CHAPTER SIX

SOFIA

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Time crept by, and the alpha didn’t return. As I lay bound to the couch, I let my thoughts drift to what I would be doing if I was back home. I’d probably be attending some soiree with my parents for one of their various charities. Or sparring with my older cousin, Lukas, who indulged me in mock combat whenever we saw each other.

For a long time, I lay there thinking about my family. I missed them. But I didn’t want to return a failure. I didn’t want to return not knowing what to do with my life. The omega’s quiet, shuddering breaths soon pulled my focus. His chest rose and fell in uneven gasps, each inhale sharp and shallow, as though he was fighting a battle even in sleep.

Was he having a nightmare now? My heart clenched, feeling his pain as if it were my own. What kind of monster could’ve left him this broken? Suddenly, his eyes fluttered, a faint shimmer of silver peeking out from beneath his long lashes, his gaze hazy, disoriented.

“Hey,” I whispered softly, instinctively lowering my voice to keep it gentle. “You’re safe right now. You’re okay.”

I tried to push as much warmth as I could into those words, willing him to feel the truth of them. The last thing he needed was to wake up to more fear. His lips parted, dry and cracked, as he attempted to speak, though the words came out as no more than a faint, broken whisper.

“H-hurts...It... hurts,” he murmured, each word a struggle.

My chest tightened, and I wished more than anything that I could free my hands to reach out, to offer him some comfort.

“I know,” I whispered. “But you’re not alone anymore. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

He stared up at the ceiling and I couldn’t tell if he was truly awake or talking in his sleep.

“They... they wouldn’t stop. I tried to be good, but... it wasn’t enough.”

The words tumbled out of him, broken and raw, and I felt a surge of protective anger rise in me. Whoever had done this to him didn’t deserve to call themselves alphas. They were cowards and deserved death.

“You don’t have to be good for anyone, not anymore,” I told him, forcing steel into my voice, hoping he’d hear my sincerity. “You’re free now, and no one’s going to hurt you here. Not as long as I have a say.”

His eyes met mine again, and I saw a flicker of something fragile, hope, maybe. It was faint, but it was there, like a tiny flame fighting to stay lit against a storm.

For a moment, he looked like he was drifting off again, but then he whispered, “Are... are you an angel?”

The question took me by surprise, but I forced a small, reassuring smile. “Not even close,” I murmured, my voice catching. “Just someone who cares.”

A faint tremor ran through him as he tried to reach for me, but he wasn’t feeling strong enough to lift his hands. “Beautiful angel... please... don’t leave me,” he whispered, but it felt like a plea from the depths of his soul.

At that moment, every instinct within me screamed MINE . This fragile omega was mine. I didn’t care that I was a beta. I didn’t care that he was an omega. He was mine. And I would never let anyone hurt him again. I’d die to protect this man. I would stand with him in the darkness until he was ready to step into the light.

“I’m not leaving you,” I promised, my voice soft and resolute. “I’ll be right here, and nothing’s going to hurt you.” The vow felt like it was carving itself into my heart as I said it. “Not as long as I’m breathing.”

His eyelids grew heavy, his body sagging as he slipped back toward unconsciousness, but his breathing had softened, evened out. His face lost some of its tension, the lines of pain easing just a bit, and I felt a fierce sense of relief. As I watched him drift into a more peaceful sleep, I felt a sudden surge of protectiveness toward this man I didn’t even know.

Whatever it took, whatever happened, I was going to make sure he found a life where he didn’t have to be afraid anymore. No, I wasn’t a beta patroller who protected omegas, but I would protect this one. The omega’s breathing had finally settled into a smooth rhythm, his face softened by the gentleness of sleep.

A wave of relief washed over me, knowing my whispered words had chased away his nightmares. But that fleeting comfort evaporated as the door creaked open. My heart leapt into my throat. He was back. I forced my muscles to relax, feeling my pulse thudding against the ropes that bound my wrists and ankles.

Through barely open eyes, I watched the alpha enter. His footsteps were oddly hesitant, cautious as he strode into the room. His gaze went first to the omega, his face etched with tension. He moved closer to the couch, his hand reaching out to adjust the blanket around the omega with careful fingers, almost reverently.

He brushed a stray lock of hair from the sleeping man's forehead, the gesture achingly intimate. He lingered a moment longer, fingers resting on the omega’s throat, checking his pulse. His face softened, his guard lowered in a way I wouldn’t have thought possible.

The sight of it stirred something in me I hadn’t expected – curiosity and, worse, doubt. Maybe I’d been wrong about him. I lay motionless, afraid the slightest movement would shatter this strange, suspended moment. But as the alpha turned, his gaze sweeping over me, I squeezed my eyes shut.

My pulse thundered, certain he'd seen through my ruse. His footsteps approached, and I felt him looming over me, his presence both intimidating and oddly comforting. When he got closer, I felt him checking my bindings.

"Damn it, Little Fox," he muttered, his voice a gruff whisper that stirred the air near my face. "Why couldn't you stay still?"

