The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 25

"Why are you doing this? You have your mate. You have Amelia!"I yell. 

"You're so beautiful. I might need to help myself to a bite," John says. His wolf's fangs protrude, and his face lingers near my throat.

I scream as he is about to sink his teeth into my neck. His eyes were full of hunger. Then a flash appears out of nowhere. James pulls John off me. 

"Are you fucking crazy?" He yells at John. 

"Not only did you almost mark my mate, but you would also have killed Amelia for marking another she-wolf!"James yells. 

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help it. Don't tell Amelia," John begs.

"I will not tell her anything. It's Astrid you need to worry about with Amelia."

I let them discuss their issues and run again. They shift, catch me again, and James knocks me down. He holds my arms behind my back in human form.

"Enough, Astrid!"He snaps, lifting me with my arms still restrained so I can't hit him. He holds me closer to his naked chest and carries me back to the packhouse.

"About bloody time! Bring her downstairs!"Zenith growls, walking down the staircase. 

"To the cells?" James questions. 

"Do you expect her to stay in her room obediently?" He asks.

"No, but-' he says. 

"She'll keep in the cell until you have marked her. Then, she won't be able to escape." John and James follow Zenith downstairs to the basement. It's dark and eerie, and I can hear water trickling in the walls and the squeaking sounds of mice. Our exhalations are misty in the coldness. I'm shivering. James pulls me closer to keep me warm.

Zenith unlocks a cell door. James walks in and places me on a stone bench. Chains with silver cuffs adorn the walls, and I'm thankful James doesn't cuff me. 

He kisses me on the forehead instead, making me shudder.

"It'll be okay, Astrid. We have some things to sort out. The sooner you let me mark you, the sooner we can get you out of this cell," he says, cradling my face in his hands. I jerk my head out of his grasp.

James leaves and stands beside John. Zenith comes into the cell and strikes me aggressively across the face.