Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Riot

I drive through the night, my mind a mess of turbulent emotions. Every mile that passes takes me further from Raura. Her touch, her scent, the way she looked at me – these memories are seared into my soul, a bittersweet reminder of what I’m leaving behind.

But I have no choice.

He has Willow. I’m certain of it.

And I know where he has her. I’ve been around the man long enough to know how his mind works.

Guilt gnaws at my insides as I think of this. Getting Raura out of that place is what put my sister in danger. But what choice did I have? He was going to kill her…or worse.

All I can do now is try to minimize the fallout. And that means handing myself over. It might destroy me, but I can’t let them hurt her.

You survived before. You can do it again.

With a heavy heart, I navigate the winding mountain roads leading back to the Enclave. The isolation and rugged terrain only amplify my sense of dread. Each twist and turn of the road feels like another step toward my own damnation.

The sensation deepens as I pull into the parking area at the base of the mountain. It’s hard to think that just a couple of days ago, I was here with Raura.

She saved me here.

The thought almost makes me smile. Her determination, her bravery. The woman is unstoppable.

And for a short while, she was mine.

My mate.

The words still unsettle me. When she’d said it last night, it had knocked the wind from my lungs. But I couldn’t deny that it felt…right.

That’s something I can hold onto. A month ago, before all of this happened, I would never have believed I could have had any of this – even if only for a moment.

Killing the engine, I swing the door open and step out, taking a moment to let the cool air touch me. There’s a watery winter sun melting the snow that’s settled on the scrubby grass since we were here last. It’s warm on my skin, but not warm enough to melt away the icy grip around my heart.

Straightening my shoulders, I abandon the vehicle in the parking bay, the finality of my decision sinking in.

There’s no turning back now.

I steel myself and begin the trek up the mountain, ignoring the back path I took with Raura and heading directly to the route that leads to the towering glass and steel entrance.

No guards halt my progress, confirming what I already suspected.

He’s waiting for me.

I pause at the doors to the main foyer. It’s flanked by a pair of guards who slant a cursory glance at me before turning their attention away. They’re not afraid of me. I pose no threat. I was chained when I lived here, and I return in chains now…even if they’re not visible. He still owns me.

I enter the Enclave’s main compound, the cold, sterile air, and high-tech security a stark reminder of the Consortium’s wealth and power. The place reeks of cruelty and oppression, a darkness that seeps into my bones.

I walk into the entrance hall, standing tall and bracing myself for the confrontation to come.

I don’t have to wait long.

Parker’s smooth voice cuts through the tense silence, dripping with cruel amusement. “Well, well, well, the prodigal son returns. Welcome home, Riot.”

I turn to face the direction of the sound. “You have my sister.”

“There’s a dark chuckle that grows louder, accompanied by crisp footsteps. Parker saunters down a flight of stairs and strolls into the foyer. “Of course I do. I know we have history, but I wouldn’t expect you to come back here for the pleasure of my company.”

I grit my teeth, not in the mood for his taunts. “The game’s over, Parker. Let her go. This is between you and me.”

Parker chuckles again. “Now, why would I do that when she’s my best bargaining chip?” He snaps his fingers, and two guards emerge, dragging a terrified Willow between them. Her eyes widen when she sees me, confusion coloring her face. It gradually turns to recognition.

“Ri-Riley?” Her voice is hesitant. “Riley, is that you?”

I manage a smile. “Hello, Willow.”

Lord, she’s grown into such a lovely woman.

I think of the years that I’ve lost, but there’s no sense in dwelling on them.

“Oh, my God,” she whispers, her eyes welling with tears. “My God. I thought you were dead. All these years…”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Parker interrupts impatiently. “It’s a happy family reunion. Everyone’s emotional. Whatever. Now, let’s get back to business, shall we?” He focuses on me.

Willow’s eyes are wide with confusion and fear. “Riley, what’s going on? What is this place?”

I take a step toward her, but the guards yank her back. “It’s okay, Willow. Everything’s going to be fine.”

