AMELIA’S P.O.V

Blake came in the next morning whistling and skipping the entire way in. I knew without a doubt that whatever news he had to share could not be good. He left two days ago, it was the longest he had left me so far and he once again had Jamal stay with me. I couldn’t wait for the time the time he would leave me on my own.


Jamal mostly stayed out of my way but it was clear that he didn’t trust me. I was shocked that he hadn’t told Blake yet, it was clear there was some form of tension between the both of them and I wanted to find out what it was about, maybe I could use it to my advantage.

“You look happy,” I began slowly as he made his way into the kitchen with a paper bag filled with groceries. “Do you need help putting those away?”

“No, you just sit pretty while I make us lunch,” he was grinning from ear to ear. “You can leave, Jamal.”


Jamal leaned against the wall with a raised brow. “Don’t I deserve dinner and good news?”

His tone was teasing but Blake either didn’t know or he didn’t like Jamal more than I thought because he growled low. The hair at the back of my neck stood on edge and although his anger wasn’t directed at me, I couldn’t help but be wary.


“Get out,” he growled and Jamal held up his hands in mock surrender before walking out. His lips were tipped up in a smile and it was clear that he got off on pissing Blake off.

I watched Jamal disappear and lock the door behind him. I couldn’t help but feel a longing towards the outside. It had been so long since I had felt the grass under my feet or the sun on my face. I loved being inside but right now, it was now, it was getting suffocating and I felt like I was going to throw up.

“What is the good news?” I asked and he grinned, the earlier anger on his face gone like the wind.

“I’ll tell you over lunch,” he whispered. “In fact, I am in such a good mood that I think we will have dinner outside.”

My eyes widened. “Really?”

“Of course, but I have to take precaution. I can’t just let you go out now, especially not with what has happened. I’ll need to make sure you are by my side at all times.”

I nodded, desperate to at least get out. “Anything you want.”

He took out a pair of handcuffs from inside the bag. They weren’t silver, thankfully, they looked like they had been hand made from iron. “You’ll have to wear this.”

I stared at it for a moment, weighing my pros and cons. “How will I eat?”

“I’ll handcuff you to one of the trees. I will only take your left hand so you can still use your right. I just want to keep you safe, Amelia. If we are going out, it will be this way.”

I swallowed deeply before giving him a small smile. “It sounds like a great idea.”

I waited impatiently for him to finish with lunch. He went all out with steak and potatoes and it only solidified the fear in my heart. When he clasped the handcuff on my wrist, I started to wonder if maybe I didn’t think the situation through properly. I was going to be tied to him practically.

At least he didn’t seem interested in touching me so far. He led me towards the door and I could have sobbed in relief when the sun hit my face. My legs shook with each shaky step that I took. The grass was soft and I could hear water rushing nearby, it could have been a river or a stream, I wasn’t so sure.

There were guards around us, I could almost feel their presence. They weren’t so close, but I saw a flash of one’s movements in the trees. If I wanted to run, I would have to know where they are and plan accordingly.

“Thank you,” I said to Blake and surprisingly, I meant it.

He gave me a smile and led me to a clearing between the trees where he set up our dishes. As soon as we sat down, he handcuffed me to one of the lower branches. It would have taken much to break it off but I couldn’t be rash so I sat perfectly still.

“What’s the news?” I asked and he laughed.

“You’re so impatient,” he teased. “Don’t you want to eat first?”

“I just want to know what has gotten you so happy.”

He laughed once again and leaned forward to cup my cheeks, his nose brushing mine. I could have pushed him away with my free hand but I remained still. “Our enemies are going to be defeated soon enough, Amelia and when we can be together.”

“What are you talking about?”

He brushed me off. “Kiss me first, darling, I’ve had a long day and we need to celebrate.”

He leaned forward to press his lips to mine but I turned my cheek to the side. “Not until you tell me what the news is.”

I could tell he wasn’t pleased by my reaction. His jaw clenched and he leaned back.

“Are you withholding affection from me, Amelia? Is there something I need to know?”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “We’re having a nice dinner, Blake, I just want to enjoy being in the sun for one day. You’ve had me locked up.”

“For your own safety.”

“I know that,” I cut him off. “Can’t we just enjoy each other’s company? Does it always have to be sexual? I missed you and spending time with you. I missed laughing with you, I just want to have that again.”

I lowered my voice by an octave at the end and I could see the effect it had on him.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered reaching out to stroke my cheek. “I was being an ass.”

“It’s okay, now tell me, what’s the big news?”

“It’s Kaden,” he began and my stomach dropped. “I think he was trying to sneak into our pack. He was attacked by rogues and last I heard, he was in critical condition. The doctors don’t know if he will make it.”