Losing Control

Chapter 9

The 8-hour journey felt interminable. I hadn't spoken to Saxton, and anxiety crept in as I pondered his well-being. Despite my repeated rejections, a part of me still cared about his safety. I suspected Felix maintained contact with them through some form of communication, and halfway through our trip, my curiosity got the better of me. I inquired about it, and Felix confirmed my assumptions about the telepathy they have. The drive continued in relative silence, with only the soft hum of the radio breaking the quiet. As we neared our destination, I began to recognize the surroundings. We were approaching Saxton's residence.

I cling tightly to my seatbelt as we speed up the winding driveway to Saxton's house, my heart racing from our narrow escape. The darkness of the night presses in around us, broken only by the glare of the car's headlight.

The image of that creature is burned into my mind, their eyes wild with hunger as they hunted me. The familiarity stays with me.

We screech to a halt in front of the sprawling mansion. I climb out of the car on shaky legs, my breath coming in quick gasps. Saxton emerges from the front door, flanked by other pack members. Even in the dim porch light, I can see the weariness etched on their faces, the tension in their postures. They look how I feel - utterly exhausted but still on high alert.

Saxton's gaze locked onto mine and he strode towards me purposefully. His strong arms enveloped me in a tight hug, providing a sense of comfort I didn't even know I needed. At that moment, I could have stayed in his embrace forever. Why was my heart aching for him so intensely? It had only been a week since I met him, yet I couldn't stop thinking about him when we were apart. I couldn't help but worry for his safety. What was happening to me?

"What took place out there? We lost communication with you. Where is your damn phone!" Saxton's voice resonated with authority as he turned to Felix. His piercing blue eyes scanned over me, checking for any injuries.

Felix rakes his hand through his tousled red hair. "We were being chased," he says, frustration evident in his voice. "I couldn't place the person's scent; it was unfamiliar to me." He shakes his head. "It felt like we were being followed or monitored somehow. I didn't expect to take off like that. My phone was left in a different car."

Saxton's jaw tightens, a muscle twitching in his cheek. He shares a meaningful look with the other members of the pack. They seem to have some unspoken understanding, something that I am not a part of. I can't help but feel like an outsider among these formidable wolves as if I have stumbled into their mysterious and perilous world. This must be the telepathy Felix had told me about.

Without warning, Saxton whirls around and marches towards the edge of the yard, his shoulders tense under his black leather jacket. Bright lights glimmer in the distance. I follow closely behind, with Felix by my side, a breeze hits my face as we walk through the crisp night air.

As we approach the tree line, I spot two rough-looking men on their knees in the grass, hands bound behind their backs. A few more pack members stand guard over them, muscles coiled with tension.

My stomach turns at the sight of the hostages. Scraggly hair, torn clothing, feral eyes darting about - they look half-wild, more beasts than men. Saxton looms over them, power radiating from his formidable form.

Saxton's tone was frigid as he asked, "Which one of these men did you see?"

Felix shook his head. "None of their scents match the figure I saw. It wasn't anyone I know."

"Time for some answers," Saxton growls, a hint of beast in his voice. He grabs one of the men by the hair, wrenching his head back. The man snarls, baring sharp teeth.

I gulp, both intimidated and oddly thrilled by this ruthless side of Saxton. My heart pounds as I watch him, unable to look away. Just what have I gotten myself into? And what dark secrets are these wolves hiding?