Chapter 14 - Callie

My knee won't stop jiggling. It's been bouncing the entire drive, and I can't stop it. I've tried, but the more I try to restrain the nervous energy coursing through me, the more it increases. No, nervous isn't the right word. I'm pissed. Pissed and scared. I don't know where we are or where we're going. My dog has been left alone, and I'm being given no say in my own life.

How could Justin do this to me? The one person I allowed myself to trust, and he goes and betrays me like this. I steal a glance at him, taking in his rigid posture and clenched fists. Despite my anger, there's a small part of me that still hopes he'll change his mind. That he'll see reason and let me go.

"Will you stop?" Justin snaps, breaking the silence that has been suffocating me.

I shoot him a glare. "How about no?"

He rolls his eyes. "Look, Callie, I know you're angry, but can't you try to understand where I'm coming from?"

"No, I can't," I scoff, crossing my arms.

"Why not?" he asks.

"Because you're being a complete and total dick!" I exclaim. "You're treating me like a prisoner, and I hate it."

He sighs and glances over at me. "I'm doing this for you, Callie."

"Stop fucking saying that!" I explode, slamming my hand on the dashboard.

"Don't fucking raise your voice at me," he growls.

"Don't fucking kidnap me," I snarl.

"You're not being kidnapped, Callie," he says, but there's no conviction behind his words.

"That's not what it looks like to me," I retort.

Justin's lips form a thin line. "This isn't easy for me, either."

I scoff. "Are you kidding? It's not easy for you? What about Champ, Justin? Who is going to take care of him?"

"I have dogs, too," he points out. "I already texted Ram. He's going to bring all three of them out here, along with some supplies. Champ will be fine."

I scowl. "I don't know if I can forgive you for this," I admit, and he glances over at me.

"Callie," he says. "I'm trying to protect you."

When I open my mouth to counter, I deflate and close it again. We've been going round and round for over an hour, and I'm sick of this. There's no point in fighting with him when he's being so stubborn. He just can't be reasoned with when he's in this state.

The rest of the drive is spent in tense silence. Finally, we arrive at our destination: a cabin that's a world away from anything resembling a city. Its weathered exterior that blends seamlessly with the forest and mountains around it. It's smaller and more rustic than my rental back in Stardust Hollow, but I'll begrudgingly admit that it has a certain charm to it.

Justin gets out of the truck first, and since the child locks are on, I can't open my door on my own. I let out an irritated huff as he opens my door, climbs out of the car, and grabs my arm as if he's afraid I'm going to bolt. Where the hell am I going to go? I have no clue where we are, and the last house I saw was at least five miles back.

"I don't have any clothes," I grumble as we step onto the porch.

"Ram will bring some," he replies.

He swings the door open, and we step inside. Going by the musty smell, it's been some time since anyone has been here. Justin said this was a new safehouse for the pack, that they'd just bought it. I guess we're the lucky wolves who get to break into the place.

There's a fireplace in the center of the main room with a few logs resting next to it. Simple furniture litters the room, with a sofa, a couple of chairs, and a coffee table in the center. The floor is wooden, and a rug has been placed over the hardwood, but the colors are faded, and there's a layer of dust over the surfaces. There's a small kitchen off to the side, but when I go over and peer inside, I realize the cupboards are empty. I open the fridge and find it barren.

"Hopefully, Ram is close behind, or we're going to dehydrate and starve to death," I complain.

"He'll be here in a couple hours," Justin claims. "There's only one bedroom, but you can take it. I'll sleep out here on the sofa."

A giggle makes its way up my throat as I imagine Justin's big frame trying to sleep on the cramped sofa. A small thrill of satisfaction courses through me from knowing he's going to be so uncomfortable. Good. He deserves a kink in the neck.

"Are you sure we're safe out here?" I ask, looking out the window and into the thick brush surrounding the cabin.

"As safe as we can be," Justin replies. "This cabin is far away from any pack's territory. There's nothing but trees for miles. We're isolated out here."

"How long do you think we'll have to stay here?"

"Just until Evan gives up," Justin says.

"So, forever, then," I lament. Evan is not the kind of wolf who throws in the towel. Ever. He's stubborn, and once he's fixated on something, he won't stop until he has it.

"We'll figure it out," he promises. "We're going to need more firewood. It's going to get cold tonight. I'm going to go work on it while we wait for Ram. Have a look around, make yourself at home."

"Home sweet fucking home," I grumble.

Justin shoots me an annoyed look before stepping outside.

