I’m so stupid.
To him, it probably looked like nothing. But to me, it was everything. Theonlything I had.
And now it’s gone. Leaving me with nothing meaningful to my name.
Let the record show that, despite what people may think and the things I’ve done—which were terrible—I amnota violent person. I’m not perfect and might steal a book or two,borrowif I can swing a safe return. But I keep to myself and don’t bother anyone.
It is a grave error to mistake my quiet nature as weakness. I am not someone you want on your bad side.
Caleb made that error.
But I made the first when I assumed he might have mercy.
Never again.
I wake the next morning surprisingly refreshed, considering I slept in my captor’s arms, surrounded by a pack that I’m pretty sure wants to kill me.
I don’t know how I could sleep under these circumstances, but restful sleep is sporadic for me, so I can’t complain. At least I woke up.
My eyes try to flutter open, but the sun is too bright.
Nope, five more minutes.After several unsuccessful attempts to go back to sleep, I’m relieved of the sun’s torture. A shadow spares me the agony.
I’ve almost dozed off again until I hear a gruff voice.
“Get up.”
I peek through my sleepy eyes to see a frowning Caleb standing over me. How could someone so handsome be so grumpy all the time? I’d say it wasn’t a good look for him, but I’d be lying if his snarl wasn’t appealing. Unfortunately, his personality as of late makes him less attractive.
No it doesn’t, my wolf says.
You’re right, it doesn’t, I tell her.
Ignoring him, I roll over.
“I don’t like repeating myself,” he growls.
My arm is yanked up when Caleb pulls me to my feet.
“Hey!” I scramble to rise with him. “Forgive me if I’m not in a rush to be enslaved.”
“Like you have a choice. Seems you were right: No one is coming for you. Let’s go.” Caleb pulls me along with him and the others, making our venture through the woods a literal death march.
Wanting to die and being faced with the very real possibility of dying are two totally different things. I find myself observing my surroundings, trying to occupy my mind, but there’s nothing but trees.
Until I spot a cute little raccoon up in a plastic soda can liner. It’s wrapped around his neck, likely restricting his eating, drinking or breathing.
Instinctively, I move to help him.
“Hey! Get back in line!” Caleb says.
If he wanted a compliant prisoner, he shouldn’t have burned the only leverage he had. Someone who has nothing left to lose is far more dangerous than one with everything.
Oh, well. He fucked up.
He fucked upbig time.
I make a beeline for the raccoon, ignoring Caleb. I untangle the little beast.
