Runaway Rogue

Chapter Forty Three: Indigo's POV

Anabelle seemed fine when Indigo had seen her. Distressed, as any victim would be, but alright in general.

Indigo knew she wouldn't be so lucky. But she hadn't expected this.

Her ears were still ringing and she could taste blood in her mouth. He hadn't stopped after he struck her so hard she fell to the floor. She tried to be strong. That was a mistake. He kept going until she began crying. Then, he stood over, seeming satisfied with his progress.

Indigo understood that she had been brainwashed to a certain extent. She knew that this man who made her feel awful things back then also made her feel wonderful things. He broke her down so perfectly that she was forced to chase any smiles or praise he might offer. He had become her sole authority, her sole source of dopamine. She had relied on him. She had trusted him.

She just couldn't fathom how now.

"Are you feeling better now?" Andrew asked when she reappeared from the bedroom. He was sitting in a grossly overpriced armchair in the living room. This was not the house Indigo knew and wherever they were it was secluded enough that she couldn't see lights from any vehicles or other homes. But Andrew was never one to leave behind his luxuries. Like the silk sheets that were on the bed. She repressed a shudder at the thought of those against her skin.

And that luxury extended to her now. There was an entire closet full of new clothes for her. All tight and revealing. But she changed into a new blouse nonetheless, not wanting to look at the drops of her own blood. Andrew saw it as a sign of submission.

"I'm okay," Indigo said finally.

Too bad her stomach heaved when he gestured for her to come closer. Thankfully, her legs didn't wobble too much as she moved to his side. As he reached up to stroke her damaged cheek, she closed her eyes and thought of Anabelle who would be wrapped up in Forest's arms right now. She thought of Sasha safe at home with Bentley nearby to protect her. She thought of Paris who would be frightened, but secure in Caspian's home. It was worth it. Her sacrifice had to be worth it.

"I hated that I had to do that to you. But what were you thinking? I'm your husband, Indigo. I wasn't going to just let you go. Have I not been good to you? Have I not given you everything you needed, everything you ever asked for?"

No, he had taken everything instead. But she didn't dare say that.

"That mutt of a man was never going to be enough for you, Indigo. You know that. He could never afford to keep you. You have such fine taste. You deserve the best this world has to offer. He can't give that to you. I was really doing you a service by bringing you back to me."

How had she ever believed a single word that had come out of his mouth? She would have stayed in her own head forever, cursing him internally, if his fingers hadn't brushed over the thin chain around her neck.

"What's this?" His grip tightened instantly.

"You bought it for me, sugar," Indigo blurted. She batted her eyes open, then cocked her head to the side as if her heart wasn't racing. "Don't you remember darling?"

Andrew's eyes narrowed on the necklace. She knew she couldn't hide it so she carefully pulled it out of her blouse, allowing the pendant to lay flat in her palm. If he called her bluff, if he knew she was lying, she would be done. She would have no other options. She had to rely on her lies now.

"Caspian would never be able to afford something like this," she added.

That seemed to satisfy the older alpha. Perhaps he had taught her too well. He gave her a wolfish grin. "Of course, like I said, he could never treat you the way I can. And you wore this necklace the whole time you were with him?"

"I did," she lied.

He only became more smug. "Good girl. Now, I have to go back to the pack, so you'll be alone here for the rest of the night, but don't worry, I'll be back in the morning." He rose to stand.

Indigo couldn't help but flinch back, her eyes flickering towards the massive window. He was leaving. He was really leaving. That meant that she—

"And before you get any other crazy ideas, just remember that this house was built for this purpose. So that you and I could have quiet, uninterrupted time together whenever we needed it. This forest is so dense, so easy to get lost in."

"I wouldn't dream of leaving," Indigo choked out.

Andrew's grin sharpened. "Oh, you can try if you feel inclined. Just know that I will always – always – find you. You belong to me and I would not rest until I found you again."

He had proven those awful words already.

He moved towards the front door, perhaps the only door in the small house. His keys were waiting on the hook for him. Only one set for the single vehicle there.

"Have a good night, my sweet."

He left with the click of a door and the roar of an engine.

Maybe she should have tried to flee. Maybe she should have convinced herself to try her luck in the woods. Surely, the horrors out there could not be outmatched by the horrors that would be contained within these walls.

But she knew he wasn't lying. He would always find her. And Indigo didn't want to keep running anymore.

~~~Question of the Day~~~

What is your favorite season?