The Pet🐾 (Completed)

Chapter 51

Jasper

I quickly scanned the area, my mind racing. I spotted a small shed behind the house, and it was filled with plates, cups, forks, knives, and a whole lot of other random stuff. Toward the back, I found an ax. I grabbed it, lifted it above my head, and brought it down hard on the lock. The lock snapped, and the door creaked open.

As soon as I stepped inside, the scent of Ashley and blood hit me. It was overwhelming. I inhaled deeply, following the trail that led me to a door under the staircase. It was locked, but there was no need for the ax this time. I quickly unlocked it, and the stench that filled the air was a mix of blood and tears.

I descended a set of stairs and found Ashley chained to the wall. There was dried blood around her mouth and on the floor, and her clothes were torn and ruined. I hurried over to her, kneeling down.

I gently tapped her to wake her. She jumped in shock and began scooting back when she saw me. I sat down to give her some space, then took off my zip-up jacket and handed it to her.

"Are you okay? It's getting cold. You should put this on," I said, trying to show her I meant no harm.

She looked me up and down. I had a few more scratches than before, but nothing serious. She reached out hesitantly and took the jacket, draping it over her shoulders.

I looked around the room for any signs of keys. "Why are you here?" I asked, getting up to search better.

She watched me, her eyes filled with sadness. "Jared has taken over the pack and locked me up here. Roman is locked up somewhere too," she explained, her voice shaking when she spoke about Roman.

I clenched my fists at the thought of Jared. "I can totally see that bastard doing this. He blackmailed me into taking the fall for poisoning my brother. Jared was the one who wanted it to happen," I said, searching behind some boxes.

I walked over to another corner of the room, hoping to find something useful. "What did he blackmail you with?" she asked softly.

I took a deep breath. "Do you know how mad and upset my brother would be if he found out I was in bed with you, naked, and that I hurt you? He would lose his mind. He'd probably go on a rampage to kill me, and then he might turn on you too, feel betrayed. It would cause so much more pain than good," I said, the weight of the truth hanging between us.

She nodded, understanding. "Did Jared have any keys?" I asked, coming up empty-handed from my search.

She thought for a moment. "I never saw them, but I heard him lock and unlock the front door. He probably has them with him now," she said, her voice trailing off.

I looked back at her. "I'll be back in a moment. Just stay calm. It's the only option," I said, trying to reassure her before heading back down the stairs with the ax.

Her eyes widened in horror as I approached. "I'd like to keep my arms and legs in one piece, please," she said, hugging her legs to her chest.

I chuckled softly. "It's just for cutting the chains. We can deal with the shackles later," I told her, stepping closer.

She hesitated but then moved her legs so the chains were stretched out. I lifted the ax and brought it down hard on the first chain. It snapped with ease. I repeated the process for the other three chains until she was free.

She slipped her arms into my jacket, the sleeves barely reaching her wrists, and the hem of the jacket falling to her mid-thigh. Was I really that big? Or was she just that small? I leaned down and took her hand, helping her to her feet. She leaned on me as we slowly made our way up the stairs.

"How are we getting back on pack land?" she asked, her voice weak.

I laughed softly as we stepped out onto the porch. "Same way any other person would—through the front door," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

I saw her head lower, and she mumbled, "Why did you save me?"

I walked her off the porch, the weight of her question settling in. "I don't blame you for what my brother did. Even though I was forced into something I didn't want, I don't resent him. And Sophia told me about your dreams."

Her head snapped up. "She told you about that?"

I nodded, my tone serious. "She said you thought I was the one they warned you about."

I heard a sniffle from her as tears began to fall. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't trust you," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Without thinking, I scooped her up bridal style and held her close. Her tears soaked into the fabric of my jacket, but I didn't mind. "It's okay. Most people in the pack don't trust me. It's always been this way," I told her softly.

"But why?" she asked, wiping her eyes with the sleeves of my jacket.

"I never followed the rules. I did whatever I wanted. For a while, I was the pack's bully. I was a horrible kid," I said with a rueful smile.

She opened her mouth to say something when we were suddenly surrounded by wolves. I stepped back, realizing I had crossed onto pack land with the Luna in my arms, injured. This was going to take a lot of explaining.

I sighed, bracing myself for the inevitable.