Endurance

  “We need Kieran’s wife to be a Breckenridge—or the equivalent—so we’re on equal footing.” Meaning that if something happened to his daughter, then whoever Kieran has taken as a wife will pay the price.

  Either way I lose a sister or the woman I love.

  “I fully trust that this partnership will work and it won’t come down to an eye for an eye. I wouldn’t be offering you my only daughter if I didn’t believe it would be successful.”

  Offering his daughter as a sacrifice means nothing to me. I just experienced how easily a parent will give up a child.

  Thane looks at Sin and then back to Lennox. “We can’t make this kind of decision tonight. We need time to discuss it.”

  “In the meantime, we’re keeping Westlyn and Ellison,” Kieran says.

  I will lose my fucking mind if they have to stay another minute with The Order. “No. You can’t agree to this, Thane.”

  “The part where we keep Westlyn and Ellison is nonnegotiable. I need time with them to help me decide which one I’ll take as my wife. If I like neither then I’ll need a few days with Evanna.”

  Fuck the treaty. “You’ll take none of them as your wife.”

  He grins and licks his lips. “I plan on tasting one of them tonight. Maybe both. I haven’t decided yet.”

  “That’s enough, Kieran,” his father warns.

  “Don’t you fucking touch either of them.”

  “Who’s going to stop me?”

  “I will kill you.” I stand and pull out my Glock, aiming it directly between his eyes, while contemplating the consequences of putting a bullet in his head.

  “That’s not a good way to begin the treaty.”

  “You weren’t thinking that when you put a bullet in me a few hours ago.”

  “You pulled your weapon. We had no choice.”

  “You were kidnapping two of our women. Of course I was going to pull my weapon.”

  “It wasn’t our intention to kill you. Otherwise, you’d be dead.”

  “Stand down, Jamie.” I hear my leader’s command but it doesn’t compute. My arm won’t obey his order. “Now,” Thane adds.

  I return my gun to its holster and sit. Seething. I stare at Kieran Hendry, imagining how his blood would spatter on the gray walls behind him as the bullet enters and exits the center of his head.

  “I will have three days with them. Not a minute less. Who knows? Maybe one of them will be carrying my heir by the time they return and the decision will be made for me.”

  “Nooo!” This can’t be happening. Fuck. That.

  “That’s our offer. We’ll contact you in three days. And just in case you’re thinking of coming for them, we won’t hesitate to put bullets in their pretty little heads. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

  This is a fucking nightmare. “We can’t leave them there.”

  “You heard them. He wants to spend time with them. It’s nonnegotiable.”

  “Spend time with them? Are you kidding me? He’s going to fuck both of them for the next three days.”

  Sin refills my whisky glass and pushes it toward me. “They won’t hesitate to kill them. To go after them would be a death sentence.”

  I down the entire glass just so I can feel the burn. “You’d leave Bleu there for him to fuck for three days?”

  Sin sighs. “I would hate every second, but I would if I knew it was the only way to keep her alive.”

  “I don’t believe that for a fucking second.”

  “Torrence held Bleu captive for days. I understand everything you’re going through right now. The anger. The fear. The desperation. But you can’t let it control your actions, especially when they lead to Westlyn and Ellison paying the ultimate price. You have to ask yourself if you want them untouched or do you want them alive?”

  “I want both.”

  “Both isn’t a choice.”

  Motherfucker.

  Sin’s right. But how the fuck do I sit here for three days and do nothing while I slowly lose my mind?

  I’ve looked at these same walls for two days. The only interaction I’ve had with another human being is when The Order member brings my food tray three times a day. Interaction is a loose term since the man says nothing. Nada. Not a single word.

  I’ve lain on the bed. Sat in the chair. Cried in the shower. Being here—and not knowing if Jamie is dead or alive or what is happening to Westlyn—is mentally exhausting. I never knew I could do absolutely nothing and be so worn out.

  I hear the jiggle of the lock on the door and realize it must be dinnertime. The same man brings in my food tray and places it on the foot of the bed. “I want to see my friend.”

