Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Alessio

I find a pocket knife tucked away in the bedside table. Heart racing, I pick the door lock, trying to be as quiet as possible. I keep worrying Nico will return with food, but then the lock clicks and the door is officially unlocked.

I slip the pocket knife into my jeans and slowly open the door. The house is silent. I strain my ears to hear if anyone is coming, but the coast seems clear. I squeeze out of the door, pulse speeding. I don't know the layout of the house, but some things are universal. For example, I know the big staircase in front of me will lead down to the foyer where the front door is.

My goal is to escape. I'll come for Valentino another time. At the moment, getting the hell away is the priority. I make my way to the stairs, still listening intently for any indication someone is coming. I practically run down the wide, curving staircase, in a panic to get outside. The double front doors loom tantalizingly in the near distance.

When I reach the ground floor, I sprint across the marble foyer. I reach the front door and hesitate. There's a painful ache in my chest at the thought of leaving Dario. It's mystifying to me that he's even on my mind at the moment, but he is. The bite on my neck throbs painfully as I open the front door. Sweat breaks out on my skin, and once more, I hesitate.Dario's damn bite is interfering with my desire to escape.

Gritting my teeth, I feel nauseous as I step out onto the big porch. I need to ignore the anxiety rippling through me at leaving Dario behind. This is my chance to escape and I'm taking it.

In the distance, I see men patrolling the perimeter of the expansive property. I don't see anyone near the actual house though. It makes sense that Valentino has security. I figured he would. I'm hoping I can slip past them since they're expecting people to break in, not out.

I hurry down the steps and across the circular driveway. There's a fountain with Hibiscus growing near it, and statues dot the rolling lawns. The cobblestone drive winds toward the front road, and is lined with cypress trees, purple Bougainvillea, and white Oleander. I creep to the trees and slip into the vegetation to hide. If Nico does go up to the room to feed me, he'll sound the alarm when he sees I'm gone. I need to hurry to the front of the property before my escape is ended before it really even begins.

It"s late evening and it should be dark soon. Unfortunately, I don't think I have time to wait. I need to get off the property as quickly as I'm able. I make my way through the trees to the front of the property. There's a tall wall that surrounds the acreage, and wrought-iron gates adorned with intricate scrollwork guard the end of the long driveway.

As I'm crouched in the brush, the gates slowly creak open as a delivery van pulls up. I watch the white vehicle drive past, noticing it's a florist van. The two men patrolling nearest the gates stop the van. I eye the open gates, anxiety eating away at me. If I could just get out those gates, that would be the perfect scenario. The walls are extremely high and the odds of me climbing them without being noticed is quite slim.

Eyeing the van and the guards, I decide to try and get out of the open gates while the guards are distracted by the van. I move very slowly so that I don't catch anyone's peripheral vision. I reach the gates and pause, watching the van and guards. My heart is pounding so hard, I'm breathless. One of the guards laughs at something the guy in the van says, and I take the chance to make my way out of the gates.

I slip around the wrought iron gates and sprint to the other side of the wall. Panting, I stay still, praying no one saw me. I think if they had seen me they'd have called out. I press close to the wall and then jump when the gates squeak closed a few feet away.

They didn't see me.

If they had spotted me they wouldn't have closed the gates. Feeling elated, I run down the length of the big wall. The street next to me is a private road. I know from researching Valentino that he lives off of a main highway, and you can only get to his home by leaving that busy highway and traveling down a long, private road named Prime Rose Lane. If I can make it down this lane without Valentino's men stopping me, I'll reach the main road. It will take me a while on foot, however, if I can make it to the main road, from there I can probably grab a ride with someone. Maybe at the very least I can use someone's cell phone to call one of my men to pick me up.

