Avenger(45)

“Travis?” I said in a small meek voice, trying to play the damsel in distress.

“Yes,” he stopped by the door, the tray in his hands.

“I’m really bored. Do you think I could have a TV or some books? Something?” I held my breath, hoping he didn’t blow up at my request.

He smiled like the damn cat that at the canary. “If you keep up good behavior, I’m sure we can work something out.”

With that, he left.

I let out a sigh of relief.

He hadn’t said no, and he hadn’t blown up, and for now I was able to move my arms more freely. I hoped I could keep up my acting. I stared at the window, covered by a heavy curtain, wondering whether it was day or night…wondering what Caeden was doing, and praying he’d find me in time.





Seventeen.

Caeden

I ran the sander over the wood again and again, the buzzing of the motor loud enough to momentarily block out my thoughts. I didn’t feel human anymore. Sophie had been gone for two whole weeks, and I had nothing to show for my efforts of trying to find her. It was like she’d become a ghost. I’d checked out the shack he’d held her in before, nothing. I kept checking though—for any sign that someone had been there. I’d even went to Travis’ parents’ house—well, what had been their home before they died. That turned out to be a dead end too. As was the cave where he’d been with his mutants. Travis had a talent for evading me, and it was really pissing me off. Sophie was strong, and I prayed that she wasn’t giving up on me—I’d never forgive myself if she did.

The whir of the sander cut off and I turned sharply to see Nolan standing by the outlet, the plug clasped in his hand.

“Oops,” he smirked.

“What do you want?” I gave him the iciest glare I could.

“You’ve been holed up in here for two days. I thought I should check on you…” He paused. “What the hell is it that you’re doing?”

I sighed, knowing he wouldn’t go away if I ignored him. “I’m making a crib for the baby.”

Nolan frowned and his brows formed a line as he contemplated what he was going to say next. Something told me I wasn’t going to like it one bit.

“Do you think that’s wise?” He finally said a few minutes later.

“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

“Well,” he swung the cord around, “you know…they might not come…back.”

All the blood drained from my body, or at least it felt like that. “They’re coming back.”

“Caeden,” he dropped the cord, and came closer to me, “you need to prepare yourself for—”

“No,” I shook my head. “No. I don’t need to prepare myself for anything.”

He stopped, tilting his head to study me. “I just think—”

“I don’t have time to listen to this.” I put the sander down and strode around him. “Why don’t you get out of my house and leave me alone? Huh? How does that sound?”

“Caeden, I’m your friend,” he grabbed my shoulder, digging his fingers in so I couldn’t move. “I’m going to sound like a chick saying this, but I’m really worried about you,” he looked me up and down.

I knew what he saw, and smelled. My jeans and shirt were covered in stains, my hair was greasy and hung limply in my eyes because I hadn’t gotten it cut in way too long, and I smelled like I hadn’t showered in a week…which was exactly when I’d showered last.

“You don’t need to worry about me. I’m fine.” I roughly shook off his hold. I knew I was being an ass, but I couldn’t help it. I didn’t need Nolan, or anyone, worrying about me. That only managed to make me feel guilty—and I already felt guilty enough losing Sophie. I knew I wasn’t the one that was with her when she was taken, but I should have been a damn tyrant and not let her leave. I’d worried about her getting too weak going out for too long, but I hadn’t believed something like this could happen and that made me so naïve it was laugh worthy. Clearly, I truly wasn’t cut out to be an Alpha.

“You’re not fine.” Nolan grabbed me again and this time, he wasn’t nearly as gentle. He shoved me into the wall hard enough that the drywall caved a bit where my shoulder hit it. He held me up by the collar of my shirt and glared at me. “Why is it so hard for you to admit that you’re not okay? It doesn’t make you weak. You have a pack for a reason, Cay-berry, use them to get your girl back. Sulking like a baby isn’t helping Sophie and it isn’t helping you feel better. You need to do something!” He shoved me again, still holding onto my shirt. It was like he thought he could shake some sense into me.