My pulse raced as he lingered by my side, his fingers probing the rough bindings around my wrists and ankles. I braced myself, unsure of his intentions, but the low growl that escaped him didn't feel threatening. To my surprise, it almost sounded... concerned? His hands fell away, and I heard his footsteps retreating.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I dared to open my eyes, blinking in confusion at his sudden departure. What game was he playing? Moments later, he returned, carrying a small tin of ointment and a handful of handkerchiefs. I closed my eyes again, but I could feel his movements when he knelt beside me. His fingers were surprisingly gentle as he inspected the raw skin around my wrists.

"I told her to stay still," he muttered, his voice a low rumble of frustration tinged with... was that guilt?

Because of his guilt, I now felt guilty for not staying still. Ugh! A cool sensation spread across my raw skin as he applied ointment. The relief was immediate, and I had to stifle a sigh of gratitude. His touch remained careful as he tended to my self-inflicted wounds.

With meticulous care, he wrapped each of my wrists in a folded handkerchief. The soft fabric was a stark contrast to the rough rope. I felt him tuck the edges under the bindings to prevent further chafing and ensuring the makeshift bandages were secure.

Then he moved to my ankles, repeating the same careful routine. I could feel the warmth of his body as he leaned over me, his scent enveloping me like a cocoon. Smoke with an earthy, rugged undertone and a hint of chemicals. Did he use scent blockers?

As he finished tending to my ankles, I sensed him pause. The air between us felt charged, heavy with unspoken words and conflicting emotions. I kept my breathing shallow, fighting the urge to open my eyes and confront him.

His presence loomed over me, commanding and intense. The heat radiating from his body seemed to seep into my skin, making me acutely aware of every point where we almost touched. My heart thundered in my chest, and I prayed he couldn't hear its betraying rhythm.

He lingered, standing close, making me feel self-conscious. What did he see when he looked at me? My thighs were a bit plumper than I’d like. Without makeup, I knew my freckles were on full display, stark against my pale skin. My clothing was dirty from hiding in the bushes when I’d seen him heading my way, carrying a body.

I cringed inwardly, imagining how wild my hair must look after hiding in the bushes. I know I looked a fright. I wish I could see the expression on his face as he watched me. A low growl filled the room, deep and primal. To my horror, my body responded, nipples tightening and a pulse of heat between my thighs causing my clit to throb.

Ugh! Please don’t get aroused, body. He’ll smell it.

I nearly heaved a sigh of relief when I heard him step back and leave the room. I was just about to open my eyes when I heard him returning. What was he going to do now? Did he think the scent of my arousal was an invitation to do something? Oh, hell no. I tensed instinctively, every muscle in my body going rigid as I felt something being draped over me.

It was a blanket, I realized, as its warmth settled over me. My mind reeled, struggling to reconcile this act of kindness and consideration with the alpha who had karate-chopped and bound me.

I wanted to ask him why he was giving me this, the words burning on the tip of my tongue. But I held back, clinging to my facade of sleep even as confusion threatened to overwhelm me.

The blanket smelled of him. Despite myself, I felt my body begin to relax, tension slowly ebbing away. Did he know it would make me feel this way? Was this some ploy to lull me into a false sense of security? Or was there more to this alpha than I had initially assumed?

His hand moved, and I felt the whisper of air against my face. My pulse quickened as I sensed his fingers hovering near, almost close enough to touch. A part of me yearned for that contact, craving the warmth of skin against skin. But the touch never came, leaving me with an inexplicable sense of loss.

“I know you’re awake. Sleep, little thief,” he whispered, his voice a low murmur that sent a shiver down my spine. “And stop hurting yourself. Be still and rest. We’ll talk in the morning. Tonight, I’ll stand guard over you and the omega.”

Busted! Even so, I refused to break character. I stayed perfectly still, listening as his steps faded away. It took everything in me to keep up the pretense of sleep until I was sure he was gone. Only then did I allow myself to breathe, my thoughts a tangle of confusion and frustration.

Who was this alpha? Though his tone was gruff, his touch had been anything but harsh. His muted scent clung to the blanket he’d left, wrapping around me like a strange, protective shield. I wiggled my body, trying to get more comfortable under the blanket.

My body relaxed in spite of myself, the ache in my wrists and ankles soothed by the alpha’s unexpected care. I found myself letting his scent lull me, his whispered words echoing in my mind as I drifted into a sleep that, for the first time in days, felt safe.

I didn’t fear anyone breaking into my cabin while I slept. I didn’t fear animals getting in and mauling me while I slept. The rogue alpha with the tender touch was watching over me. That should keep me awake.

But damn it, because of him, I drifted off into a peaceful slumber that had evaded me for weeks. If I’d known all it took was a kidnapping to help me sleep at night, I would’ve come across the rogue alpha sooner. The omega too.

For the first time in a long time, I slept through the night.

***

The next morning...

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I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the soft, muted light filtering through the cabin’s windows. The blanket covering me was proof that I hadn’t imagined the encounter with the rogue last night. I shifted slightly, the ache in my muscles a reminder of my restraints. If he didn’t release me today, I was going to scream this damn cabin down.

