Forbidden
Autorzy
Ella Bujold
Lektury
466K
Rozdziały
23
Chapter 1: A Walk in the Woods
AMELIA
I grabbed the box off the truck. “This is the last one, George,” I said as I placed it neatly into the storage unit.
George looked at me, a solemn expression on his face. “You sure you want to do this, kiddo?” he asked me.
George was my father’s best friend and had been so good to me ever since my parents’ passing. I didn’t know what I would do without him.
He had been the support system I didn’t realize I needed to get through this. I stood there, staring into the unit, glancing around at my whole life, which was now neatly packed into boxes.
I inhaled deeply. “Yes, I’m sure. I need to do this for myself and my parents.” I had thought about this for some time now, struggling with the decision. But, in the end, I decided it was the best thing for me to do.
George placed a hand onto my shoulder and lightly squeezed. “I understand.” He smiled reassuringly. Even though he was against me doing this, I knew he would never stop me.
I glanced once more, then quickly slammed the door shut before I changed my mind and backed out.
After what felt like an eternity of driving and every song that I had downloaded onto my phone, I finally arrived at Killarney Provincial Park, my first destination.
This beautiful park was the most crucial destination and was the first on my list for that very reason.
I stepped out of the car, stretching my muscles and limbs. I began to feel overwhelmed that I was there without them. It felt a bit surreal.
I gazed around at the park. It was so beautiful and lush. The trees stood tall and proud, as far as the eye could see.
My goal was to reach Killarney Lake. It was a long and treacherous hike along the Crack Trail, but I was determined to make it.
I grabbed all of my gear, locked the car, and began my journey. As I walked the trails, I took my time, admiring the beauty surrounding me and capturing photos of anything that stood out. It was so peaceful and calming there.
I had been on the trail for a few hours, and the sun was beginning to set, making me realize that the day had slipped away from me and soon, darkness would be upon me.
Thankfully, I was prepared and had brought a small tent with me, just in case.
I walked a bit farther and noticed a small opening in the trees, almost like a path. I was hesitant to go off the trail, but I wanted to set up somewhere with coverage. So, I veered off the course and into the clearing.
The area was crowded with thick brush for a few feet but then became sparser, revealing a clearing just off the path and perfect for setting up my tent.
I set down my things and gazed around me at the beautiful view. I honestly was astonished at the scenery there.
I began to get everything together, taking my time and setting things up how I wanted them, when I heard a loud growl come from behind me.
I instantly froze as my heart began to race, and my breathing became ragged. I knew there were large animals out here, and I had hoped not to run into any of them.
Luckily, George gave me some bear spray. I did my best to remain calm, trying not to make any noise or sudden movements.
Finally, I bent down and slowly reached into my bag to grab the can of spray. Then, I stood back up and gradually glanced around, staring into the trees around me, looking for signs of an animal.
Another fierce growl resonated off the trees, but it came from my left and sounded much closer this time. I looked all around me but couldn’t see anything, and I was rapidly losing light, making it harder for me to see.
The sound of branches cracking flooded my ears as a vicious snarl came from behind me. I turned around and was horrified at the sight before me. A large reddish-brown wolf stood before me.
I wanted to scream, but nothing came out. The wolf was massive and broad but beautiful in all his glory. I was shocked and scared half to death. However, I also admired the beast before me.
The wolf now stood in an attack position, his large ears folded back and deadly sharp teeth bared.
Panic was rising quickly within me. I gripped my spray tightly and pulled the trigger, aiming it directly at him. The wolf whimpered and stumbled backward.
I took this as my opportunity, not wasting a second, and bolted in the opposite direction.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, but within mere seconds, a loud howl rang throughout the forest, rattling me to my core, knowing I had now pissed the beast off even more.
The sound of the wolf’s paws began to pound against the forest floor, echoing all around me and informing me that he was coming and fast!
I continued to run, dodging branches, leaping over rocks and fallen branches. My chest and legs began to burn and ache.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a small cave, big enough for me to hide inside of it.