Parker starts to laugh. “I suppose ‘fine’ would be a matter of opinion.”

I turn to him, my jaw clenched. “I’m here now. I’ll fight for you again. Just let her go back to her family where she belongs.”

Parker’s lips curl into a cruel smirk. “Oh, you’ll fight all right. But did you really think I’d let her leave? She’s far too valuable as…let’s call it an insurance policy.”

Willow struggles against the guards’ hold. “Riley, please! Tell me what’s happening!”

I keep my gaze locked on Parker, refusing to let him see how much this is tearing me apart. “This is between you and me, Parker. Willow has nothing to do with it.”

Parker chuckles, the sound grating against my nerves. “On the contrary, she has everything to do with it. She’s the reason you’re here, after all. The reason you’ll do exactly as I say.”

I take a menacing step forward, my hands curling and uncurling, fists clenching as I try to force my emotions in check. “I told you I’ll fight. What more do you want?”

Parker spreads his hands in a mocking gesture of innocence. “Want? I already have what I want. You, back in the cage where you belong. And your lovely sister as collateral to ensure you never step out of line again.”

“I said let her go!” I growl.

“Ah, I’m afraid it’s too late for that, Riot. Or do you prefer Riley?” He shakes his head. “No, I think we’ll stick with Riot.”

I clench my jaw, folding my arms over my chest. I’m not prepared to play his fucking games.

“Then I won’t fight. I’ll take a fall,” I tell him. “I’ll go down against your fucking Russian bear or whatever else you want to pitch me against, and we can end this whole goddamned farce.”

“You mean you’d die?” Parker cocks his head.

“Riley, no!” Willow’s voice is tortured.

“I died ten years ago. You’ve just kept my corpse around for entertainment. Well, the show’s over, Parker. If you want your champion back, you’ll let her go.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way.” His voice is smooth, level. “Because it doesn’t work for me. In fact, I’d anticipated this a while ago. That’s why I decided you needed a new leash.”

“New leash?” I frown at him.

What the fuck is he talking about?

“Yes. You see, I knew it was only a matter of time before I couldn’t control you this way anymore.” He shrugs, aiming a dispassionate look at my still-struggling sister. “So it suited me perfectly when you got your sights set on the pretty female.”

“Get to the point, Parker.” I’m losing patience.

“The point is that even as we speak, plans are in place to bring your little friend back. Along with the rest of her pack. They’ll be a goldmine.” The smile he aims at me is an ugly, twisted thing. “She may not have told us everything I wanted her to, but we saw what they’re capable of. We’ll be ready next time.”

I feel a growl build as the implications of this begin to become clear.

“Oh, growl and snarl all you like, champ. You’ll need practice for the ring. Where you will fight for me like the good boy I expect. Or your little Raura gets it.”

I shake my head, feeling as if I need to clear it. “You mean you’re planning to use both of them to manipulate me?”

“Of course not,” he scoffs. “I don’t have any interest in keeping an entire flock of females just to keep you in line.”

“But Willow—” I begin.

“I already have a buyer for your baby sister, kid. Someone who’ll keep her handy if I need to add some weight to my bargaining power with you.” He looks at her appraisingly. “Got a pretty good price, too.”

“What?” I bark. “No! You can’t!”

Willow looks stricken. “Riley, what’s he talking about?”

“Yes, I can. This is what I do, remember?” He flicks a piece of lint off the lapel of his immaculate gray suit jacket.

Rage hits me like a physical force. “No!” I roar. “I will fucking end you!”

He starts to laugh. “Really?” He looks around. “You expecting the cavalry sometime soon?” When I don’t answer, he continues, “Your valiant return was a complete waste of time, Riot.” He smirks. “You would have been smarter to stick close to your little pet to try to protect her. Because that’s where I’ll be heading next.”

I stay silent now, the cold realization sinking in. He has Willow, and now he’s going after Raura. And there’s nothing I can do about it.

God, I’m such a fucking fool.

The bastard’s too smart, always one step ahead. And now, he’s won again.