As soon as the words left my lips, Mabel’s fingers dug into my arm, her magic’s icy claws latching onto me instantly. Cold flooded my senses, burning and aching as it drained what little strength I had left.
“Mabel, do I need to remind you that you are violating a direct order?” Zack drawled in a bored, yet professional tone. His piercing blue eyes bore into her face, but they conveyed not an ounce of concern for my well-being. Part of me feared that this wasn’t just good acting, that the indifference in his eyes was real, built from years of practice.
After a few long seconds, Mabel released me. I barely had time to wonder if her abilities affected all white wolves the same way before my legs gave out, sending me to the floor. My head throbbed miserably, a steady drumbeat of pain.
“Don’t play boss, Zack. It certainly doesn’t suit you,” Mabel snickered, casting me a dark look that made me bite back a wicked snarl. Her voice was cruel and self-satisfied. “Besides, I’m a higher rank than you. The Alpha’s son.”
I fought to stay conscious, taking deep breaths while listening to their argument. Slowly, the spots faded from my eyes, and I could pay more attention to the two of them. It became clear that Mabel only tolerated the Tracker and Maverick. Well, more than tolerated Maverick, considering how she followed him around; the Executioner to a King.
Even without feeling her emotions across my skin, I could see the loathing and jealousy written across her face as she glared at Zack.
“Yes, Mabel. You are his favorite pet.” Zack stepped forward, towering over her. She didn’t flinch, but I saw the hot coals of rage in her eyes ignite, even if she couldn’t act on those murderous impulses.
“But there is one thing we both know; you do not defy a direct order. It doesn’t matter who you are, your screams will sound the same when you’re punished.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” she hissed, her jaw clenched tightly.
“He’s already furious about your little accident. What do you think he’d do if he found out? Mm, not so tough when you can’t use your magic on a normal wolf.” Zack’s voice grew low as he cocked his head to the side, staring her down. “Oh, don’t look so sullen. Now we’ve both got something on each other.”
I swore I saw a flicker of relief in her eyes. I couldn’t help but look at Zack and wonder if this was how he had to act all the time. Blackmailing each other, constantly at one another’s throats just to survive-to climb the food chain, knowing that you’ll never be safe, not entirely. Not when Maverick Billford sits above you, each day deciding whether or not you deserve to live. Disappointment and mistakes could sway that choice, two things both humans and werewolves were prone to. Imperfections; Maverick couldn’t handle imperfections.
I now understood that hardened wall around Zack’s emotions, constructed to keep him from feeling too deeply. I couldn’t fathom having that kind of restraint, to hold back each tidal wave before it blasted the shore and soaked the sand. I wondered how many times those waves barreled him down as a child, how many times he had nearly drowned in his emotions before he finally realized he was better off without them.
“Let’s escort her back to her cell and be done with the unpleasantness,” Zack said smoothly, though there was definitely a “for now” implied.
Mabel went silent for a few seconds, her eyes glazing over before snapping back to reality. The conversation between her and Maverick must’ve been a total of three seconds long, but it was enough to have her glowering down at me.
“Alpha wants me to join the fight. Her little twins are starting fires now. How charming.” She flashed me a grin that was all teeth, like a shark stalking a small fish. A chill worked its way down my spine as she continued, “I’ll have to drain you again, just to the point of unconsciousness. Just to keep you weak. Not to worry though, I’ll make it extra painful for you. Now, get up.”
I was still on the floor, staring up at her flaming eyes and silky hair. Despite feeling like crap, frustration kept me strong. She was going to hurt me anyway and enjoy every second. What I wasn’t going to do was roll over and take it like a dog. I wouldn’t submit the way she had to Maverick.
“Maybe you should have waited to drain me once I was back in my cell,” I said stiffly, my stare latched onto hers. I could see the amber hues in her eyes.
Predictably, Mabel dug her fingernails into my arm and hauled me up. Pain coursed through my arm like tiny daggers, but it was nothing compared to the feel of her actively draining me. Thankfully, she wasn’t doing it at the moment, but each step towards my cell felt like a countdown.
“I’ll drag you, and it won’t be by your arm,” she warned, and I knew she was telling the truth. I stumbled on my feet, tripping and using the wall to keep myself upright as she stormed down the hall and back to my padded cell. Zack followed behind, leaving me unsure if he cared about anything.
“Goodnight, Sophia.” Mabel grinned, and the smile would have been sweet if it weren’t for the cruelty in her eyes. She shoved me onto the bed, the sickeningly plush blankets beneath my fingers. The soft touch of fabric was followed by cold skin and sharp pain. “Hopefully, by the time you wake, I’ll have your twins in chains.”
Darkness engulfed me, lingering just long enough to dull the pain creeping across my body. I opened my eyes, which watered instantly against the artificial light and lack of windows. My vision doubled, then tripled, showing multiples of Zack standing at the foot of the bed. Once my head stopped swimming, I let out an incoherent groan.
“Yeah, I get it. You feel like shit,” he said indignantly, coming around to the side of the bed. I let out a sound of protest as his hand wrapped around my wrist, more than uncomfortable from the feel of his icy skin. He scoffed under his breath and tugged, “Come on, Sophia. Get up.”
“What?” I snapped, turning my head enough to glare at him.
Something soft and sweet was shoved in my face, making me recoil. When I brought a hand to my mouth, I frowned at the sweet-tasting frosting that coated my fingers.
“Your sugar is low, and you haven’t eaten in four days,” Zack pointed out, his voice flat and impatient. “Maverick means to starve you until you comply, which would be any day now considering he’s also not letting you feed from any souls.”
I had no time to contemplate the chances of being poisoned because the taste of the disgustingly sweet food made me snarl and howl for more. I finished the cake, gulping down a glass of water to clear the sweetness from my taste buds.
“The cameras are on a loop. It was a one-time favor from a friend in security, so we’re on borrowed time,” he scowled.
“What about the fight? Are Ethan and Kieran alright? Mabel isn’t here, is she?”
“The fight is still ongoing. Mabel joined in twenty-three minutes ago, and as far as I know, the twins are safe,” he said in a rush, glancing toward the closed door.
“Are you here to help me, Zack?” I asked after a few seconds of silence, too drained to even think about searching for his emotions.
“I’m here to do what I can, like I promised.” There was a hint of pain in his voice, just a sliver of vulnerability that made my heart drop. His voice was still smooth but much darker now. “He found out about Kat. Through blood and magic, he found out. He’s threatening to hurt her and her family, and it’s my indifference to you that spares her.”
“So, you can’t get me out of here,” I whispered, fearful but far from defeated. I felt the cool metal of the charm bracelet around my wrist and knew I needed to take a leap. I held it up, letting Zack get a good look at it. “This was a gift from a friend. It sent out my location to the twins yesterday. They’ll be here any day now, and when they get here, they’re going to need a way in.”
It wasn’t a position I wanted to put him in, but this was about finishing what I had started, tending the flame that had erupted into a full-scale bonfire.
“Smart.” He snorted, smiling in a way that made my stomach feel sour. “He left that on you because he assumed it was a gift from your mates. Figured it would motivate you to behave.”