Chapter 78

Up until this point, I've fought, I've ran, I've bled. No matter what, I didn't stop. I did everything I could to stay alive. I lived through everything this asshole and his stupid cult threw my way.

Now, here I was. Walking towards the enemy. Shame dominated most of my head space. Though we were saving Brooke, the psycho won. He had me. But do you think I was going to show him my overwhelming shame? After all he's caused? After the pleasure I could see he was getting out of this already? Hell no. With the cool air brushing my face as we neared them, I just stared at Reid. I didn't falter and didn't flinch. Even though I could see him better with each step, I didn't give him the satisfaction. It was clear he already had enough satisfaction.

When there were only a couple feet separating us from them, we stopped. My ass was on red alert; I was ready for a bullet to pierce my skull. I was ready for something to kill me, but I didn't show it. My composure was tense, but stone and strong. Being strong dominated my fear and I couldn't look away from Reid. I wouldn't dare show weakness. Not when his smug brown eyes took me in.

The man who looked to be in his mid to late 40s stood tall with pride. Reid looked as I remembered and how I've seen in pictures. His brown hair was trimmed nicely with no sign of facial hair. He wore a black striped button-up shirt with khakis and dress shoes despite the wet ground. Yes, nice and presentable... like he was ready for some stupid fancy dinner party. How pathetic that tried looking nice for me. However, he did seem like the type who would look nice regardless of what was happening.

Hands folded behind his straight back, he took me in with silence and a subtle smile against his lips. Observing me with proud appreciation. It was unnerving, his ease and almost admirable presence. But behind those eyes was a monster and I could see it shine for me.

For that moment, it was just Reid and me. There was nobody or nothing besides us and the chilly breeze brushing against my ears and my controlled face. This man... he was the source. This one person. Was I really standing before him now? Chills ran over my arms. Just imagine... all the trouble he caused me, us, so many people. If only he wasn't born – or his mother knew ahead of time and decided against him.

"Daddy," came a helpless little voice.

From the corner of my vision, Brooke stayed slumped on the ground thanks to the tightened leash. Francis wasn't constricted like her, but he knew he couldn't scoop up his little girl yet. A moan of distress reached the air from the back of Francis's throat, but he tensed up and knew he needed to hang in there. And it was all because of this man, Reid Taylor.

Damn, I just couldn't get over this. This tension, pain, distress... was because of this asshole. Powerful gaze still in mine, he finally spoke after relishing this moment as much as possible. "It's a pleasure to see you again after these years. This time by choice."

This man could easily have us all killed right now. I was half expecting it. After all, Reid did send his men to kill me once bringing me back alive proved too difficult. Yet, I couldn't help myself. "You know damn well there was no choice in this," I mumbled, disgust crawling to the surface. "You took the cheap route," I said, referencing how he dragged Brooke into this.

He smiled, and finally, broke eye contact when he glanced down to Brooke. "It was the logical route."

Free of his eyes, I fully looked to Brooke as well. My heart lurched. Up close like this... the details of her face stung. Slumped on her knees against the grass, her hair was messily scattered. Pieces of blonde draped around her face as well. Her cheeks were flushed red – no doubt from the biting air and her emotional state. She stared up at Francis with begging blue eyes and quivering lips. If that wasn't enough to beat the shit out of your heart, the collar and leash did. One of Reid's men (let's call him Dick Face) stood close behind her, holding her leash with no slack.

Like always with Brooke... she reminded me of my sister, especially her innocent features. For the flash of a second, I was staring down at Emily. It was realistic, seeing the sadness and degrading nature she was experiencing, her cheeks wet with layers of tear trails.

My breath picked up and I forced myself to look away, snapping myself back into reality. It was too painful. All I could wonder was... what did she go through? Brooke didn't look physically hurt or bruised, but the experience itself might have been just as bad. It shook me up and made me want to cry with her. But it also reminded me I was doing the right thing. I already blamed myself for Emily's death. One more innocent little girl killed because of me wasn't going to happen.