  He’s silent as expected.

  “I’ve been here for two days and I have no idea if she’s okay. Please let me see her.”

  I was terrified of hearing Kieran violate her when we first arrived but now I’d be grateful to hear something. Anything. At least then I’d know she’s still alive.

  The Order member turns to walk away, again without a word, and I lose it. All the fury building inside me the last two days erupts to the surface.

  “Let me see Westlyn, you son of a bitch.” I pick up the piece of bread on my plate and chuck it as hard as I can at the back of his head, nailing him right smack in the center. I’m about to charge when he stops dead in his tracks and touches the back of his head.

  Oh, shit. I may have just screwed up big time.

  He turns around and is smiling—and laughing—which only pisses me off more. “What the hell are you laughing at?”

  “You are a cheeky little bitch.” He bends down to pick it up, now in two pieces, and brings it to me. “If I hadn’t been ordered to leave you be, I’d be fucking that sass right out of your lips, American.”

  He smirks but says nothing more. And then I’m alone again.

  I finish my dinner and place the tray next to the door. I wait an hour. And then two more. Still no Westlyn.

  I give up and lie down to make an attempt at sleeping. With only a couple hours sleep over the last two days, you’d think I’d fall into a slumber as soon as my head hit the pillow. But I don’t. It’s as though I’m too tired to sleep. I’m in a jerk every time my body gets still.

  The lock on my door jiggles and light floods into the room through the opening. I see the silhouette walking toward me and immediately know it’s Westlyn.

  “Wes!” I leap from the bed to run to her and we meet in the middle of the room. “Please tell me you’re all right.”

  “Two minutes, Westlyn.” I look over her shoulder and see the silhouette of a tall, broad man standing in the doorway. Kieran Hendry. I recognize his voice as the one who negotiated with Westlyn. I should have known we wouldn’t get an unsupervised visitation.

  I grab her hands and pull her to sit on the bed beside me. I strain my eyes to try to make out her face since the only light in the room is coming from the doorway. I need to see how severely he has beaten her. “I’m so sorry. I know the last two days have been hell for you. Has he beaten you horribly?”

  She puts her hands on top of mine and squeezes. “I’m okay.”

  Westlyn is lying. She doesn’t want me to feel badly about her taking the abuse intended for me. “How can you be okay?”

  “Don’t fret about me. I’m all right. Really.” She can’t speak freely. Kieran’s standing right there in the doorway.

  “Have you heard anything about Jamie?”

  “Kieran told me that he’s alive.”

  “Oh, thank God.”

  I take a moment to absorb the information. You may think you love a man but spend two days away from him believing he could be dead and you’ll find out just how deeply he has penetrated your heart.

  I lower my voice, hoping he won’t hear me. “What is going to happen to us?”

  “Kieran left me in his quarters right after we arrived. I think he and the new Order council went to meet with Thane, Sin, Mitch, and Jamie. That’s all I know but I get the feeling the
y must have negotiated for our return.”

  “When?” I don’t know why I’m asking Westlyn. I highly doubt Kieran came back and discussed the council meeting with her.

  “I have no idea. Guess it depends on the terms of the negotiation.”

  “Time’s up, Westlyn. Back to my quarters.” Back to my quarters. Those words are nauseating.

  “Is that where you’ve been confined all this time? His quarters?”

  “Yes.”

  Oh God. He’s keeping her in his bedroom all day and all night. I don’t even want to think about how many times he’s raped her since we got here.

  I wanted to put on a strong front for Westlyn but the tears I’ve been holding have a mind of their own. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

  “Look at me and listen to what I’m telling you, Ellison. Really hear my words. It’s. O. K.”

  “How can it be?” Westlyn was so strong in the limo only moments after we were kidnapped. And now she seems calm and collected. Has she gone through some kind of Fellowship training where she has learned how to not show her fear or weakness?

  “Westlyn . . . you’re done here,” Kieran says.

  “I have to go. Stay strong. Everything is going to be fine.”

