I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. I knew that there would be times when I would need to face danger head-on, but for Trux, for all of them, I would try.
"Trux..." I hesitated, unsure how to respond to this unguarded version of him. His vulnerability stirred something inside me, an emotion I couldn't quite place.
"Promise me," he insisted, his voice barely audible. "Promise me you'll be careful. I won't accept anything less."
My chest tightened, the weight of his plea bearing down on me. I saw the fear in his eyes, the raw intensity of his emotions.
"Alright," I whispered, feeling the heavy burden of his trust settle upon my shoulders. "I promise, Trux. I'll do my best to stay out of harm's way."
A ghost of a smile flickered across his face.
Zandia's laughter rang out, a sharp and mocking sound that echoed through the dimly lit room. I felt the hair on the back of my neck rise as her amusement seemed to reverberate within me, unsettling the precarious balance I had just established with Trux.
"Please," she scoffed, rolling her eyes at our exchange. "As if I'd put Parker in any more danger than you lot already have."
My cheeks burned with indignation, but I refused to let her get under my skin. Instead, I focused on Trux, his gaze still locked on mine. The intensity of his stare sent shivers down my spine, a blend of possessiveness and concern.
"Trux," I whispered, placing a hand on his arm for reassurance. "I'll do everything I can to not put myself at risk, but we both know this mating bond is important to all of us. We need to be sure that it will work. I won't lose you, any of you, from a misunderstanding."
His jaw clenched, the cords in his neck tightening as he struggled with his instincts. I felt the heat of his body beneath my palm. The sensation sent a jolt of electricity through me.
"Fine," he growled at last, the word a reluctant concession. "But remember your promise. You won't face danger alone."
"Never," I whispered, my resolve steeling as I met his gaze again. "We're in this together, Trux. All of us."
A quiet hush fell over the room, the weight of our shared commitment settling upon us like a heavy cloak. Within that silence, I sensed the strength of the bond that connected me not only to Trux, but to each member of our team. It was stronger with those I'd mated with: Trux, Seph, and Rhiot. Grayson always seemed to have a connection with me, though it felt different. Kearan was a tentative link, while Ryker seemed to keep himself closed off from me. My heart ached at the memory of our failed mating.
Zandia chuckled, the sound a cold, mocking echo that seemed to hang in the air. "You know what?" she said, her eyes narrowing as they flicked between me and the rest of the team. "I'm tired of dealing with all of you." Her gaze settled on me, a predatory glint in her eyes. "Parker, we're going to talk privately now."
My heart skipped a beat at her words, but I forced myself to remain calm, even as my instincts screamed at me to run. "Why?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "What do you want to talk about?"
"Does it matter?" She snapped, her impatience palpable. "Let's just say I think it's time for us to have a little one-on-one chat, without your pack of overprotective shifters breathing down our necks."
"Wait," Trux protested, stepping forward, his shoulders tense. "I don't think that's a good?—"
But before he could finish his sentence, everyone around me vanished, leaving me standing alone with Zandia in the suddenly empty room. Even the humans were gone. And Ro. Just like that. Poof. All of them were gone. My breath caught in my throat; the reality of the situation sank in. I had no idea where they were or how to get them back.
"Where did you send them?" I demanded as I searched the space for any sign of their return. "Bring them back now!"
"Relax, Parker," Zandia drawled, an infuriating smirk playing on her lips. "They're not far away—just out of sight for the moment. This is between you and me, remember?"
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to use my powers to strike her down where she stood. But I knew that wouldn't solve anything and would most definitely make matters worse.
"Bring them back!" I demanded, my frustration reaching new heights.
"Relax, Parker. Focus on our conversation," Zandia insisted, her voice dripping with arrogance. "It's important."
I clenched my teeth, resisting the urge to launch myself at her and force her to bring my team back. Instead, I reluctantly complied, knowing I had no other choice. The icy chill of fear slid down my spine as I began to realize just how powerful Zandia was and what it meant for me. She'd been watching me, stalking me even, waiting for the perfect moment to pull me into her twisted game. Whatever that might be.
"Fine," I hissed through gritted teeth. "What do you want with me?"
"Ah, there it is—the question that's been burning inside you since we met," she purred, circling me like a vulture, her eyes locked onto mine. "You see, Parker, I've been keeping an eye on you for quite some time now. And I must say, your powers are... intriguing."
"Is that why you made everyone disappear? To talk about my powers?" I asked incredulously, my anger boiling over.
"Partly," she admitted, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "But I also wanted to see how you would react when faced with a true display of power."
"Enough games, Zandia! Tell me what you want, or I swear I'll?—"