But I need to not get captured first. With that in mind, I head across the road and slip into the trees on the other side. I move deeper into the woods, making sure I don't lose sight of the road. I'm annoyed that each step away from Dario brings an intense uneasiness. How I can be bonded to an alpha I hardly know is beyond me. Why a simple bite would create that bond is also mystifying. I never put much stock in the whole alpha and omega connection, but I'm forced to grudgingly admit it's apparently real. As strong as my desire is to flee, there's an equally nagging need to run back to Dario. It's so powerful, I occasionally falter in my steps, fighting against the desire to turn back.

When it starts to rain, I curse at the sky. I'd noticed the dark clouds gathering, but hoped I'd be home before the rain hit. Not so much. As the big drops splatter on the ground and my head, I grit my teeth and trudge onward. I'd hoped maybe it would be a light, quick rain. Unfortunately, the rain begins to come down heavier. I slip and slide in the mud as I make my way through the trees. At one point, I see two black SUVs race by, traveling toward the main road.

"Fuck," I growl, moving deeper into the trees. They must have discovered I'm missing. Was Dario in one of those cars? My chest aches with longing at the thought he's looking for me. It's a foolish, irrational emotion, but it's powerful. The need to show myself to my alpha is horrifyingly strong.

"No, no, no," I hiss. "I need to get away. That's what's important."

I pick up my speed, while trying not to fall and break a bone. Since they raced toward the main road, I begin to wonder if perhaps I should rethink my escape plan. It's logical that I'd flee to the highway, but maybe I should double back instead? Perhaps that would throw them off. I could always go deeper into the trees and see what's on the other side of this forest? I only hesitate because these trees could go on for miles and miles. I know nothing about the area that surrounds Valentino's home.

As I trudge along, the temperature drops. The rain worsens, and my attitude tanks along with the crappy conditions. I'm drenched and pissed off at my predicament. I don't see the SUVs again, but I highly doubt that's because they gave up looking for me. I worry perhaps Valentino's men have dogs. They could try to track me that way if I don't show up at the highway as expected.

I stop walking when the rain becomes a torrent. The visibility is so poor, I worry I'll fall down a ravine or something. Chilled to the bone, I huddle at the base of one of the aspen trees. The wind has picked up too, and I'm shivering and cursing my bad luck. I have to admit, I'm beginning to regret ever making a move against Valentino. If I hadn't done that, I'd be home in my warm bed right now. I felt driven to avenge my father. Now I realize I should have been stealthier about getting my vengeance. I'm never going to win an all out war with the Black Knives. I'll be lucky to survive this fucking storm.

If I do somehow make it home, Valentino will probably come for me there. He's never going to let me live. I might have to leave Los Demonios. My heart sinks at the idea of leaving everything behind. Even if I promised to stop seeking revenge, Valentino won't just let me walk away without consequences. Dario can only do so much to protect me, and after this stunt, should they find me, Dario might just hand me over to Valentino. He's probably sick of me too.

"I'm sorry, Father," I whisper. "I've really made a mess of this."

I shiver, hugging my trembling body. The frigid temperature is seeping my strength. I know I should keep moving, but the rain is coming down so hard, visibility is shit. What would they do if I just returned to Valentino's mansion, tail between my legs? I give a humorless laugh, picturing Dario's bewildered expression. Would he be happy to see me, or annoyed that I came back?

"Doesn't matter to me either way," I mutter.

No point in fantasizing about asking for forgiveness. I'm fairly certain Valentino would have me murdered if I returned to his home. Besides, I'm not going to beg him for anything. I still hate him with a passion. I simply can now admit I'm no match for him.

Feeling dejected, I close my eyes and my thoughts drift to Dario again. It physically hurts to be away from him. My logical side says escaping was the right move. But my instinctive side says I should crawl back to Dario. That's humiliating to admit. I've always been independent. I've never needed an alpha, and I hate the idea I might want one now. But Dario's scent seems to always be in my nose, and thoughts of him swamp me day and night.

Independent or not, I'd give anything for my alpha's protection right now. Dario would want to protect me too. He can't help it. If he were with me right now, he'd shield me from the rain and wind with his burly body. He'd probably pretend he was doing it for some other reason, but I know he'd instinctively need to protect me. He can't help it. It's in his DNA. Since he gave me his bite, primal law dictates that Dario is now my shelter. My protector.