With nothing else to do, I wander around the cabin, opening the cupboards and trying to imagine how this place is going to work for the next several months. I make my way to the bedroom and peer inside, noting the double bed and dresser, along with a nightstand and a vanity. My eyes catch sight of a small bookshelf tucked away in the corner. I make my way over and scan the titles, finding a mix of romance novels, thrillers, and some old classics. I pick up a worn copy of Pride and Prejudice and settle onto the bed, hoping to lose myself in the world of Jane Austen's characters.

But no matter how hard I try to focus on the words, my mind keeps drifting back to our current predicament. I'm trapped in the middle of nowhere, at the mercy of a werewolf who thinks he knows what's best for me. I hate that it's come to this, that my only chance at freedom now feels hopeless. And to top it all off, I know I'll owe Ram's pack big time once this is all said and done.

Justin genuinely wants to protect me. I can see it in his eyes. But I can't help but resent him for taking my freedom away, for bringing me here against my will. No matter how much I try to reason with him, he won't budge. It's like talking to a brick wall.

I set the book aside and lie back, staring up at the ceiling, realizing for the first time how bone-tired I am. The exhaustion settles in my bones, and a wave of sleepiness washes over me. Maybe a nap will help me relax and take my mind off our current situation. Closing my eyes, I let sleep pull me under, hoping that when I wake up, things will somehow be better. But deep down, I know that's just wishful thinking.

I don't know how long I was out for, but when my eyes flutter open, I hear Champ’s unmistakable little yip in the other room. Pushing myself off the bed, I pad into the living room, where I find Champ playing around with Snowy and Stormy, the three of them romping and frolicking around.

As soon as they see me, Champ stops what he’s doing to rush over to me. His tongue lolls out the side of his mouth, and he’s panting happily. Ram must've stopped by while I was sleeping.

"Hey, you," I murmur, sinking down beside Champ and wrapping my arms around his furry frame. He responds with a contented sigh, nuzzling against my chest. "How are you?" I ask, and he answers by licking my cheeks and trying to lick my chin. "Miss me, did you?"

The aroma of something savory wafts from the kitchen, drawing my attention. I follow my nose and find Justin at the stove, standing over a skillet sizzling with vegetables and meat.

"Hey," I say, leaning against the counter. "What's cooking?"

Justin glances over his shoulder, and I hate the way his eyes light up when he sees me. I wish he wasn't so damn good-looking. It would make it so much easier to hate his guts for kidnapping me.

"Hey, sleepyhead. Just throwing together some stir-fry. Ram dropped off some supplies while you were napping."

"I gathered that when I saw the dogs," I comment. My stomach rumbles at the mention of food, and I realize just how hungry I am. "Need any help?"

Justin shakes his head, flipping the contents of the skillet with practiced ease. "Nah, I've got it under control. Why don't you go sit down? Dinner will be ready soon."

Reluctantly tearing my gaze away from the tantalizing meal, I nod and head for the sofa, where I sink into the cushions. Champ and Justin's dogs follow me, curling up around my feet as I settle in.

If someone had told me this morning that my day would end with me being forced to hide out in a cabin in the woods with a hot-as-hell werewolf, I'd have laughed in their face. Yet, here I am. And although the circumstances are dire, and Justin is being a stubborn jackass, I'm still glad to see the dogs. It's comforting knowing that even though everything is going to hell, my new friends are still around.

As Justin dishes out the stir-fry onto plates, I watch him move around the kitchen. As much as I despise myself for it, I have to admire the way his muscles flex under his shirt. But then I remember why we're here, and my stomach twists into a knot. I sound deranged even to myself, ogling my captor.

Once he tells me dinner is ready, I make my way to the table and pick at my food. It smells and looks delicious, but that doesn't mean I want him to know that.

Justin eyes me as I take a bite, leaning forward as if my opinion means the world to him. "Well, how is it?" he asks.

I shrug. "It's fine, I guess."

Justin arches an eyebrow. "Just fine? I put my heart and soul into this stir-fry."

I roll my eyes. "Please, spare me the dramatics. It's edible." Okay, it's incredible, but again, he doesn't need to know that.

He chuckles, shaking his head. "You know, you could at least try to be appreciative."

I narrow my eyes at him. "I didn't ask you to cook for me."

He raises his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. Next time, I'll let you starve."

"Please do," I retort. I know I sound like a child, but I don't give a damn. "Do me a favor and don't do me any more favors, okay?" As much as it pains me, I shove the plate away.

"Callie, you need to eat."

