Chapter 14

14

The darkness of the trunk pressed down on Maize from all sides. The rough fabric of the gag bit into the corners of her mouth. The ropes around her wrists and ankles chafed her skin with every jolt and bump of the car. The scent of Rob—an acrid, overpowering musk—filled the confined space, making her stomach churn. She took shallow breaths, trying to minimize the intake of his scent, but it was impossible to escape it completely.

The car sped down the mountain. Maize could tell because her body kept pressing toward the interior of the trunk. She couldn't tell if it was still daylight or dark, as there was nothing but blackness inside. The sounds of the outside world were muffled, creating an eerie silence that heightened her sense of isolation. The vibrations of the engine thrummed through her body, a constant reminder of the distance growing between her and everything she held dear. Her mind raced, fear clawing at her with every mile that passed.

Even in her terror, there was a small measure of relief. At least Rob didn't have Liza. Gideon had promised to protect her, and Maize believed him with every fiber of her being. The thought of her sister safe, under Gideon's watchful eyes, brought a sliver of comfort.

Unfortunately, that sliver was not enough to banish the regret gnawing at her heart. She wished she could see Gideon one more time, to tell him all the things she had kept locked away. She wanted to apologize for doubting him, for questioning the bond he had spoken of so earnestly. The bond she now believed in, even though she had been too afraid to accept it.

Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over to dampen the gag. Maize had never believed in love at first sight. She'd always thought it was a choice that was made over several dates. She'd been wrong. She had fallen in love with Gideon—his strength, his kindness, his unwavering determination to protect her and Liza. She had been so close to admitting it to herself, and to him, but now it felt like it was too late.

Her thoughts swirled in a chaotic mix of fear, regret, and longing. She could almost see his face in the darkness, his amber eyes filled with concern and something deeper, something she now recognized as love. He'd kept it from her, not hiding his feelings, just waiting until she was ready to see for herself.

Suddenly, she felt a warmth bloom in her chest, a sensation so vivid and bright that it took her breath away. It was as if a beam of sunlight had pierced through the darkness, enveloping her in its golden light. The warmth spread, soothing her frayed nerves and filling her with a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. It was accompanied by a familiar scent—earthy and strong, tinged with the Ironwood tree scent that always clung to Gideon.

Her heart surged with hope, and she closed her eyes, focusing on the feeling. It was as if Gideon was there with her, his presence wrapping around her like a protective embrace. The bond he had spoken of, the connection she had felt but been too afraid to acknowledge, was real and tangible.

She clung to that warmth, letting it banish the cold fear that had settled in her bones. Gideon would come for her. She knew it with a certainty that defied logic. He would find her, and he would save her. She just had to hold on a little longer.

With that thought, she steeled herself, refusing to give in to the darkness. She focused on the image of Gideon's face, the sound of his voice, the warmth of his touch. She let those memories anchor her, keeping her mind clear and her heart strong.

The car took another sharp turn, throwing her against the side of the trunk, but she didn't cry out. She braced herself, drawing strength from the bond she now fully accepted. Gideon was her fated mate, and she would survive this ordeal to be with him.

Maize wouldn't let Rob win. She wouldn't let fear control her any longer. She had love to fight for, a future to claim.

Her wrists ached from the tight ropes. The rough fibers cut into her skin. But a sudden surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins, a burst of strength born from the sheer will to survive.

She twisted her hands, trying to find any slack in the bindings. The ropes bit into her skin, but she ignored the pain, focusing instead on the task at hand. She wriggled her fingers, feeling the ropes slowly give way. She gritted her teeth, pulling harder, her nails scraping against the rough surface of the trunk. Finally, with a triumphant snap, her hands came free.

Maize quickly pulled the gag from her mouth, sucking in a deep breath of stale, musty air. She flexed her fingers, trying to get the blood flowing again, and moved to untie her ankles. She had to get out, had to escape before Rob could do something worse.

She racked her brain, trying to remember the instructions she had once read about escaping from a car trunk. Something about finding the emergency release lever. Her fingers fumbled along the edge of the trunk, searching for the lever. Her hands were slick with sweat, and every touch felt amplified in the darkness.

Then the car came to an abrupt halt, throwing her forward. Panic surged anew, and Maize froze, listening intently. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the faint ticking of the cooling engine. She heard the car door open, then a terrifyingly familiar sound—a scuffle, followed by the unmistakable growls of fighting animals.

Her heart leapt into her throat as she heard the sounds of a violent struggle, the growls and snarls growing more intense. The howls of pain and rage echoed through the still night, sending chills down her spine. She knew those sounds could only mean one thing: Gideon had found them, and he was fighting Rob.