My alpha.

I shudder as that thought comes to me. I don't want an alpha, but the awful truth is I have to fight the urge not to skulk back to him. I'm not near him, yet I can see him so clearly in my mind. His dark eyes are burned into my brain. His scent and taste linger on my senses. I whimper, fighting the need clawing at me. The hair on my skin prickles, and I swear I can smell him nearby.

The sound of a car slowing out on the road at the edge of the trees has my eyes flying open. My heart quickens when I see headlights through the thick trees. I stay where I am, crouched at the base of a tree as the rain pelts me. I hear the sound of a car door slamming. The headlights flicker as if someone is walking in front of them. I don't think I can run in the opposite direction efficiently. It's dark and I don't know my way. With my luck, I'll run smack into a tree and knock myself out.

I hear the crack of twigs and panic roars through me. The headlights still shine into the trees but I'm positive the occupant of the SUV isn't in the vehicle anymore. I press closer to the tree trunk, praying whoever it is can't find me in the dark. The hairs on my skin stiffen as the sounds come closer. Whoever it is, they're moving in my direction.

I know who it is. Why am I pretending I don't?

All I can do is watch as a dark figure emerges from the black night. There's a sort of humming inside of me, and I feel breathless. I grip the trunk of the tree, heat shifting through me. I feel feverish. Flushed. My lips part in anticipation because of course I know who's approaching. I recognize it's Dario even before I spot the bulk and height of him. Excitement replaces fear, which makes little sense. He's ten feet away now, and while I can't see his features, I can see his eyes. They're an eerie yellow as he moves toward me.

As if there's a beacon attached to me, he comes straight to me. I don't stand. I simply whimper at the foot of the tree. I have the oddest impulse to roll over on my back submissively. He grabs hold of me and yanks me to my feet. His lips are pulled tight over his teeth, and those golden eyes burn into me. Ran pelts him as he tugs me against his hard, warm body.

I should run. Yell. Fight. I do none of those things. Instead, I fold into him, slipping my arms around him. He growls, a low rumble in his throat, and I press closer as if wordlessly asking for forgiveness. He nuzzles my hair, and warm breaths waft over my ear. I wiggle even closer to him, seeking shelter from the rain.

He runs his large hands down my body, still making that weird rumbling growl. I'm feverish as I cling to him, embarrassed at my reaction to him. Now would be the time to fight. Attack. He's distracted by whatever instincts he's feeling. I could knee him or stab him with the little pocket knife I stole from his night stand. But instead of doing any of that, I press my lips to his firm throat, nipping the skin.

His breaths are harsher now, and they hang visibly in the chilled air. His eyes are painfully bright to look at, but my excitement only grows. I should be afraid of him, but instead my hands fumble with his belt. He glances up at the dark sky, and a snarl escapes his lips. Hand's shaking, I unzip his slacks and then fumble with my own.

He pushes me against the tree truck that's behind me. He stares at me, looking feral. Ravenous. I kiss his mouth softly, whimpering my need. His upper lip curls up like a dog about to bite, but then he yanks my jeans down to my knees. The cold air swirls around my bare ass, but I'm so fucking turned on I barely notice the chill.

He lifts me like I weigh nothing, pushing my thighs as wide as they'll go. The jeans are definitely restricting my movements. Still, I'm able to spread my legs wide enough that he settles between my trembling thighs. The rain pelts us as he takes my mouth hungrily. I respond, sucking on his tongue and moaning into his greedy mouth. I feel like I've gone insane. The storm means nothing to me now. I'm drenched and shivering, but all I can think about is getting Dario inside my aching body. Lust boils in my lower belly, and I hold his yellow gaze as he guides his cock to my asshole.

