Page 31 of Alpha's Claim

“I’m going to see if I can get some food for my princess.”

I start to push up to say I’ll come with him, but he rolls me to my side and swats my ass. “Stay.”

I sink back into the plush bed, savoring the languor in my limbs.

But the moment he disappears behind the door, reality sets in.

I had my fun. I chose and controlled who took my virginity and how. It was incredible. Better than I ever could’ve imagined.

But our moment is over.

Thom will have every brute on his payroll out looking for me. Not to mention, he still has my sister. My body goes cold thinking of what he might do to Wren if he doesn’t hear from me soon. Right now, she’s on a choir tour with school, but he might try to snatch her while she’s on the road and make good on his threat.

I want my freedom, but I’m not willing to trade her life for mine.

And I don’t want Darius’ death on my conscience, either.

I have to act. I rise and put on Darius’ black button down over my skimpy pajamas. I search his pants for the car keys but come up with nothing.

No matter. We’re in an area of vacation homes, butthere’s bound to be some traffic on the main road. I just need to get to a phone, so I can call Thom and stop the bomb from ticking.

I don’t have much time.

I hear Darius out on the porch that faces the ocean. He’s talking on his phone. “Thanks, man,” he says. “I appreciate it.” He turns away, facing the sea.

I use the opportunity to dash through the house. There’s a side door in the kitchen, and I make for that, pausing when the light glints off some metal. I found the car keys.

I take the time to leave a quick note.

Thank you for rescuing me, dear Viking, but I have to go back. I will make a bargain with Thom to keep you safe or convince him it was a drunken escapade.

Besos,

Paloma

Slipping out the door to the garage, I hesitate. I don’t actually know how to drive because Thom didn’t allow me to learn. Too bad there’s not a stable around here–I’m way more comfortable on a horse.

But how hard can driving a car be?

I hit the button to open the garage door. Ack! I didn’t know it would be so loud. Darius will definitely hear. I run for the stolen sports car, climb behind the wheel and adjust the seat way closer, so my feet reach the pedals.

But how does the keyless fob work? I press buttons until the car roars to life, then I adjust the gear to the R button. Or I try to. It won’t move. I shake the handle.

My foot presses one of the pedals, and suddenly the lever moves.

My heart pounds as I pull it down to the R and step harder on the pedal.

Nothing.

Okay. Other pedal. I floor it.

That one works. The car lurches, tires screaming on the garage floor as the car flies out of the garage way too fast.

I hit something.

Oh shit.

Oh shit!I clap my hand over my mouth. It’s Darius.