The Border Trilogy (Book #1) Enemies to lovers, Forbidden love

Part 4 - EDITED

"Get me the rope," Darien said.

"Here."

Darien grabbed both of my wrists and yanked them behind my back. I struggled immediately.

"Wait, please!"

He ignored me. A rope wrapped around my wrists once, then twice. He tied it tightly enough to make me wince before climbing off me, standing up and hauling me to my feet next to him. I stumbled as he spun me around to face him.

For the first time, I actually saw him- dark eyes. Black hair. Strong jaw. Broad shoulders. Young.

Far younger than I'd expected. Maybe twenty-one years old tops, though he seemed to have the strength of someone years above his own age. He held my arm firmly, his hand practically swallowing my upper arm as if he expected me to bolt at any second.

He looked at his counterpart, the said something to each other but I didn't pay attention, while my eyes were focused behind him, over his shoulder I looked across the river, at the fear radiating in my sisters eyes.

Avery stood on the Kairi side, tears streaming down her face. She was safe, there's nothing they can do, they can't cross over even to get her.

"Go." I mouthed.

I could see her bend over in tears, she had to stop herself from falling to the ground but she took a shaky step backward, then another.

Darien must have looked at me then, because he followed my eyes and glanced over his shoulder.

Avery spun around finally, and ran back deeper into Kairi lands.

Zane sighed.

"Well..." He looked at me. "That's unfortunate."

"Move." Darien's voice pulled my attention back to him as he shoved me in the direction of the woods.

"Wait! Please, just let me explain."

"Be quiet." His voice was harsh as he dragged me forcefully through the trees.

"Please listen to me, this was a mistake. I didn't mean to come over here." I dug my heels into the ground, trying to get him to stop.

"If you don't shut your mouth, I'll shut it for you. Now walk!" he snapped.

"Just hear me out! I didn't mean any harm, I was just getting my sister!" I planted my feet again.

He stopped so suddenly I nearly ran into him.

Then he slammed me against a nearby tree.

I gasped not so much out of pain but from the shock of how aggressive he was being. With one hand still firmly gripping my arm, he removed a piece of cloth from his waistband.

"Darien..." Zane sounded like he wanted to protest.

"I warned her."

My eyes widened as understanding set in, but before I could even turn my face, the cloth was brought over my mouth. He leaned in, his body pressing mine against the tree to keep me in place as I let out a muffled sound of protest. His face was near my ear while he tied the cloth securely behind my head, his breath warm against my shoulder as he gave one final tug on the knot.

Pulling back slowly, his eyes met mine for a split second before he seemed to almost force them away.

"There," he said evenly. "Now if you make walking an issue, I can assure you I have every authority to drag you by your hair."

His hand tightened around my arm.

"Walk."

Tears threatened in my eyes, but I'd be damned if I let this monster see me cry. How could he be so heartless? What threat was a girl like me? Everything I'd ever learned about this tribe was true. They were ruthless. He knows exactly where he's leading me, yet it didn't seem to deter him in the slightest. Do they truly have no regard for life?