  We embrace one another as though we may never see each other again. Will I see her again? “You stay strong.”

  And then I’m left alone again. And the tears start. Again.

  It’s night three at The Order compound. Solitary confinement. Prison. Bastille. Whatever you want to call this place.

  Each day has been identical. I’ve become accustomed to hearing the jiggle of the lock followed by the same Order member bringing in my meal tray. I wonder if it’ll be fish and chips or stew and soda bread.

  Tall, dark, and not-so handsome with a huge scar across his cheek isn’t holding my dinner tray this time. “Come.”

  “Come where?”

  No reply. Total shocker.

  I get up and follow The Order member. “Where are you taking me?”

  “Boss is taking you home.”

  Home. To Jamie. My knees nearly buckle and it’s me who’s speechless this time.

  Kieran and Westlyn are already in the back of the black Sedan when I get inside. It’s impossible to describe the alleviation I feel when I see her. “Oh my God, Wes. I’m so relieved you’re in this car.”

  I look at Kieran over her shoulder as Westlyn hugs me and I want to scream “you fucking monster” in his face. But I don’t. I’m sure it’s better to not push my luck at this point.

  It’s dark in the backseat of the car but I don’t mistake the possessive hold of Kieran’s hand on Westlyn’s thigh. He’s holding it like he has the right to touch her. Like she belongs to him. Like he isn’t ready to let her go back to The Fellowship. Makes me sick. Your nightmare is almost over, Wes. Not much longer.

  I’m relieved when the car pulls into Thane’s drive but a pang of fear comes over me when I see Jamie, Thane, Sin, and Mitch standing in front of the house.

  Will Jamie turn away because he sees me as tainted?

  Will he believe me when I tell him they didn’t rape me?

  Will he end our relationship because the burden that comes along with me is too much to handle?

  The car comes to a stop and one might expect me to try to fling the door open and run into his arms. Instead, I don’t move a muscle. I’m scared to face him. Terrified that he won’t believe I wasn’t raped. Petrified he’ll be done with me for good.

  The driver of the car gets out and walks around to open my door. I still don’t move.

  “You’re free to go, Miss MacAllister.” Freedom is one step away. It’s dumb that Kieran has to say those words to remind me.

  I slide over and get out but Westlyn doesn’t follow. What is she doing? “Come on, Wes. Let’s go.” Now. Before the monster changes his mind.

  “Miss Breckenridge and I need a private moment. She’ll join you in a minute.” I don’t move because leaving Westlyn behind feels wrong. “Go, Miss MacAllister. Now.”

  What could he possibly want with Wes? Surely, he doesn’t intend on violating her on Fellowship property. Would he be that evil?

  “Mac.” I turn at the sound of Jamie’s voice and see him rushing toward me. I take no more than two steps before we collide and I’m in his arms.

  He holds me for a moment and then loosens his embrace so he can look at my face. “Those bastards hit you.”

  “I’m fine.” I realize how lucky I am to have come out of this with only a punch to the face.

  “Fuck. I’ve been going crazy. I thought I’d lost you forever.” He squeezes me tightly and kisses the top of my head. “I love you so much, Mac. I haven’t told you that near enough. But I’m going to.”

  “I love you too.”

  Jamie twists us so his body is between the car and me. “Get away from them. Go inside the house while we get Westlyn back. Bleu’s waiting for you there.”

  He releases me and walks toward the car. I have no idea what he’s going to do but it can’t be good with that unhinged look in his eyes. “Whatever you’re going to do . . . don’t.”

  “That fucker still has my sister.”

  “And Kieran’s going to release her in a minute. Unharmed. Please don’t do anything that’s going to put her in the middle of a challenge.” I hold out my hand for him to take. “Westlyn is fine.”

  He looks at the car for a moment and then back at me. “You’re sure?”

  “Yes. He said she would join me in a moment. I believe him.” I’m not sure I do but I can’t let Jamie go crazy on Kieran. That won’t be good for anyone.

