Page 102 of Aine
Alex watches as I pace back and forth, his worry worn clearly on his face.
My beast spitsdisparaging wordsat me in a rapid-fire pace, the painful remarks growing crueler with each minute Aine remains in Owen’s clutches. I know his emotions are stemming directly from the agonizing ones she’s sharing with us, her body and mind in a constant state of torture.
Our bond has been communicating everything since the alcohol left her system, and I love it just as much as I hate it. It brings me peace to feel her pain and know she’s still alive, but it kills me to know she’s in such torture.
“Why don’t you take a nap?” Alex suggests as another wave of Aine’s pain hits me.
My shoulders curl as I grab on to a tree for stability. After taking a moment to collect myself, I shake my head. I’ll sleep when Aine’s safe at home.
“Damien.” Alex sighs as my knees buckle.
I can feel our marks dissolving with each passing day. She’ll always be my mate, but our lack of consummation means the marks aren’t yet permanent. Both the physical and emotional distance between us is weakening them. I’m sure the torture isn’t helping, either.
My eyes grow wet as I pull up my sleeve and shove my thumb against the bite she gave me.
Only the slightest rush of adrenaline makes its way through my body at the contact, and I press harder in a desperate attempt for something more. I hope Aine can feel it and know I’m coming, and I continue forcing my nail into my mark until it’s coated with blood.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
AINE
Owen likes mysilence. Despite him saying I’m allowed to speak when asked a direct question, I’ve learned it’s actually best if I don’t speak at all. When Owen asks something, he doesn’t really care for the answer.
He just wants to feel good about having asked it in the first place.
I stare at my dirty body as Owen speaks promises I know he won’t follow through on. My skin is covered in so much grime, I can’t see my true color underneath, and the leg muscles I once loved have been cut open and destroyed.
I was unaware just how quickly my body could break down, and at this rate, I doubt I’ll survive until my next bleed. I’d estimate I’ve been here for well over a week, but it’s hard to know for sure. The days blend together, and when Owen doesn’t visit me I usually just sleep through them.
A small grin makes its way to my lips as I think about my death. It’s only a matter of time.
Damien’s not coming, and even if he were, he won’t care to keep me. Dozens of men and women have seen my naked body on this pole. They scoff at the sight of my blood and laugh as I cry and try to cover the shame of my excrement.
Owen was kind enough to send a beast to rake away and clean up the worst of it, but no amount of scrubbing could thoroughly cleanse the small area surrounding me.
It’s forever tainted.
I’m forever tainted.
Damien’s so beautiful and clean. He’d turn and run for the hills if he ever saw me in such a state. My heart sinks as I wonder if that’s what happened. I’m sure he initially came looking for me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he took one glance at me and returned to his pack. He’s fawned over by both humans and beasts, and I’m willing to bet it wouldn’t be hard for him to find somebody else to take my spot as his mate.
Owen sits on the ground to my left and clears his throat to capture my attention. He’s so clean and healthy, too, and he shouldn’t be this close to me. My dirt is going to rub off on him.
Gratefulness fills my heart as he strokes my cheek. He’s so kind to overlook my current state, telling me every day that I’m still beautiful and worthy in his eyes. I know he’s lying, but it still warms my heart.
“You’re getting so small.” He sighs, drawing his gaze down my frame. “I’ve sent one of my men to get food for you.”
I perk up and scan his face for a lie. He seems earnest as he smiles at me, his hand lowering to my neck. I stiffen when his fingers make contact with my mark.
“You lied when you said you and Damien consummated your bond,” he calmly says.
I gulp. Owen doesn’t like when I lie to him.
The corners of his lips twitch upward as he breathes in the scent of my fear, his nostrils flaring. I completely forgot I told him that, and had I remembered, I would’ve come clean immediately. The fear of his punishments is greater than the preservation I have for Damien’s and my bond.
“I’m too happy by your lack of mark to punish you right now,” he says. “I never thought I’d get to see your beautiful skin without it.”
My eyebrows furrow as I turn my head in a sad attempt to look at my neck. What does he mean by my lack of mark? Is it gone? There’s no way. Jenna said they’re for life.