There's no foreplay. He's an alpha with one goal in mind: Fucking his omega. I whine as he pushes inside me, impaling me in one long, harsh stroke. I claw at him, crying out as I arch my back. He grabs my wrists, rumbling his disapproval. Then he begins to pump his hips, nailing me against the tree with his weight. I wiggle and moan as he fucks me mercilessly. The pleasure is almost too much. He's rough, but I love it. I crave it. I deserve it for running. He's punishing me for daring to run, but also giving me a reason to stay.

"You're not going anywhere," he hisses against my ear.

I whine and seek his mouth, sucking on his lips and moaning. He's so deep inside me, it's hard to breathe. What I'm feeling makes no sense to me. But I can't stop. I have no idea how he found me. It's as if my thoughts brought him here. I hold his gaze as he thrusts into me. My back scrapes the tree trunk, and I'm sure I'll be bruised. I don't care. My climax is swirling through my body deliciously. Hovering just out of reach.

His cock swells deep inside me. I moan as my orgasm begins to unfurl deep in my core. The relentless thrusting of his cock, and the scent of him sends me over the edge. As I come he comes too. He gives a primordial roar as he floods me with his seed, and I convulse and jerk on his cock. It's the rawest, most carnal moment of my life. Even that night in the cabin pales in comparison to this moment. My body opens to his seed, quaking and welcoming it. If I wasn't pregnant already, I am now. I can almost feel his seed fertilizing my eggs.

He finishes inside me with two weak thrusts. He's breathing hard and he's spent. He leans on me, nuzzling the bite mark on my throat. After a few moments, he lifts his head and stares into my eyes. He looks a little dazed, but his eyes are a more normal brown again. He strokes my bottom lip with his thumb, and then he kisses me. It's an extremely tender kiss. Shockingly tender after how he just behaved with me. I kiss him back, still in a haze of lust.

"Don't run again," he says softly.

He pulls out of me before his knot can form, and we both quickly straighten our clothing. The feverish lust has faded now, leaving me embarrassed. I'm still not sure how things went from me fleeing for my life to fucking in the woods. The only excuse I have is instinct is guiding me. Us. I don't actually like being controlled by instincts. I prefer to know why I do things. It seems when it comes to instinct, that's not a thing.

The rain has let up slightly, but it's still cold and I'm soaked through. He is too after our little fuck fest. But I've been out in the chilled night longer than him. When my teeth chatter, he scowls. Without warning, he steps back from me, and grabs me.

Next thing I know I'm over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. I struggle, hissing and trying to get down. He ignores me and strides in the direction he came from. I pummel his back, which has no effect. The tree branches scrape across my back as he crashes through the brush on his way back to his vehicle.

Once there, he opens the passenger side and dumps me unceremoniously into the seat. He slams the door shut and stomps around to the driver's side. He opens his car door and slides behind the wheel. He sits for a few moments, not speaking.

"How did you find me?" I mumble, still puzzled about how he made a beeline toward me in the dark woods.

"I could just… feel where you were," he rumbles.

I have no idea how that would be possible, but I saw him do it with my own eyes. "That makes no sense. None of this makes sense."

"I know."

I stare forward, watching the rain slither down the windshield. The patter of rain on the roof of the SUV makes me feel like we're the only two people in the world. "Are you taking me back to Valentino?"

"Of course." He starts the car as he speaks.

"He's not going to be happy. He already wants me dead."

Turning his head he says, "You two are like children. You're both driving me fucking nuts."

"Then just let me go." I reach out and grip his arm. I feel the tense muscles bulging beneath my hand. "Tell Valentino you couldn't find me. On a night like this, that's completely believable. Please, Dario, just let me go."

He shakes off my hand and he puts the car in drive. He does a U-turn and heads back in the direction of Valentino's home. My gut churns because I can only imagine what awaits me. If Dario won't let me go, I'm fucked.

"Why is Valentino holding me prisoner?" I rasp. "He should either kill me or let me go."

"He has his reasons."

"This is bullshit." I hug myself, shivering against the door. Dario glances over and flicks on the heater. I sigh as the hot air fills the compartment, soaking into my chilled body. The windshield wipers swish rhythmically as we drive along. "You gave me your bite. Shouldn't your job be to protect me?"

