Mine

~|| Chapter 18 ||~

I immediately go to Valentino's office and get the key to the dungeon cells thingy. I then walk down to the dungeon remembering the time Val's 'fiancé' put me down there.

I make it to the door without running into walls and immediately unlock it.

I know that most of the people, except for Bomby, are good. They did nothing wrong to end up here. Though I still don't know what Bomby did.

I slip in though the door and close it behind me. I stand in total darkness waiting for my eyes to adjust when I hear a chuckle.

"Look boys! Buttercup is back," I hear Thorn say.

"Hey baby girl! What'd you do this time? Miranda didn't get you again right," that was Henry.

"Um no. I actually came to see you guys. Val kind of gave me permission," I muttered.

"What's got you so down? Come and sit with us," That time was Odis.

By then, my eyes have adjusted so I see them sitting in a little circle with a spot open for me.

I walk over and sit in between Thorn and Odis.

"Guys... I have some good and bad news."

They give me the look that says 'go on'.

"Good news - You're being released-", I started but get cut off by Thorn.

"Valentino is actually allowing this," he asked confused.

And I understand why he's confused. His brother put him in here so he couldn't meet his mate but now he's letting them out. It just doesn't make sense.

"That's the bad news," tears fill my eyes, "I'm acting Luna until Valentino gets better."

No one had to tell me to fill the role. I knew I had to. I have to until we figure out what's wrong with Val. Until he's okay...

"No. No, no, no. I don't think you understand. We can't leave," Henry says frantically.

"Yes you can. For awhile at least. Valentino told me everything. He marked me. And now there's something wrong. And I need your help and you guys are some of the people that know the curse the best," I sniffle as tears start coming down my face.

"Aha! I knew there was something different. He marked you... Wait! He marked you," Odis started ranting.

"I just need to ask you guys questions. And I want you to see Val. Please. Do this for your brother," I pleaded.

All three looked at each other then back to me and nodded.

•••

I had gotten the three men out and taken them to guest rooms so they could freshen up from being in a dungeon.

I had given them directions to Valentino's office and now we were just waiting for Odis to make an appearance.

Finally, he walked through the double doors while towel drying his wet hair.

He looked up and realized we were waiting and quickly took a seat.

"Uh, first before we go see Valentino, can I ask a question," I ask.

Odis nods his head so I ask, "What happened to Ajax? Is he alive? Did he find his mate? Why isn't he here?"

Henry answers first, "that's more than one question, Victoria."

I roll my eyes and ignore him.

I look at the other two brothers to see if they have answers and Thorn does, "So yeah, he's alive. He did find his mate, whom is Bomby. And she's just so salty because he's been awol for awhile now looking for someone to kill the bond. The curse has taken him."

Oh.

I nod silently thinking of the new information.

I then get up from my chair. "We should go see Valentino now."

I take the siblings down to the pack hospital and take them to his room.

I stand outside the room as Henry and Odis walk in.

"Are you gonna go in," Thorn asks me.

I shake my head no. No. I can't. I'd cry. I can't handle seeing him like that again.

He bites his lip and shakes his head pulling me into the room.

I know his motives are for the best. He knows I need to see Valentino, I just don't know if I can.

I stumble in and this time instead of seeing Valentino chained to the bed, he's in shackles. Connected to the wall.

He sees me and seems to calm down for a second before roaring and pushing a medical table onto its side.

I can feel the sobs coming up my throat, choking me.

Thorn, Odis, and Henry stand somberly against the wall. I see a sense of understanding in their eyes but I don't ask afraid something else will come up.

I look around him to see Jake talking to his sister, looking at lots of paperwork. Hearing Val's massive howl, he turns around but freezes when he sees the three musketeers.

His eyes shoot to mine, "What are they doing out of the dungeon?"

"I needed them."

His eyes quickly soften at my tone and he turns to grab a syringe and gives it to one of the helpers. He turns to Val and throws it at him - making me gasp - like he would a dart.

I can't believe they're treating him like a dart game. I wonder who's winning?

Odis pulls me outside and when they shut the door, they turn to me with indifferent expressions on their faces.

"We don't know what's going on but if we did, it seems like the curse is going faster but that doesn't seem the case."