“What kind of book are you looking for?” I ask. thinking that if he gave me a description of the cover, I would be able to help him find it

There’s no answer.

Turning around, I don’t see him and my heart skips a beat.

“Klaus?

Still nothing

Racing between the shelves, I call out to him. There is still no answer, in fact there doesn’t seem to be anyone else here.

“KLAUS?” I was desperate. My heart starts to race, my breathing quickened as I weakly call out his name again.

Turning up the final aisle, I freeze. Cassandra stood perfectly still. A smug smile on her face. Her arms folded just under her chest as she grins at me “So the rat has found her voice.”

Just behind her, I see a foot poking out. A large boot that looked like the ones Klaus wears. A thick iron scent was slowly filling the air around me. “Did….did you kill him?”

She turns and kicks him in the side and he doesn’t make a sound.

“The Alpha let you out then.” Her eyes settle on the mark on my neck.

“I’m not…I’m not alone.” I splutter

“Oh I know, but they aren’t here with you now, are they?! It’s just us.” She combs her fingers through her long blonde hair. “And where is the good old Alpha Dane? If you are his contract bride, I’m surprised he let you out with these idiots.”

“Where’s…..where’s Trey?”

“That is Alpha Trey to you!” She spits, “And it is none of your business.

“This is neutral territory…..You….they won’t like you here.” I glance at Klaus’s foot which is moving a little. “They have their own rules. “Do you think I care about that? You are the reason my brother is dead!

“And you are the reason my parents are dead!” My abrupt response takes me by surprise.

Cassandra’s eyes narrow at me and I see Klaus roll onto his back. I was so relieved to see that he was alive. “Why…why are you here?” I demand, trying to find my confidence.

“Trey wants to see you

“Why?”

She smirks at me. “He wants to remind you.

Klaus quietly stands up behind her, his hands clamp around her throat. “Remind her about what?”

Before she answers, Beta Eric charges in from nowhere. He grabs hold of me, pulling me behind him.

“Answer me!” Klaus demands.

Cassandra fights against him. Digging I her perfectly manicured © nails deep into his wrists, yet Klaus refuses to let go, even when his blood trickles down over his&kin, dripping into small puddles- by his féet.

“Let her go, Klaus.” Beta Eric orders

“She tried to kill me.”

Tried. Something tells me that is all she can do ig‘try. She has most likely never killeckanyone in her life. She sets others up to do her dirty work?” He smiles. ‘ ‘Dane is going to have a fie dda when I take you to our” dungeons. I wonder what he-will remove first. A finger, perhaps a toe. Maybe your tongue.”

“As much as you want to kill her, Klaus.” Beta Eric continues. “Dane would much rather see to it. after all she is targeting his mate.” “Bride.” Cassandra spits.

She had seen my mark, did she not think it was genuine?

‘Mate.” Beta Eric mutters. “You have crossed over into a different ~ territory. Cassandra. Not only have

you} played with fire, you havegiven yourself the death penalty. “Content ~

“Trey will come for you!” Cassandra screeches and I cover my ears

“I don’t doubt it. And I am very much looking forward to it.” He looks up at Klaus. “My van is out the back, take her out to it and lock her in.” “Fuck you, you stupid Wolves!”

Klaus scowls.

“Go on then, shift.” Beta Eric muses. “I dare you.”