I know he's right, but I'm too stubborn to admit it. "I'm not hungry."

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I get that you're upset—"

"Upset?" I scoff. "That's putting it lightly."

He glares as he leans back, crossing his arms over his chest. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Me? I'm not the one who kidnapped someone," I counter, my voice rising.

He stands abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "You know what? Forget it. I'm done trying to reason with you," he snaps, storming out of the room.

I sit there, fuming, but a part of me feels guilty for pushing him away. I know he's only trying to help, but it's hard to see past my anger and fear. Taking a deep breath, I push back my chair and follow him into the living room.

"Where are you going?" I ask when I notice him gathering the dogs.

"I'm taking them out," he tells me. "A nice long walk will blow off some steam."

"You don't have a leash," I point out.

"My dogs don't need leashes."

"Okay, but Champ does. He's just a puppy. He hasn't been trained yet."

"Well, that sounds like a good way to fill our time, doesn't it?" Justin suggests. "I'll teach him. Or better yet, since he's your dog, I'll teach you how to train him."

"If you think for one second I'm going to take orders from you, you're out of your damn mind," I snap.

He scowls. "Having him out here in the middle of nowhere with no training is asking for trouble."

Part of me wants to argue with him, but even I have my limits. He's right. If I want to keep Champ safe, it's the responsible thing to do.

I nod. "Okay. You can train him while we're here, but he needs to stay on a leash until then, okay? I don't want him running off like last time."

"Deal," he agrees. "Eat something while I'm gone, please?"

I don't answer him, but as soon as the leash is on Champ and they go outside, I hurry back to the table and scarf down my food. Damn, I was starving. I guess a full day of travel takes it out of a person.

The next few days go on in a similar fashion. We fight over the stupidest things, and it drives me nuts. I can't seem to control my emotions, and I can tell Justin is struggling with the same problem. He's trying to remain calm and rational, but once I realize he's been locking the door to the cabin every night to keep me inside, I start losing it, and the bickering begins anew.

He's so stubborn and overbearing, and I want nothing more than to shake some sense into him. But there's an undeniable attraction between us, and as much as I hate to admit it, his hot, half-naked body is distracting. Even now, as I stand at the kitchen counter, chopping up carrots and potatoes, I'm staring at the bathroom door, waiting for him to step out of it in a towel like he does every night. My mouth goes dry as I imagine him coming out with only a towel on, water dripping down his toned muscles.

Stop it, Callie , I scold myself. But I can't help it. My inner wolf is begging for attention, and she's hell-bent on Justin for some unknown reason.

When he does come out of the bathroom this time, I'm so distracted that I nearly cut my finger off.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

I jump at the sound of his voice. "Oh, um… yeah, sorry."

He walks over and takes the knife from me, setting it on the counter. "You're bleeding."

I look down at my finger, seeing blood oozing from a thin cut. I stare at it, only because it's something to look at other than him.

"Here, let me wrap it," he offers.

My face is burning hot when I take in the sight of him. Just as predicted, he’s half-naked, and a small trail of water trickles down his abs.

"Callie?" he says.

"Right," I respond, looking away from him. "Actually, no. I've got it, thanks. You should go put some clothes on. You don't want to catch a chill."

He arches an eyebrow but obliges, disappearing into the bedroom and shutting the door behind him. As soon as the door shuts, I let out a long, deep breath. Fuck.

I need to get out of here. I'm going stir-crazy. I have to do something, anything, to get out of here. If I stay cooped up in this cabin, I'm going to lose my damn mind. I can't take this anymore. I need some space, some time away from Justin and his infuriating presence. Maybe if I can get some fresh air, clear my head, I'll be able to think more clearly.

Glancing around the room, I spot a small toolbox sitting on the coffee table. Justin used it earlier to fix the window in the kitchen. Perfect.

My dad was a locksmith, and growing up, he used to teach me all sorts of tricks of the trade. I never thought those skills would come in handy, but now I'm grateful he drilled it into my head. If he hadn't, I never wouldn't know how to pick a lock.

I find a Phillips Head screwdriver and kneel down in front of the lock. It's a simple deadbolt, nothing too complicated. I insert the screwdriver into the hole and wiggle it back and forth, twisting it as hard as I can until it slips free. It takes a minute, but finally the door clicks open, and the lock pops loose.

"Yes!" I whisper.

With a triumphant grin, I push open the door and step outside, inhaling the crisp, cool air of the forest. I take a few steps away from the cabin, relishing the freedom of the open space. This is just what I needed. A chance to get out of the house and breathe.