Lips tightening, I shifted my gaze back up to Reid. "Can we do this? Come on man, take her off the leash, I'm here," I said, throwing my hands up.

Arms still folded behind him, Reid nodded back up to me. "Of course. We'll need to search you both first."

Then, the man on his other side, Dick Face 2 (who was one hell of a buff dude), stepped forward and grabbed Francis's arm. Pulling him a few feet away, he started patting him down. It made me even more uncomfortable because it wasn't like we could whine about it. Though Francis and I had agreed to do this exchange, we knew we were their bitches the second we arrived. We could only hope Reid would honor his end.

After Francis was searched, the strong muscular man searched me. Like with Francis, Dick Face 2 patted me down in my jeans and sweatshirt, legs and arms spread. Not wanting to show weakness, I let the guy search me with a blank expression. Thinking about how Luke did a better job searching me helped in keeping my composure. When he arrested me, Luke had a nicer touch, better technique. Luke was also a cop and not a psycho.... Yeah, I would give Luke a nine while this guy earned a two.

Then, Dick Face 2 did something I wasn't expecting. After patting me down, he grabbed my sweatshirt and pulled it off me. Did he even pause before pulling my camisole over my head too? Nope, just roughly pulled it off until the cold air hit my torso. Left in just a bra, it was degrading and... shocking. Jackson did say they would search me, but I didn't expect this. If only Luke strip searched me before when he arrested me and not this guy... Luke would have gotten a fucking ten, but instead, it put this dude down to a one.

It reminded me too much of when I was asked to take off my clothes in that mental hospital Clare took me to. Instead, this was forced – and in front of Francis and Brooke. It was humiliating. Gritting my teeth though, I kept my mouth shut. Body tense, I just glared at the ground and the faded grass. The soft breeze sent chills over my bare skin. The man who was searching me took a step back, as if to assess his work. All I could think... was don't you dare do more, please don't take more off me. Don't touch me, don't even think about taking my jeans off either. Don't fucking dare.

At first, there was nothing but the sound of the trees rustling. Then, Super Dick Face (Dick Face 2 promoted) spoke up. His low voice matched his muscular size. "More sir?"

Staring at the ground, from the top of my vision, I noticed Reid step towards me. Crossing his arms now, he stood in front of me. "Um... I think this is alright. If she had anything, it would be noticeable. We'll have her checked more when she is processed," he said in a neutral voice.

Processed? Sounded lovely, didn't it folks? Jaw tight, my lips pursed in disgust at this whole thing. And what was worse, was the reminder there would be much more than just being 'processed.' My insides knotted up at not knowing what else will be coming my way. Guess I'd be finding out real soon though if everything here goes smoothly – which was difficult. I almost wished they had restrained me because the temptation of throwing a couple punches was real.

Reid noticed too. My fists were balled up at my sides. He stepped closer and roughly grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up to him. Brows thoughtfully lowered, he searched my eyes with a subtle smugness. "You alright?"

He was loving this. Loving how fucking pissed off this was making me. Swallowing my anger, I only glared. "Peachy," I said in the more bored voice I could muster.

He dropped his hand and nodded to the man who had my clothes. I couldn't help but notice again... Reid's ease. Casualness despite being proper and smug. I would have been more comfortable if they were staring at me like pigs and treating me worse. I knew I didn't need to worry though. There would be plenty of that in my future and once this exchange is over.

After I put my clothes back on, Francis was instructed to come stand beside me again. The poor father gave off a strong anxious vibe from next to me. We were both just ready for all this to be over. Then, what we have been waiting for finally happened.

"Albany, step forward please," Reid said after getting situated and whispering with his men. Handcuffs now dangled from his palm. "We will detain you and release this little one to her father. You are not to move," he added to Francis.

All I could do was trust he would release Brooke. There was no other choice but to trust. I just needed to surrender myself, mentally and now physically. Glancing to Francis, his eyes met mine. The sweet hazel in them was full of fear and warmth for me. He was carrying more guilt than I could imagine. One day, I hope he can forgive himself. Offering Francis a supportive nod, I slowly stepped up to Reid.

