Chapter 53: The Exchange
298words
"I promise," I said, rising on tiptoes to kiss him softly. "Besides, I have something to come back for now."
His arms encircled me gently, mindful of my injury. "When this is over," he murmured against my hair, "we're going to have a proper conversation about what it means to be an Alpha's mate."
"I look forward to it," I replied with a smile.
The exchange was set for midnight at an abandoned logging camp on the edge of the forest. I arrived alone, as agreed, while Liam and the pack concealed themselves in the surrounding woods.
Richard was waiting with four armed men, his expression smug when he saw me approach.
"Charlotte," he greeted me. "I'm pleased you saw reason."
"Where's Ethan?" I demanded. "I want to see him before I go anywhere with you."
Richard nodded to one of his men, who dragged Ethan forward from the shadows of an old equipment shed. The elderly werewolf looked battered but alive, his eyes widening when he saw me.
"Charlotte, no," he protested weakly. "Don't do this."
"It's okay, Ethan," I assured him, then turned back to Richard. "Release him, and I'll come quietly."
"Of course," Richard agreed smoothly. "But first, a precaution."
Before I could react, one of his men stepped forward and injected something into my arm. Almost immediately, my limbs began to feel heavy.
"What was that?" I gasped, struggling to remain standing.
"Just something to ensure your cooperation," Richard replied. "A sedative, nothing more. Can't have you transforming on us, can we?"
"We had a deal," I protested, my words beginning to slur.
"And I'm honoring it," Richard said, gesturing to his men. "Release the old wolf."