I picked up speed and dove in, burying myself into it so as not to be visible. I took some mud and leaves from the ground and rubbed them all over my body, hoping to mask my scent.
I covered my mouth and closed my eyes. Never had I been so scared in my life before. My heart felt like it was going to blow out of my chest. I could hear the wolf pacing around outside of the cave, growling and snarling.
After a few minutes, I didn’t hear him anymore. I peeked out slightly, and the coast was clear.
I slowly emerged, looking all around me, and just when I thought he was gone, he leaped in front of me, causing me to stumble over a rock and fall flat on my ass.
My breath hitched, and my body trembled with fear as he closed in on me. I thought for sure I was going to die.
I closed my eyes, waiting for him to tear me to pieces, but something firmly gripped my arm and yanked me off the ground.
I whipped my head around to see what had hold of me, not expecting to see a large man. But the man towered over me.
He was large and muscular, with light brown hair and bright brown eyes. He grinned down at me before I felt something strike me on the head and everything went dark.
DAMON
I sat at my desk and slammed my fists down, cracking the wood.
“We need to increase border patrols. I want those fucking rogues’ heads on a spike, understood?” I boomed at one of my warriors. He was a newly recruited warrior, but he knew his obligations and duties.
He nodded rapidly. “Of course, Alpha.” He then quickly hurried out of my office.
For the third time this week, the rogues had infiltrated my territory, putting my pack at risk. They had managed to kill two of my warriors, and I’d had enough of this shit.
I wanted things to be taken care of sooner rather than later. If my father found out about this, he wouldn’t hesitate to strip me of my Alpha title for failing to protect the pack and fulfill my duties and obligations.
A knock came at my door. “WHAT?” I snapped.
My Beta, Luca, entered, “Alpha, we have a problem,” he said quickly.
I groaned. “What now?” I seriously didn’t think I could handle any more shit right now.
“Brian and I were doing our rounds when we came across an intruder. She attacked Brian, with minimal injuries. We have her in custody, down in the holding cells,” he explained cautiously.
For fuck’s sake, this is not what I need right now. I pulled at my hair in frustration and stood, prepared to go down to the cells and take care of things.
Luca didn’t move. He remained where he was and put a hand up, stopping me. “There’s one more thing…,” he said hesitantly.
My brows pulled together, and I raised an eyebrow at him in question.
He sighed heavily. “The woman is human.”
I growled loudly. “What? You brought a human here? To our pack!” I was beyond angry at my Beta’s decision to bring a human into our pack. Such a stupid move could quickly put our kind at risk.
I stood quickly from my chair, causing the chair to fly into the wall. “What the fuck were you thinking, Luca?”
He took a step back. “When Brian was approaching her, she sprayed him with something, Alpha. We thought she might be a threat and that it would be best that she be captured and brought back here.”
I rubbed my hand down my face, beyond frustrated at this point. “Do you understand the shit you’ve just caused me?”
He lowered his head in shame. “I apologize, Alpha. We thought she might be a hunter. Should I release her?”
I shook my head quickly. “No, she can’t be released. She must be dealt with as soon as possible to protect our pack and our kind.”
Luca pursed his lips and didn’t respond for a moment. “Of course, Alpha,” he finally agreed.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Take me to the girl. I want to speak with her, make sure she isn’t working with hunters or that anyone else is with her. I don’t need or want anyone coming here looking for her.”
I rounded the desk and stormed out of the office, rage coursing through my blood.
AMELIA
The smell of blood and metal flooded my nostrils, making me groan in distaste. I opened my eyes and tried to sit up, but my head began to throb.
I raised my hand and held my forehead, causing the chains on my wrists to rattle. Then the memories came back. As I looked around the room, I began to panic, only to find myself chained up in a makeshift cell.
I tried to stand, but the chains restricted me. I yanked on the chains as hard as I could, but they didn’t budge and just dug into my wrists.
What am I going to do?
