Page 40 of House of Wolves
The room is hot, his breath warming my face. I’m losing my fight, falling into the web I always find myself tangled in his presence. “Won’t you blow your cover?”
“I’d blow everything for you.” He grabs the back of my neck, bringing his lips to mine. My brain is liquid. I can’t even contemplate the intensity of his words. There’s no reason he should care for me so much—risk his life’s work for me. But I don’t care. My body sings a tune only for him, wanting nothing more than for him to strum my every cord. I open for him, allowing his tongue to stroke the inside of my mouth. I reach for his chest, attempting to pull the fabric away, wanting his flesh against mine. He must have the same idea because he pulls at the hem of my shirt, attempting to yank it off.
If I were in my right mind, I’d stop, ask more questions, and attempt to flee like Brick planned, but whenever I’m in his presence, I can’t think straight. His fingertips leave burns in their wake as they run up my abdomen, branding me. I don’t think anyone could touch me again with the same intensity. He paws at my breast, groaning into my mouth as he rocks his body against mine.
I reach for him, needing to feel the heat of his cock in my hand. God, is it glorious under my fingertips, long and thick, and the knot at the base sends another wave of anticipation through my core.
He brings his lips away from mine, dragging them to my ear. “Carmen, my little wolf.”
I stroke him, reveling as he grows longer and harder for me. Minutes ago, I thought I’d never experience the feel of him again. Tears prick at my eyes. I didn’t realize how much I’d miss this. I’d only had him a handful of times, but God, did it fill me with something foreign and savage. I need this man. I need him inside of me, coating me and making me his.
Brick pushes me back, his body turning rigid. I search his hardened expression. His ears have elongated, and they twitch overhead. “Someone’s coming,” he whispers. I can hear it now, footsteps growing closer. He straightens, shoving himself back in his pants and adjusting my clothing. “I’m sorry,” he whispers, throwing me over his shoulder. “Scream,” he orders. It’s not hard to follow. I’m genuinely scared. I yell, pounding on his back.
“Good girl,” he whispers before opening the door and stepping out into the blinding light of the hallway. “Got her,” he says as he swings me to the ground and pulls my arms behind my back. I trust him now. Not just because of his words murmured in our close quarters, but because I felt the truth radiating from him. He cares for me in the same confusing way I care for him.
I play into the act, rearing back and snapping as if I meant to bite his flesh. “Fuck you!” I growl before glaring at Kilo standing before me.
“I saw her escape her room and try to hide in the closet.” Brick reports to Kilo. It should scare me how good he is at putting on a show. Maybe I’ll regret it later, but I know deep in my bones he isn’t doing that with me.
I throw myself forward, attempting to escape from his grasp, but he holds me tightly, surely causing my wrists to bruise. Kilo taps his lip, examining me. My heart beats, scared he’s catching on to our act. He circles around us, and I continue to struggle against Brick, waiting for Kilo’s reaction.
Kilo places a hand on Brick’s shoulder. “Good, man. I was worried you’d gone soft on me with this one, but this just proves your loyalty.”
Brick grunts. “I’ll take her back to her cell.” He pushes me forward.
“Brick,” Kilo calls from behind us. “We have special guests coming tomorrow—Hunters from my homeland. I’d like to put on a demonstration for them, specifically with the new discovery. Would you like to demonstrate on our little friend here? I know we can both smell that she’s ripe for the picking.”
Do I have my period and don’t even know it? Jesus fucking Christ, this is weird.
“I’ll do the demonstration,” Brick says urgently. I don’t know if I should be relieved or not that Brick will be there for whatever Kilo has planned, but as I sense his body tighten behind me, I know he’s not looking forward to what’s to come.
Brick doesn’t say anything on our trek back to my cell. He holds me tightly, squeezing my wrists as if to encourage me to continue my fight. I remember him mentioning the cameras everywhere. We’re not safe to act like our true selves now. He opens the door to my cell, but before he throws me inside, he strokes a finger down the back of my arm, a silent reminder of his care. He doesn’t know how much it means to me.
He pushes me forward, half standing outside the doorframe. “Be ready for tomorrow,” he says, his eyes drilling into mine as if to pass a message, but I can’t gather what he means. “I will protect you, okay?” he whispers. He’s bugged the cameras in my room, but I know he can never be too careful. This small statement is a considerable risk.
I nod. He lingers longer, examining me before shutting the door. I’m alone again, this time with more clarity, but it doesn’t fill me with ease. Something is happening tomorrow. Something that chills Brick to his core. I trust him at his word to take care of me, but it doesn’t leave me any less unsettled.
18
Test Pig
Nomatterhowclosetogether the instances, you never get used to waking in an unfamiliar place. Bright white light shines above, making it take several moments to register the space around me. Chattering, I can’t make out buzzes in my ear. I attempt to rub the fog away from my eyes but can’t move my arms. That wakes me the fuck up. I panic, struggling against the binds around my wrists and ankles.
A man leans over me, holding a syringe. “Calm down,” he whispers. He wears a mask and goggles, but his voice gives him away. He pretends to prick me with the needle, pressing against the side of my arm.
Brick is here. I’ll be okay.
My memories from last night fill the gaps in my understanding. Nothing unusual happened after Brick left. I’d been fed a meal of flavorless soup and went to bed. It must have been drugged, knocking me out so I could be easily transported.
I turn my head, thankful I can move. I’m in one of the rooms I ran by the day before. White walls lined with metal tables of surgical equipment surround me. A group of suited men stand on the other side of a glass wall directly parallel to where I’m lying. Kilo stands at the center of the group, grinning at me. Maybe it’s the effects of the drug, or maybe it’s my new ability to look at him with the understanding of his true perversion, but he’s grotesque. Before, he seemed lean but muscular, handsome, and carefree. Now, he appears lanky and sinister. I guess it’s true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and once you know the real person, their entire image can change.
I divert my attention to Brick on my other side, unbagging a new syringe. Even in the white lab coat, goggles, and mask, he's still devastatingly handsome. I think, even if he did turn out to be evil, I might feel the same way about him. His beauty is untouched by morality. Thank God he’s a good guy, or my mind and body would have a confusing time. At least, I hope he’s one of the good ones. I believe him, truly, but the rational part of me realizes I’m tied to a metal bed, and he stands next to me, fidgeting with equipment that could only be used for ill use. He must have a plan. I feel it within my marrow. I can’t panic now.
Kilo’s voice buzzes from a hidden speaker. “Brick, it seems we’re ready. Why don’t you explain to our guests what will happen.”
“Yes, one second,” Brick replies, dropping a metal forceps. He bends down to retrieve it, whispering to me. “Stay calm.”
I attempt to let his quiet words wash over me, to become the calm he speaks of, even as my body shakes with fear. I must remain still and compliant. He pretended to give me something, most likely a sedative. If I freak out, I’ll give him away.