He grunts but doesn't speak.

"You're taking me back to a man who wants to kill me. How do you reconcile that as my alpha? Huh?"

He grips the wheel tighter. "This situation is complicated."

"To put it mildly," I say under my breath.

"You're acting innocent, but you started this entire clusterfuck, Alessio." He sounds more frustrated than angry.

"We're never going to agree on that." I mutter, fiddling with the air vent.

"What are the odds we'll agree on anything?"

I turn to him, scowling. "It seriously doesn't bother your alpha instincts or whatever that Valentino wants to kill me? Punish me? That's just fine with you?"

"Yes, because he's my boss and I do what he says."

"I've always heard you follow him blindly," I snap. "I guess it's true."

He shakes his head. "You think that's an insult to me? You should be so lucky to inspire the kind of faith and loyalty Valentino does. You could learn something from him if you weren't so stubborn."

"The only thing I want is for Valentino to die or at the very least suffer horribly." I face forward again, and stare out the window. Everything outside is blurry through the rain spattered glass.

"And with that attitude you expect me to just let you go free? So you can scheme against him some more?" He sounds disgusted. "I can't do that. We need another solution to this mess you've created."

"I think we both know that Valentino's solution is for me to die."

He exhales. "Perhaps he has other thoughts on the matter."

I frown at him. "Since when?"

"We'll talk more when I get you in the house."

"Why can't you just… talk to me now?"

He rumbles, "Because I'm driving and this discussion will need my full attention."

His answer does nothing to calm me. What the hell is it he needs to say to me? Is he telling the truth? Is Valentino considering sparing my life? Why would he? Or is it that he wants to torture me instead? I know Valentino wants retribution for my rebellion. Does he want that in the form of my hands? Or my eyes? I shudder, my mind running wild with all the horrible things Valentino could do to me that wouldn't entail actually killing me.

"You can't even give me a hint?" I ask softly.

He doesn't respond. He presses his lips tight and squints at the rain slicked road.

We drive in silence for a while and my stomach churns when I see the familiar sight of the wrought iron gates at the front of Valentino's home. I was so close to freedom. Now I'm fucked because Dario can't say no to his boss. I dig my nails into the leather of the armrest, eaten up with frustration.

Dario presses something on the visor and the big gates slowly open. He drives through them and takes the cobblestone road to the big house. He parks near the fountain, and jumps out of the car to open my door. I slide out of the SUV, and Dario marches me up the stairs and into the house.

I thought maybe Valentino would be waiting for me with a gleeful smile, but there's no one in the foyer to greet us. Dario leads me up the wide staircase, and down the hallway to the room they kept me in before. I keep expecting Valentino to appear, but he doesn't.

Once inside the bedroom, Dario peels off his wet jacket and shirt. He gives me a surly glance. "You should change out of those wet clothes and take a hot shower."

"I want to know what you wouldn't tell me in the car," I demand.

He laughs. "Is that right? Are you under the impression I care what you want?"

I scowl. "No. But I don't understand why you won't just tell me what's on Valentino's mind."

"I'll enlighten you as soon as you do as I ask, Alessio." His voice is more patient now. "Nico left some clean, dry clothes in the bathroom for you. You're of a similar build to him so they should fit just fine."

I feel like stomping my feet in frustration, but I control that childish urge. If I want to know what Valentino has up his sleeve, I need to do what Dario wants. I grit my teeth and head into the big bathroom. The room is large with light amber travertine tile, and gold fixtures. There's a huge tub and a walk in shower with the same smooth tile.

I strip out of my wet clothes, noticing there is indeed a stack of clean clothes on the long sink counter. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror over the sink and I wince. My skin is very pale so the bruising on my arms, chest, and legs stand out. The bite mark on my neck is also stark against my white skin. It's definitely been a rough few days and my body is showing the wear and tear of my adventures.

