Chapter 48

LEAH

I’m groggy.

My head is swimming and even though I blink to clear my eyes, it’s hard to see.

I’m still in the truck.

I’m in the back seat. My hands and ankles are bound.

I try to sit up.

The motion makes me nauseous but I go slowly and peek out the window. I have no idea where I am. The woods, somewhere, but not a place I’ve been before.

There’s a clearing and between the headlights and the moonlight, I can make out the edge of a forest.

There are rows and rows of trees in perfectly spaced rows. Like this area had been harvested for hardwoods at some point. It must have been a long time ago. They replanted only pines, which makes sense, because they’re quicker to grow for timber. The last harvest must have been some time ago, because the trees have grown substantially, and they’re probably not too far off from being cut down again.

I don’t see Brian.

tear at the cuffs on my wrist. They’re metal, quite possibly lined with

shackles. Running will be

is low to the ground to accommodate Brian’s height, and I stay ducked down. I want to lock the doors, but I’m worried the tell-tale click will let him know I’m awake, and not staying where he put me.

through the middle console, in the compartment in the door. I feel around on the floorboard, hoping, praying he may have left the

turned off and short of driving out of here, I

way to

for as far as the

see.

you’re awake. Splendid. Let’s get this party started.”

the other side of the

at me.

horror and slam the lock button.

up his keys and unlocks the vehicle.

the button

clicking goes back and forth between us for a few seconds, then Brian puts his fist through the window. I

hauling me across the truck and out the

glances at his watch. “It’s almost midnight. Your pack will conduct the formal burial ceremony, and the collective power your father

someone challenges,

the heir, Leah. And you’re right

“That…that’s not possible.”

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