My focus drifted to the quiet, measured breathing of the omega still sleeping on the couch opposite mine. His face, though bruised and marked with fading traces of pain, looked more at peace, his expression softened in slumber. There was a little color in his face now. He was doing much better than he’d been doing last night. Thanks to our captor.

Ugh! Stockholm Syndrome much, Sofia. Just call me Stockholm Syndrome Sofia! My nose twitched. Did I smell what I thought I smelled? I inhaled deeply. The rich aroma of bacon and coffee wafted into the room, and my stomach growled at the scent. I hadn’t eaten since a little after lunchtime yesterday.

My body needed some sustenance. I turned my head, looking toward the open archway that led to the kitchen. There, I could just make out the figure of the alpha moving around the kitchen. Every now and then, he passed the doorway as he worked on preparing his meal. Would he let me have a few slices of that bacon?

Then again, back when he had pigs out back, I’d stolen a few of them, leading them away from his property with fake snacks. Of course, I hadn’t slaughtered any of the animals myself. The old man who lived up the hill from me had done it in exchange for some of the meat. Technically, my thievery had fed two people.

Because of that thievery, he may not be willing to share his food with me. I should just steal... ugh. I couldn’t keep stealing from him! My mother didn’t raise a thief. Hunger pangs and desperation had turned me into one. If I apologized sweetly, would he forgive me? I licked my lips, wondering what else he was cooking. I stayed quiet for as long as I could, but I was close to becoming hangry .

“Hey,” I called out in a hushed shout because I didn’t want to wake the omega. “What are you cooking?” Silence greeted me.

For a moment, I no longer heard him moving around or the sound of pots and pans clattering. That moment passed, and he was back to work, ignoring me as he cooked. I tried again, my tone more insistent.

“I like bacon. Is there enough for me and the omega?”

Damn, I wish I knew their names. I waited for the alpha to reply. Silence. Seriously, dude. Frustration sparked within me, but I forced it down, unwilling to let him see me riled. I knew I had a fiery temper. I was supposed to be working on it. I hadn’t gotten around to that yet. I’d save it as my New Year’s resolution. Again.

The rich aroma of bacon hit me, the savory scent filling the room and wrapping around me like a warm, edible blanket. My stomach let out a hungry growl, and I instantly cursed it. The alpha appeared just then, moving quietly into the room with a plate piled high with bacon, sausage, and toast, along with a tall glass of milk.

I blinked, taken aback at the sheer amount. Alphas needed more food than most, so it made sense that he’d eat this much for breakfast. Would I be able to convince him to share some with me? My mouth watered as he walked toward me and sat down beside me on the couch. He placed the tray on the center table and then turned to me.

“Good morning,” I said, trying to be nice, wanting him to share his grub with me.

The rude bear ignored me. I tensed when he gripped my shoulders and pulled me up into a sitting position. Was he about to release me so that I could have some of that savory-smelling food? Yes. Please do so. Hurry. But he didn’t untie me. He only sat me up and then reached for the tray again, placing it on his lap and then facing me.

My heart jumped into my throat as I realized... all that food was meant for me. The alpha’s gaze was dark, unwavering, and he didn’t say a word as he picked up a slice of bacon and brought it to my lips. Wait . He planned to hand-feed me. Heat rushed to my face, the intensity of his attention and the surreal intimacy of the gesture catching me off guard.

No one had ever hand-fed me before. Not since I was a child. A knot of hunger of a kind I didn’t want to acknowledge coiled in my belly. My pride bristled at the thought of letting him feed me, but my body betrayed me.

"I...” What the hell, just let him do it, Sofia . “Okay," I murmured, opening my mouth slightly.

He slid the bacon between my lips, his fingers almost – but not quite – brushing my lips. I closed my eyes, savoring the salty crunch. A soft moan escaped me before I could stop it.

"This is... really good," I admitted reluctantly.

The alpha remained silent, but I sensed his intense focus. When I opened my eyes, he was already holding out a piece of buttered toast. I bit into it eagerly, my hunger overriding any lingering hesitation.

"Oh my gosh," I groaned. "Carbs. I've missed you."

I’d been eating just meat for days. And though that sounded sexy, it wasn’t. As I chewed, I became acutely aware of the tension humming between us. The alpha's breathing had deepened, and when I dared to glance up, his eyes were dark with an emotion I couldn't, or rather, I wouldn't, name.

I licked a stray crumb from my lower lip, and a low, primal rumble emanated from his chest. The sound sent an involuntary shiver through me, and I squeezed my thighs together, praying he couldn't smell my body's traitorous response. Unable to meet his gaze, I stared down at the tray, wishing he’d slide something else into my mouth.

Food! Slide some food into my mouth. Because that was all I was willing to let him feed me. And it was only because I hadn’t eaten since lunch yesterday. I wasn’t the type to skip a meal or starve myself... not on purpose. Things had simply gotten a bit hard for me. But this spread made me feel like I was in breakfast heaven.

I wasn’t going to demand any more answers until I’d eaten my fill. So, for now, I’d be a good little kidnappee and let him feed me. Once I was full, I’d resume demanding that he set us free. Food first. Then fury . I may be a lot of things, but what you could never say about me was that I didn’t have my priorities in order.