Page 46 of Bound

“We’ve got you now,” I tell her. “They’ll never hurt you again.”

And I mean it. Mate or not, there is no way I would let anyone get their hands on her again. Now, she belongs to the Silverstorm Pack, and we protect what’s ours.

Chapter 23

Cherry

As we climb into the large, dark blue SUV, nerves fill me. Not just because we’re leaving the safety of their home, but because I’m about to meet the alpha of their pack, whom they don’t seem to like, and it makes me extremely nervous.

The twins climb in on either side of me in the back row, their thighs warm against my fur. I’m grateful for the contact; it’s a steady reassurance that I’m not alone. Maddox drives with Bain seated beside him, his broad shoulders tense. Gage is in the middle row with his laptop open, typing furiously. He’s been trying to research my symptoms to see if he can find something to help me shift.

I stare out the window at the small town that passes us by. Average-sized homes on large lots. Each property has plenty of space. Westgrove seems like a nice place to live, but I don’t know that anywhere could feel like home again, not without my family.

Ten minutes later, a massive house comes into view at the end of the long driveway, and even from here it feels imposing.It’s practically a mansion, with large windows and giant white columns. It doesn’t look like a home. It looks like Alpha Kane is trying to make a statement.

The SUV slows to a stop, and the engine cuts out. The air instantly fills with tension as we silently climb out.

Maddox takes the lead, followed by Gage, and the twins move with me between them, not touching but close enough that I feel their presence. Bain takes up the rear.

Alpha Kane’s guards line the entrance, and their interested gazes drop to me. It makes my hackles rise as unease moves through me. This home is not a safe place.

Gage steps directly in front of me and crosses his arms. “I would advise you to keep your eyes off ‌her,” he says in a calm voice that sounds very much on edge. Hunter’s leg touches my side, and his fingers gently stroke along my back, reminding me he’s here, that they’re all here.

The guard scoffs but wisely says nothing before turning and leading us inside to a sitting room. Everything here speaks of opulence. High ceilings, large chandeliers, polished floors. I can already tell I’m not going to like the man who lives here.

Bain takes a seat on the large sofa, and Hunter and Gage sit on either side of him. Chase leans against the edge of the fireplace, crossing one ankle over the other as he glances around the room. I can somehow tell he’s trying to act unbothered by being here, but he’s extremely tense on the inside.

Maddox slowly paces the room as I lower myself to the floor to sit between Bain’s feet. Instinct draws me there as I crave the safety and protection he offers.

He leans slightly toward me. “Do you want to sit in my lap?” he whispers.

My heart squeezes at the sweet gesture coming from his deep, baritone voice, but I shake my head. If I’m going to meet the Alpha, I won’t do it curled up like some fragile, meek wolf. Iwant to at least give the appearance of strength, even if I’m a quivering mess on the inside.

I sit a little taller, and Bain’s hand comes down to stroke over my neck. The touch warms me more than it should.

Ten long minutes pass before footsteps echo down the hall. The man who enters is clearly Alpha Kane, striding in like he owns the air itself.

“Maddox, you’ve finally returned,” he says with a tempered smile, his voice dripping with exaggerated cheer.

They clasp hands in greeting as Maddox responds. “Uncle, it’s good to see you looking so well.”

“You flatter me, boy,” he says with a grin. He looks over the other guys with a hint of trepidation before his eyes drop to me.

The smile fades from his face. “So the rumors are true. You’ve been hiding a wolf from me.”

“Not hiding, Uncle,” Maddox tells him.

“That’s Alpha Kane, to you,” he corrects him with a sharp look. I press my side against Bain’s leg, and his fingers press firmer into the back of my neck, reassuring me.

Maddox sighs before continuing. “Our intention wasn’t to hide her. The situation is a bit sensitive.”

Alpha Kane cocks an eyebrow as he looks down at me. “How so? And why is she in my home in her wolf form? You know how I feel about that,” he says angrily.

“She’s been unconscious since we arrived,” Maddox explains. “She just woke up this afternoon.”

“Unconscious?” he asks in confusion.

“She was injured,” Gage tells him. “Badly. She needed to heal.”