The Heat

23

I didn't feel like getting out of this bed.

I wasn't even sure if I was feeling this upset because of what had happened when we'd seen my family, or because I had been seperated from Damian since last night.

The first rays of sun entered the bedroom. I had barely slept, just laying in his bed and trying to drown myself in his scent.

Somehow I had gathered myself and taken a shower before going downstairs to search for something to eat.

I guess he kept this cabin up quite a bit, since there was food in the fridge.

I ate breakfast almost way too slowly, just wondering what my family as well as Damian were now doing.

What was the reason my dad and him had pulled guns on each other? I doubt I'd even find out soon.

A few hours later I had situated myself on the sofa with a tub of Ben and Jerry ice cream which I had found rummaging through the kitchen. I was angry at him, and hadn't even bothered to do the dishes.

There was a knock at the door, and I froze. It wasn't Damian since my body wasn't reacting.

"Sofia?" It was Linda.

"Hi," I cleared my throat, opening the door wearing only Damian's oversized sweatpants and a black tee shirt tucked into them.

She gave me a small smile and stepped up to hug me, taking me by complete surprise.

I hesitantly hugged her back.

"Are you okay? Alpha Damian didn't say much, he just told me to come check up on you and bring my phone, I don't know what's going on-"

I pulled back, brows furrowing, "what? He told you to bring your phone?"

"Yes? I always have it with me, I don't understand why he even asked," she shook her head with a small laugh.

I let her step inside and closed the door behind her.

Had Damian read my thoughts about calling my family, or was the mate bond really that strong for him to sense what I needed? Maybe it really was.

"I, uh... can I borrow your phone?" I asked awkwardly, chuckling to myself.

She seemed confused, but finally nodded, "sure. Just don't tell him, I don't think he'd be too happy, but since we're friends"

She handed me her phone with a shrug. She told me the code to unlock it, before I told her I needed to call my mom. She told me she'd go for a run outside so that I could talk to her privately.

"Mom?" I spoke quietly when the number on the other end picked up.

"Sofia, honey, is that you?" Her voice sounded quite emotional and shaky.

"Yes..."

Mom and I talked for two hours, dad and Henry also making an appearance at the other end of the call every now and then.

It had been two hours and Linda hadn't returned.

I assured my family I'd get in contact with them as soon as I could, before saying bye and ending the call.

Just when I was beginning to grow worried as more time passed with Linda still having not returned, there was a knock on the door.

I went to open it, but was taken aback when it was Sawyer's brother, George.

"George?" I was so confused.

Why was he on Alpha Damian's territory?

"Sofia, it's so good to see you," he wrapped me in his arms for a hug.

We had been very close when Sawyer and I had been together, but after his death and Damian kidnapping me, we hadn't been able to keep in contact.

"You too, George... what are you doing here?" I asked, trying to see past him to maybe spot Linda somewhere.

"I'm here to save you," he gave me a proud smile, "let's go"

Then he was taking my hand and tugging me out of the cabin.

"Oh, no, no, no," I began shaking my head with an awkward laugh, "there's no need, I-"

"Your scent's different," he seemed to realise, stopping in his tracks and turning back to look at me.

His light blue eyes studied my face, reminding me so much of his older brother it was breaking my heart.

He brought one hand up to gently brush my hair back, revealing the mark on my neck. His expression completely fell, and he looked like he'd be sick.

"Wha- why?" He stuttered out, "how could you let him do that to you? Oh, Jesus... he's completely brainwashed you..."

"No, no, George," I was shaking my head again, "he hasn't, I love-"

I stopped myself before I could go further, frightened by how normal that word seemed when coming out in that context. I couldn't love Damian this soon, even if the mate bond we shared was incredibly strong...

My eyes landed on a black range rover behind him and in front of the house. Linda was in the backseat, passed out. What the hell was going on?

"Linda?" I was frightened, running towards her immediately, "is she okay, what happened?"

A gut feeling made me uneasy, knowing it had most likely been George.

"She's fine. No bumps or bruises," he arrived by me and opened the door, "come on, Sofia, get in".

I looked up at him to find his eyes pleading with mine. My wolf was howling at me to just return to my mate, while I felt conflicted.

George was someone I respected and trusted, but now something felt off.

"I don't want to leave," I told him honestly, "I'm... happy with Damian" despite what had happened tonight.

"Okay," he replied, seeming to understand.

I nodded briefly before turning back to the sleeping Linda.

Just as I was about to reach inside the car to try to wake her, I panicked when an arm hooked around my neck from behind.

It tightened, cutting off my breathing even as I struggled.

George was strong and I was no match for him.

Before I even realised quite what was happening, I passed out in his arms.