Willingly closing the rest of the space between me and Reid Taylor... was gut-retching and painful. Looking beside him to Brooke helped ease the growing pit in my stomach. Her sad blue eyes met mine, not knowing or understanding.

Stopping before Reid, I displayed the most blank expression I could. Then, he grabbed my side and spun me around. Facing Francis, I kept my strong expression alive as Reid towed my arms behind my back. A second later, my wrists were bound together by the metal latches. My thoughts immediately returned to Luke. He was most likely still cuffed and stuck in our motel room. Fucking karma.

"Let her go now," I said, heart picking up as my eyes jutted left to Brooke.

"Of course," Reid said from behind me.

Then... pure relief. Dick Face unclipped the leash he was holding from Brooke's collar. The small click released in the chilly air filled me with a peace I've been craving since we learned she was taken. Free from the leash, she immediately bolted up and ran to her father. Her blue eyes were pinned on her dad and filled with desperation. Soft face cracking with a whimper and cry, she entered her father's open arms.

Francis was a mess. He dropped to his knees and and scooped his little daughter into his arms. Burying his head over her shoulder, I could see the top of his head and his arms shake from the soft cry he released. It was a beautiful sight, seeing Brooke's arms cling around her dad's neck. I was just... so relieved. All this stress was worth this. Sacrificing myself was worth this, worth knowing they had each other back and she was safe.

"Thank you for keeping our deal, Albany. I was concerned regarding a different father trying to save his daughter," Reid said, coming to stand beside me. Gripping my arm bound behind me, he spoke in a louder voice towards Francis. "You and your daughter are not to leave until we clear the woods. Understood?"

He looked up to me. The joy and pain in his eyes over his daughter faded at remembering what needed to happen. We agreed though... I had to go. Despite Francis's agony and mine, it was worth it. Nodding in understanding at Reid's instructions, Francis didn't look away from me. Holding his daughter, his red gaze swam in more tears. There was warmth and sadness and ache in his face. I'm sure it reflected mine. I will miss you, Francis.

Then, Reid turned and started dragging me away, guiding us left and towards the tree line. The two men that accompanied Reid walked behind me.

"Why are they taking her?" Brooke whimpered loud enough for me to hear.

"I'll be alright!" I said to where she stood yards away with her father. Head craned toward them as I was being escorted away, my heart ached. Francis kneeling with his arms around his daughter, Brooke's face turned towards us.... This could very well be the last time I see them. My chest burned, and vision became blurry. I forced myself to face ahead and look down to my moving feet.

Beyond the pain of parting from them, there was more to it. My ears were paranoid the whole time. Even when we entered the woods, I still had a hard time believing it was over. That Brooke was free, Francis fine, and things went smoothly. Would Reid really let them go? Dodging sticks covered in fallen leaves, I half expected gunshots to ring out behind us. There was no doubt that other men were positioned around this place. It was a real fear and one that made my body shake as we walked through the woods. More like stumbled. My anxiety was through the roof, my eyes were watery, and it was difficult to walk with Reid's hand gripping my cuffed arm.

However, we walked until we were far from the meeting site. No gunshots yet. Reid could clearly tell I was worried for Francis and Brooke's sake. "You still don't think I'll keep my word?" he asked casually.

Walking through a muddy patch beside each other, I took a deep breath. He could tell I was worked up – and I hated that. Nearly as much as I hated how fucking nonchalant he sounded! I tried matching his casual state. "Well, you didn't think I would keep my word. I did. Yet, you are still scared," I pointed out with a scoff. "I'm sure your men are strung all over this place. Plus, you won't let my arm go, which is pathetic. Still think I'll get away even though I'm handcuffed?"

Reid finally let go of my arm and chuckled. My head tilted down, I watched his muddy black dress shoes distance themselves from my stride. "Oh come on, you can't blame me for practicing possessiveness with someone who has slipped away from me numerous times."