The shower is bliss. I'm actually glad that Dario forced me to take the shower once I'm in the middle of it. The water is hot and plentiful, and as the heat of it seeps into my chilled body I begin to feel more normal again. I wash my hair and body with cedarwood and ginger shampoo and body wash. The scent reminds me of Dario and I'm annoyed when my pulse flutters.

Life would be so much simpler if I could just hate him. But memories of him fucking me in the woods makes my knees weak. He was so commanding and it all felt so fucking good. I lean against the tile wall of the shower, giving an embarrassed laugh. God, I'd been so turned on. We'd both been consumed by each other.

There's just something about Dario that makes me lose my control. Every time he touches me, I seem to lose all rational thought. Just like that night when we first met. Why did I let him fuck me outside that bar like that? That was completely out of character for me. I hate the strange power he has over me, but I can't seem to do anything about it.

Once I'm clean, I dry off and dress in the clothes Nico left for me. Dario was right. They fit me perfectly. I leave the steamy bathroom and am surprised that Dario isn't in the room. There's a tray on the dresser with sandwiches and sodas. My mouth waters at the sight of the food. I haven't eaten since that cabin in the woods when I ate the dry cereal. I'm starving. But I hesitate. Am I supposed to wait for Dario? Would he wait for me? Probably not.

I decide he can go fuck himself and I help myself to one of the sandwiches. It's roasted turkey with provolone. I groan as I stuff the sandwich in, washing it down with one of the orange sodas. I'm just finishing up my meal when Dario returns.

His hair is damp and he smells like citrusy shower gel. Should I be insulted he chose not to shower with me? Or should I be pleased he gave me privacy? Perhaps he's tired of me already? When I meet his gaze, I see arousal simmering. My stomach clenches at the look in his eyes. Apparently he isn't sick of me just yet.

"Is it time to talk to Valentino?" I hope I don't sound as nervous as I feel at that prospect.

"Not yet." He sits on the edge of the bed. He's dressed in clean dark slacks and a white dress shirt, but his feet are bare. His toes curl into the carpet, and there's obvious tension in his jaw as he studies me. "He wanted me to tell you what he has planned."

"Okay. I'm all ears." I cross my arms, wishing he didn't look so grim.

He clears his throat as if he's nervous. "Valentino has come up with a solution that allows him to show leniency toward you. It would also satisfies his desire for retribution against you."

I bristle at the idea Valentino thinks he's been wronged. I'm the one who deserves retribution. But I know Dario wouldn't agree, so why bother saying anything? "What does he want? For me to promise not to seek vengeance anymore?"

He gives a curt laugh. "If only it were that simple, Alessio."

"What then? Does he want my first born child or something?" My attempt at humor falls flat if his irritable expression is anything to go by.

"This is no joke. His ask is big. Huge, in fact. It'll require much sacrifice from you and from me." He avoids my gaze, a muscle jerking in his cheek.

"From you?" I frown. "Why would you be involved in my punishment?"

He mutters, "Because Valentino partly blames me for this mess. If I'd never been seduced by you in the first place, he feels none of this crap would have happened."

I scowl. "I'd have come for him either way."

He winces. "Yes. But I'd have never given you my bite, and you wouldn't be a thorn in his side right now. You'd be dead."

I scowl. "You don't know that."

He narrows his eyes. "Yes, Alessio, I do know that. I'm sure you must know that too."

I make a huffing sound, but say nothing. His comment puts my back up, but the truth is the Black Knives are far more powerful than my little syndicate. That's the reason I wanted to ambush Valentino, rather than go head to head with him.

He continues, "Because I gave you my bite, he wants to find a way to keep you alive. Out of respect for me he's willing to spare your life, if we go along with his plan."

I touch the bite on my neck distractedly. "Okay. What's his plan?"

He grits his teeth. "I guarantee you won't like it. I don't like it either, but it's the only way to keep you above ground."

Bracing myself, I ask breathlessly, "Enough stalling. What's Valentino's plan?"

Dario winces and then blurts, "He wants us to get married."