My heart was pounding out of my chest as fear took hold of me. Suddenly, I heard voices and footsteps nearing the cell, and then two enormous figures appeared before me.
One of them was the man who had knocked me out, but I didn’t recognize the other man. I froze, staring at the strange man.
He was taller than the other, built like a brick house, and wearing a tight-fitting shirt, showcasing his muscles, and jeans that hugged his curves as if they were made just for his body.
He had short dirty blond hair, bright blue eyes, and a sharp jawline. The man was beautiful and built to perfection, and I was so enticed by him that sexual desire rose between my thighs, causing me to squeeze my legs together.
He stood there staring at me before leaning down slightly and unlocking the cell door. He bent down as he entered the cell and closed the space between us.
He was even bigger up close as he towered over me. He now stood in front of me; his scent was intoxicating. I closed my eyes and inhaled it, letting it calm me.
Why the hell is my kidnapper having this effect on me? It felt wrong and also felt right.
I opened my eyes and stared deep into those blue orbs of his as his eyes roamed up and down my body, taking in every inch of me.
The large man lifted his hand and moved a piece of my hair away from my face. His touch sent tingles down my spine.
A slight smile began to form on his face, but just as fast as it appeared, it was gone, and his eyes had now turned pitch black.
The same hand that was so gentle a moment ago was now tightly gripping my throat as he slammed me against the wall, making me gasp in fear and pain.
I struggled to breathe and began to claw at his arm, trying to get him to let go of me, but it was pointless. He was too strong, and my scratches did not affect him.
His blue eyes stared into mine. “Who the hell are you? And what are you doing here?” he sneered.
I gasped for air. “I…I…ca…” My vision was becoming blurry now, and my chest began to burn from the lack of oxygen.
Realizing this, he dropped me onto the floor and bent down so he was eye-level with me. I coughed and took in large gulps of air, trying to regain control.
“ANSWER ME!” he shouted in my face.
I glared at him for a second, then cleared my throat. “I…I was hiking,” I managed to get out.
He raised an eyebrow, a bewildered look on his face. “Hiking?” he asked curiously.
“Yeah, you know, that thing that people sometimes do. I came here to hike through the forest when that guy”—I pointed toward my captor—“hit me on the head and brought me here.” I motioned around me.
He furrowed his brows. “What’s your name?” he asked.
I scoffed. “What does it matter? You’re probably going to kill me, so why introduce myself?” I spat.
“I asked you a question; now answer me,” he said in a lethal tone.
I groaned. “Amelia, my name is Amelia. Now can you please let me go? You have no right to kidnap me and keep me here when I was just fucking hiking,” I yelled in his face. I was becoming angry now.
He raised his hand and backhanded me across the face. “Do not raise your voice at me! And I will do as I please.”
He stood to his full height and towered above me, snarling down at me. He turned on his heels and walked toward the door.
He glanced back at me. “Keep Amelia here… for now,” he said to the other man, who nodded in response.
My eyes widened in shock and horror. “No, let me go. You can’t fucking do this,” I hollered at him.
I stood up as much as I could and struggled with the chains, pulling on them with all my strength. The sharp metal dug into my skin, and blood began to drip down my fingers, but I didn’t care.
My panic level was now in overdrive. Tears began to prick at my eyes as I feared the worst. Before exiting the cell, he stopped in his tracks but didn’t look back at me.
“Please, I’m begging you, don’t do this,” I pleaded with him as tears streamed down my face.
He straightened himself and continued out of the cell, locking the door behind him and disappearing from my sight.
“FUCK!” I screamed.
I came here to Killarney Park just to go hiking as a tribute to my parents’ memory. I just wanted to relax and enjoy myself, try to ease the pain I was dealing with, the heartbreak I was enduring, and now, I was utterly screwed.
So, I collapsed, my knees hitting the hard floor, as tears stained my cheeks, thinking about the fact that my life was now over. I was going to die or rot in this cell for the rest of my days.
