am one hundred and twenty and she’s eighteen. But will she care that I killed the last fire Alphas? Will she accept that I’m her enemy, that I wanted that power and, even when I’m close to her, I still crave her power?

I didn’t see the hit. My eyes swelled and made it hard for me to see anything except a weak sliver of light that came from behind me. I said her name inside my mind, like a prayer. Scarlett, my Little Flame. I wasn’t calling out for mother Moon, but for her. My mate, my one and only.

* * *

Scarlett

Ziggy drove me back to HQ. I may or may not have shed a few tears on the way back. I hid my face in his back, my hands wrapped around him. He’ll send a driver in the morning for me. The plan was straightforward. Fly to Las Vegas, go to the Dark Crystal Club, and try to get a job as a dancer.

Sounds easy.

I had a simple, small flat, and my name was Autumn Summers. It sounded like a good idea. There was no more time for me to prepare. When he left me at HQ, Ziggy hugged me hard and kissed me right on my lips. It was a sweet soft kiss. He had never kissed me on my lips before.

“Promise to be careful, princess. Don’t do anything stupid or crazy. All you have to do is keep your eyes and ears open. Me and the boys will be doing the heavy lifting."

I rolled my eyes, and Ziggy saw it.

“Promise me?"