"As I said, I was given no choice. I'm not going anywhere."

"Your father and lover were just okay this?" he asked with a hint of amusement.

"What do you think?" He knew Jackson well and stalked Luke enough to understand his devotion and loyalty to me. Reid knew they had an issue with me surrendering – and knew damn well I went behind their backs to do it. That's what I hated about this guy. He was an obsessive creep and knew how to read people and do his research. He probably understood more about how I operated than I even wanted to know.

Reid had us pegged as people, but I couldn't peg him. It was difficult for me to read him. I didn't like his casual manner or how proper he was. But even though he wasn't acting like a creep yet, I knew he was just hiding it well. He was a pig with a flat mind like the rest of his slaves. The dude would show his true colors soon enough. Until then, I knew he was just keeping the nice-guy act up.

Turns out, there was much more to this guy than I originally thought. He was layered, a contradiction in many forms. And I was about to learn, his complexity was reflected in his work. Because let me tell you guys... his entire organization, like him, was nothing like I expected.

***

After navigating the hilly woods, we emerged onto a desolate dirt drive with a black SUV. Dick Face drove, and Super Dick Face sat in the passenger seat, leaving me in the backseat with Reid. It was a long drive – with nothing but curvy dirt roads that were barely wide enough for the car. My stomach was swirling, chest heavy with anxiety pumping through my veins. The whole drive all I could think was... what was going to happen to me? What was this place going to be like? More importantly, how long will I be stuck here before the FBI track me to this place?

The Washington wilderness became more apparent. The drive turned rough and I had to press back into the seat and my bound arms to keep from being bucked around. On each side of the SUV, the ground gradually jutted up with rock. The rock walls on each side holding the majestic overgrown trees helped define the narrowness of the road. Roots, moss, and even trickles of water covered the rocky barricades as Dick Face navigated through the hilly terrain. Until eventually, the dirt road merged onto smooth pavement that weaved through the massive trees.

Glancing forward between the driver and passenger seats, the road led and stopped at the base of a steep rock incline. But that wasn't all. Embedded into the side of the vertical mossy rock wall was what looked like a black metal garage door. Sure enough, that was what it was too. It opened as we neared it – and the road continued on the other side! Once we drove through the garage door, the rock and mountain carved away to make a tunnel. Yes, a tunnel. Like the fucking bat cave!

The garage door and entrance into the mountain behind us, headlights were the only source of light in this winding paved tunnel – for maybe a second. Then shockingly, there was an opening ahead with light. The light was not to the outside world, but the opposite of the outside world. My gut sank in realization we were just going deeper into what was one crazy fucked up place.

I was officially inside the headquarters. Driving along this road through this tunnel, it became surreal to me. I couldn't believe this was even happening. After years of avoiding him and this place, after going through mental and physical hell, running across the country, enduring death and pain... this happened. It was almost inevitable. This was finally happening and the magnitude of everything weighed on me. The stress and the fear grew overwhelming.

The rock tunnel disappeared once the car slowed, and we emerged through the opening the light was coming from. Suddenly, we were in a large cement parking garage. Yeah, you heard me, a fucking parking garage! The place was all concrete and man-made, not carved rock like the tunnel. The low cement ceiling was lined with panels of bright lights. All different kinds of cars, trucks, SUVs were lined inside this huge place. And I'm not talking a few vehicles, I'm talking dozens and dozens. We slowly passed rows among the cement pillars supporting the ceiling – which I learned was also the second level. Just... what the fuck?

I didn't expect us to drive into a tunnel into the side of a fucking mountain, I didn't think it would be underground, and I didn't expect a massive freaking parking garage. I wasn't even inside of this institution yet – or whatever this place was! Though I was trying to appear unphased, I was beyond on edge and blown away. I knew this organization was huge, but I didn't face the horror and daunting fear it would bring until now.

Dick Face started driving up the ramp to what was apparently the second level of this parking garage when Reid spoke. "Though we maintain operations mostly underground, there are areas aboveground. You'll be able to see a couple. This is only parking garage C, which is closest to where you will be processed."

