The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

Chapter Eighteen

DRAVEN

I knew it. He likes me.

I squeal to myself after the two of them leave. Smiling and dancing around the condo, I wash up what was left of our failed dinner and then head upstairs wanting to be clean and pristine for my night with Domonic. Even though I’m not planning to get naked for him, I need all surfaces of my body smelling like heaven and every inch of me soft as a baby’s bottom.

So naturally, I get into the large jacuzzi tub with bubbles, bath salts, and a fresh new razor. I soak for about thirty minutes before hopping into the shower for a final rinse.

Wrapped in a towel in front of the mirror, I smile at my reflection. I’m not nearly as haggard as I had been when I first arrived in this wonderful town. Studying my body, I realize something amazing. My bruises are practically gone. How in the world they had faded so quickly, I would never know.

Maybe because I haven’t been stressed?

Or perhaps all the good food I’ve been eating?

Exiting the bathroom with a huge smile on my face, I slip on bright red thong and forgo the bra. Then I dress in a pair of lowrider jeans and a tight, vee cut black top. one that dips so low in the front that my nipples are barely hidden by the neckline. Grabbing my phone off the nightstand I hit Domonic’s contact and traipse down the stairs. Realizing I probably shouldn’t disturb his meeting just because I am dressed and ready, I don’t make the call.

“Sometimes I can be so lame,” I say to myself, just as the doorbell sounds.

Who the hell can that be?

I reach for the deadbolt to unlock it then my hand freezes on the latch. Something inside of me buzzes to life. A sliver of fear slithering

up my spine.

The hairs on the back of my neck are standing at attention and I suddenly feel extremely alone.

Don’t panic, just breathe.

It can’t be Domonic.

It can’t be one of his friends.

Maybe a neighbor? Or maybe a salesman?

-Margo?

answer the

eyes to the peephole I peer outside.

Nothing. No one.

one out

time that the shades are still open. The yard is clear.

1/3

Chapter Eighteen

fear, of being watched. Someone

as I stare out at the foggy evening beyond the glass. I rip my eyes away and look down at

rings only

‘Draven? What’s wrong?”

“I–I’m scared.”

“What?”

doorbell, and I went to answer the door

“Someone rang the doorbell?”

checked and there’s nobody out there.

I should never have left you

in the background that

in two minutes. Do not hang up, do not move.” Domonic

a short circle to scan all parts of the yard.

are the

other end of the line. Car doors slamming, people scrambling.

this way.

“Y–yes.”

I can hear the screech of his tires through

and carefully as you can.

“O–okay.”

I began to breathe easier. But

street, I whisper, “The trees… I

filled the driveway and his Hummer screeches to a halt in front of the condo.

because the room is spinning, the adrenaline from moments ago falling away from

just as he reaches me at the

against his chest, lifting me off my feet and carrying me toward the back of the