  He looks like a wild animal trying to decide if he’ll attack or draw back. “Come to me.”

  “Retreat, Jamie.” Thane’s voice has an ultimate alpha tone to it. “You already know he enjoys provoking you. Don’t give him another opportunity.”

  He glares at the car before turning away. “Fuck me. He’s holding on to her just to antagonize me.”

  “Move away from the car. He’ll be more inclined to release her if you’re not standing over him.” I have no idea what has gone down between Jamie and Kieran but I definitely pick up on some kind of pissing contest.

  I see the anguish on Jamie’s face as he walks toward me. I feel it when he yanks me into his arms and squeezes hard, almost painfully so. “I’ve never wanted to kill anyone more than I want to kill that fucking Kieran Hendry.”

  I feel the same. “I may help you kill him.”

  Jamie grasps the sides of my face. “What did that motherfucker do to you?”

  I don’t misread the fear in his eyes. It’s real. And although he’s asking, I suspect he doesn’t really want to know the answer.

  The car door opens and Westlyn emerges from the black sedan. “He’s letting her go.”

  Jamie releases me and races toward his sister. He puts his arm around her and uses his body to shield her from Kieran’s sight. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, Jamie.”

  Kieran lowers his window. “We’ll contact you in three days to set up the next meeting.”

  What next meeting?

  The tires crunch against the drive as Kieran Hendry departs the Breckenridge property. I’m glad to see him go, but I fear it won’t be the last time The Fellowship has to deal with that animal.

  “Everyone inside. Bleu and Isobel are desperate to see Westlyn and Ellison.”

  My sister rushes to me as soon as I enter the front door. It hasn’t been that long since she was the one in my shoes. The one being held captive. But her experience was so much worse.

  “Oh my God, Elli.” That’s all she says. And no other words are needed.

  “I know, Bleu.”

  Her embrace. The tears. I understand the language my sister is speaking without hearing a single word.

  Isobel hugs Westlyn. “Thank God you came back to us safely. The entire brotherhood has been in a state of chaos.”

  The tou
gh exterior shell I’ve been wearing shatters into a million pieces and the tears rush forward. “I was . . . so scared. I didn’t think . . . I’d ever see any . . . of you again.”

  Bleu hugs me tighter and kisses the side of my face. “It’s over, Elli. You’re home, and this is where you’re staying. Safe with us.”

  “I understand it’s the last thing either of you feel like doing right now, but the council needs to question you about the abduction.” He can’t be serious. I’ve just spent three days in captivity with barely any sleep. I’m delirious.

  “Can they wait until tomorrow? It’s late and both of them are exhausted.” I swear I could kiss Isobel for making that suggestion.

  “Is that what you want? To come back for debriefing tomorrow instead of getting it over with tonight?”

  I don’t typically like to procrastinate, but I’m an emotional mess. “I haven’t slept in three days. I’d probably be more help if we waited since I’m not sure I’m thinking straight right now.”

  “Can you give them something for sleep?” I remember the problems Bleu had with nightmares following her abduction. She hasn’t forgotten either since she’s asking Jamie to give me medication.

  “I have some mild sedatives.”

  It may be a different story when I lie down and close my eyes but right now I feel like I could sleep a whole week.

  “Nothing for me. I don’t need anything but a bed.”

  Westlyn’s behavior isn’t that of someone who has gone through what she has. Too quiet. Too calm. It’s a front. Has to be.

  “You’re sure? You could take half if you don’t want to be fully sedated.”

  “Positive.”

  Everything about Westlyn’s demeanor is off. She’s going overboard with the strong pretense. Was she taught to hide her post-attack pain as a sign of strength?

  “I’m taking Ellison home. What time do you want to see us back?”

  “Let her sleep in. Any time after she’s up and around will be fine.”

  “Thank you, Thane.” I’m so glad he’s not pushing this.

  Jamie opens the passenger door of his vehicle but pulls me into his arms before I get inside. “I just need to feel you for a minute so I can prove to myself that you’ll really here and safe in my arms.”