Blank faced, I looked over to him. "That is so interesting. I was wondering if this was garage A, B, or C, and now I know, it's C," I said sarcastically in a dead voice. "Thank god I know now."

He smiled with subtle amusement, brown eyes searching mine before I turned back to the window. Though I didn't want to deal with Reid, hearing there were some areas above ground was nice. Hopefully, it would help the FBI find an entrance to this place. Because Jesus, a garage door on the side of a damn mountain will be hard to find.

For now though, I was more curious about what the hell was going to happen to me. What was this whole 'processing' thing? Where are all the helpless kids or women being kept? Where would I sleep? How would I be treated? Would I see Reid a lot? Would I be locked away or forced to do sexual stuff? Will they bother trying to brainwash me? Will I be tortured? I was dreading everything and just wish I knew what was in store for me. I wanted to ask – and I think Reid was waiting for me to ask. But the last thing I wanted was to help his ego, make him feel proud of his work, or brag. I didn't want him to get any more satisfaction out of this. And if I showed worry, interest, fear, or curiosity, it would be a bonus for him.

Eventually, we parked and got out. Though there appeared to be two main double doors, we walked to a steel door off to the side. I noticed both offered a panel with numbers to get inside and a passcode. They made sure I couldn't see what it was. But that wasn't even the weirdest part.

Once inside, the long hallway was nothing but white walls and white tile floor. Lit with florescent panels along the celling. It was white, plain, and bizarre. Especially when I noticed we approached a silver long bar. It hung vertical on the left wall and once we passed it, I heard it click. Just a click. Not even sure what clicked, or what the fuck that was, but it was weird. So much of this was weird!

There were other foreign devices here and there as we walked down the hall. It reminded me of how advanced they were with their technology and it made my gut tighten. Please, for the love of whatever, please... don't let them detect the tracking device in my arm. The only thing that was familiar were cameras mounted in the corners of the wall and ceiling. I terribly wanted to give each one the bird, but considering I was still cuffed, that made it a little difficult.

Both dick faces stayed close while Reid slowed and walked a couple yards behind us; he wanted some privacy while he started talking on the phone. Soon, he veered off down another hall, going who knows where. It made me nervous, but I tried not letting it get to me. I was more scared about where they were taking me to get processed. As it turned out, it was down another hall that branched off to the right.

Dick Face and Super Dick forced me through another steel door and left me alone. This room didn't need a code to get in – but it required one to get out. Seeing that zapped my bones with a chill. Might as well get used to having no control though. Hopefully the FBI had an idea that this place was extremely secure.

Turning and looking around, the room was white, plain, and looked like an office. To the right and towards the back wall, there was a desk angled outward and towards me. A computer and papers covered the long surface. Behind the desk, there was a small hallway. But just when you think, 'okay, not bad, just a big white as fuck office,' you look to left side of the room. Chains, rope, and other stuff were cluttered on a simple wooden table. Next to the table in the corner were some metallic devices. They were propped on stands and looked like they came straight from a horror movie.

Then, footsteps echoed on the hard floor. My heart picked up, half expecting to see a half-human half-monster just based of these fucked up torture-looking devices (I know, shut up, I'm scared and out of my element). Instead, a woman entered my sight from the hallway. She was small framed, had dark curly red hair that was clearly dyed. The woman was also pale and maybe in her late 20s. The woman was wearing a grey polo and a black pencil skirt with heels. Her blue eyes met mine... and appeared mesmerized. As if I was a celebrity. Then again, in here, I was. "Hello, Albany. It's an honor to finally meet you."

She must be one of the brainwashed girls. I didn't think any of them worked here or did anything that didn't involve staying locked up. But what the fuck did I know? Based on this and the shit leading up to this, I knew that I shouldn't assume anything. I didn't know a damn thing. Probably should have asked Jackson a few more questions.

