NADIA SIMPSON
"Max Black. What's your name, beautiful?" he says, stretching his hands with a welcoming expression on his face.
"Nadia Simpson."
Not wanting to beat around the bush and not sure if I am actually safe yet, I cut to the case. "Why did you help me or should I say, kidnap me? Why am I here? What are you going to do to me?"
I save the most important question for the last, trying to gauge his reaction. "Did HE send you to hurt me?"
The look of utter confusion in his eyes is so relaxing that I sign out in relief. Whoever this man is and whatever his intentions are, they can't be that bad if he doesn't work for HIM.
I know they say the devil you know is better than an angel you don't know but trust me, when it comes to this devil that I know, you're better off dying in the hands of an angel you don't know.
"Who is HE? And why the hell does he sound a hell lot worse than Alpha Asher?"
I shiver, suddenly remembering how the mood goddess mated me to the worst werewolf on planet earth.
Just then, another thought comes to my mind. A mate can be the most cruel wolf ever but have the softest spots for his mate. What if that was the case? What if Alpha Asher was just shocked that he got a mate he never expected? What if he came back for me and didn't find me because someone else took me.
"You kidnapped me. Why did you kidnap me?" My angry voice yells.
"I didn't kidnap you."
I scoff, wrapping my hands around myself in a protective embrace. "Then why did you take me from the place I was? Why did you tie me up?"
A thought crosses my mind and it pleases me and my wolf so much.
The thought that this guy was sent by my mate to look after me. Maybe he rejected me because of what his people might say about being mated to a rogue. Everyone knows the Night Shadow Pack hates rogues more than they hate anything else in this world.
I almost smile at the possibility while my wolf hums slowly in content.
"I was just trying to help you. You were almost dead. I only tied you up because you are a rogue and I didn't know what you are capable of. We both know just how dangerous rogues can be. Besides, you must be some sort of powerful witch or something to have gotten out of the Night Shadow Pack alive. I had to be helpful but also cautious." Max explained.
His explanation made absolute sense but my wolf, we have been quiet since I regained consciousness, was having none of it.
Maybe it is an aftermath of the rejection. Maybe my heart was breaking. But I suddenly felt the surge of anger for doing something so bad and not feeling guilty for doing it.
The sudden urge to kill someone overwhelms me and unfortunately, the victim just had to be my saviour, Max Black.
Knowing fully well that I can't fight him due to weakness, I look around and grab the first thing I lay my hands on, which just happens to be a glass cup filled with water. I immediately fling it at him but he dodges the attack.
I start throwing random things at him while screaming, "Why? Why did you help me? You should have left me there? He would have come back for me. Even if he doesn't want me, his wolf would have made him come back for me. He would have felt sorry for everything he did. He would have accepted me for who I am and spend eternity asking for my forgiveness. He would have come back, I swear that he would have. It is your fault that he didn't come back for me. You should have just let me be."
My emotional tantrum ends with a series of hot tears. I tried to make myself believe my own words but I knew they were all lies. I guess I am just taking my aggression on someone else.
Max, not knowing what to do to comfort me just stares while scratching his head in confusion.
He moves closer to me, sits on the bed and pats my back. "I'm sorry."
I take the opportunity to throw punch after punch at him while screaming profanities.
He allows it for a while before holding my hands together to stop my movement. "I was only looking out for you. You look so hopeless laying there and I knew it was only a matter of time before death caught up with you if you weren't given immediate medical attention. I am so sorry that Alpha Asher is your mate but I am not sorry he rejected you. Trust me, you are better off that way. You are so lucky he rejected you."
I sniff, giving him a questioning look through my blurry eyes. "Why?"
"Because I am positive that you wouldn't want to be a member of the Night Shadow Pack."
I say nothing, tears continuing to roll down my face freely.
"Hey, you don't need them. They're crazy."
I turned to him, curious. "What do you mean?"
Max smiles, his eyes crinkling. "Their Alpha? He's got some serious issues. Like, have you ever heard of a werewolf who blasts Bon Jovi during full moon runs?"
I giggle, despite myself.
"And their beta's pet raccoon, Rocky? That little guy's got a reputation for stealing food from the pack's kitchen." Max chuckles. "I heard he once made off with an entire turkey."
My laughter grows, and Max continues, "And then there's the talent shows. The pack's historian, Gus, insists on performing his infamous accordion solo."
I'm laughing now, tears streaming down my face.
Max leans in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "And let's not forget the Alpha's cooking. It's legendary – for all the wrong reasons. They have a betting pool on who can stomach his dishes the longest."
I'm doubled over, holding my sides.
Max grins. "And have you seen their pack logo? A howling wolf with an oversized tongue? It's... majestic."
I wipe tears from my eyes, grinning at Max. "You're making this up."
Max holds up his hands, feigning innocence. "I swear, I've seen it. And their motto? 'United We Howl, United We Nap'? It's like they're begging to be mocked."
I laugh again, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.
Max's expression softens, his eyes locked on mine. "You deserve better than a pack with a Bon Jovi-obsessed Alpha."
I meet his gaze, my heart skipping a beat. Who is this stranger, and why does his concern feel so... warm?
"I wish I am mated to you and not that heartless bastard." I blurt out before I can stop myself.
I wasn't expecting what Max says next.