The woman proceeded to do some paperwork. She asked me questions that I didn't answer. Questions that made me wonder if this was my first appointment for a new doctor. Then, she asked me something that was more of what I expected.

"I need you to take all your clothes off, Albany," she said, uncuffing me with a small key before sitting back down at the computer.

Ugh, I had hoped Super Dick Face did a good enough job earlier. My only response to the woman's request was to stretch my arms. God, it felt good after being bound. Unfortunately, I wouldn't remain free of restraints for long.

Her eyes shot past her computer to me. "Take your clothes off," she repeated.

"I understand I'm hot shit, but not happening."

It was happening whether I liked it or not. I knew that. But I couldn't stand how civil they've been so far. Quit with the act was all I could think, even if it means I must start trouble and suffer a little. They didn't fool me – and I didn't want to see them try. I wanted things crystal clear and to see the fucked-up nature in all of this. Because even if it means them getting rough or hurting me, that was better than mind games. Not to mention, it was becoming increasingly difficult to not stir shit up. I was pissed, scared, and though they probably got a kick out of it, I didn't want to hold it in anymore.

"Take your clothes off," she said.

"Bite me."

She nodded, went back to her computer, and pressed a button on her desktop phone. Not a minute later, a stone-faced man marched in from the hall. He was lean, and wearing the same colors as the woman – a grey shirt and black pants. His eyes were full of fire, excitement under a strong need to get his job done.

He grabbed me, wrestled my fighting arms away, and flung my sweatshirt off. Though I continued to struggle for several minutes, he managed whipping off my jeans, boots, socks, camisole, then bra and underwear.... Jokes on them though, right guys? This isn't the first time I've been naked thanks to a bunch of sickos.

After all my clothes were on the floor, I hissed. "Fucking happy?"

But he wasn't finished. He grabbed my arms and pushed me back against the wall, pinning me with his body. I struggled against what I knew was an impossible fight, but it felt good to fight back.

My struggle only lasted a minute. Over the man's shoulder, I saw the woman rush and drag one of those torture-looking devices closer. Dread flooded me. I expected maybe the rope, but this fucked up shit? Through my struggle, I could see it consisted of a vertical pole. Two shorter poles were on each side of the middle pole, all attached to a metal base that kept it standing. The man steered me towards it and backed me up until my bare back was pressed against the long middle pole. My arms pressed against the other two poles, and before I realized it, the man latched my wrists to the poles before backing up.

Yes, latched them. Stunned, my eyes shot down to my arms. The two shorter poles had metal unmoving restraints attached to them, holding my wrists down with my arms trapped against the poles. Though my legs were free, I wasn't going nowhere. Unless I wanted to bend and break my hands and arms, I couldn't move. I guess stupid me kind of did ask for this.

Unable to move, the man and woman proceeded to circle me with a sensor of some kind. And let me tell you... it made shit even more scary than being restrained. She waved it over my body and all around me. All I could think was please don't let her detector go off, please.... I was told what was in my arm was advanced shit, but it was clear they had some advanced technology too. Thankfully, nothing went off.

That was only the start. It got even more strange. While in my body restraint, they lifted and carried me down the hall. They laid me face-down on a weird table that was compatible with my full-body restraint. There was a hole through the table and a chin rest, so I could breathe. I would have thought I was getting a massage... if I wasn't fucking locked in place with the brace weighing on my back.

They wheeled the table through a couple different scanners. Well, it better be scans. Who the fuck knows. Maybe this was just the start of their brainwashing exercises. If that was the case, they failed. I called them both assholes by the time we were finished.

After that, they unstrapped me and made it clear that was all they needed to do for today. They just needed to give me my new clothes and that was all. Honestly, I expected much worse. I figured there would be so much more to it. As I would learn, there usually is more to being 'processed' for most people anyway.

I had zero idea what to expect when it came to new clothing. The woman presented to me a low-cut and tight pink dress. One that screamed I was slut – and pink? Really? No thank you. Rejecting that, the woman presented me the other option (no doubt the one Reid knew I would go with anyway). It wasn't much better, but was more tasteful.

I was now wearing a red blouse with ruffles that lined the buttons. You can bet your ass I buttoned that blouse up as much as I could. Still, it showed a generous amount of cleavage. I also was now wearing a black short skirt that stopped above my kneecaps and hells that matched. Not a fan at all – but it was better than pink slut. Just didn't understand why I was so dressed up.

"What's with this getup?" I asked in disgust as I stared down at myself. "Do you usually dress up the girls here before their tortured?"

The woman chuckled softly as she stepped up to me. She casually handcuffed my wrists in front of me. At least this time, they weren't behind my back. "First of all, you're not here to be tortured, you are here to learn, serve, and become a part of something greater. Second, you're not going through a normal process – you don't need to. You already belong to a man, the leader of us all, and he wants to celebrate with you."

I shouldn't be surprised. I should have known that I would be treated special. "I want to be processed and treated like all the other girls here."

"Do you realize how lucky you are? To have the attention, appreciation, of our master himself?"

More disgust flooded me, but there was now a strong mix of sadness. I mean... master? It was a real shame that this woman believed that.

She along with the man escorted me to the door of the processing room. I caught myself trying to see the code she punched in that unlocked the door – not like it mattered. I'm already instinctively looking for a way out. Not my fault it was natural to want to get out of here. Unfortunately, my dumbass needed to remember to stay put.

"Your arrival marks a significant change in our system. Reid will be busy for a while and claim you once he is ready," she said, guiding me down a back narrow hall. Entering through a small door, the room was plain, cement, with two back-to-back cells against the far wall. "Until then, you will wait here in isolation. We would put you with the rest of the girls, but Reid doesn't want you seen until the ceremony tomorrow. We wouldn't want to spoil the fun or anticipation."

Ceremony? Good fucking lord, these people loved me enough to have a 'ceremony.' I might have been flattered... if I benefited from it in some way. Like maybe if they give me a pizza that wasn't tampered with or full of drugs. "What happens in this ceremony?" I asked after the man guided me into one of the cells.

Turning and staring at them through the bars, the woman continued. "Reid will tell you more, but you will be presented before the entire congregation and officially become one of us."

She was being vague because she knew Reid would get pleasure out of telling me – or showing me. Not like I minded. Knowing there would be some huge ceremony stressed me out enough. I didn't want more details. But that was tomorrow. Today, I needed to worry about Reid.

After the two of them left, leaving me alone in this dull cell with nothing but a bench, I waited for what felt like forever. Hours on end. The sad part was I couldn't even fool myself into thinking that they forgot about me. Reid was just busy. Probably calling up all his friends and bragging that he finally had me. Until then, I just sat and thought about how pathetic this guy was – and wondered what he would do with me. Not knowing the answer was what rattled me the most.

Then, the door eventually opened. From where I was slumped against the bench, my back against the cold wall, I tensed at the sight. Across the room and through the bars, Reid's eyes met mine thanks to the bright lighting. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him. He approached the cell in a casual manner. Lovely. He didn't randomly have a heart attack, kill himself, or choke to death on a cookie.

"I'm sorry about the wait. When you gradually steered your business towards one objective and its completed, there is a lot that needs to be done," he scoffed, taking a key out of his khaki pants. Unlocking the cell door, he swung it open. And for the first time, it was just him and me. resting a hand on one of the bars, he shifted his weight where he stood facing me and smiled. "You look stunning."

"Because I had a choice of what to wear," I muttered sarcastically while I studied his expression. His laid-back and easy eyes. I hated it. I hated how normal and sincere he sounded too.

His brows raised in amusement. "Well, you did have a choice. I gave you two options."

I rolled my eyes and just waited. I wasn't going to ask him what was happening. I'd find out. When he could clearly see there was nothing I was going to say, he chuckled softly to himself. "I'm sure you're hungry. I have a nice dinner prepared for us and would like to celebrate your arrival," he said, waving his hand and gesturing for me to stand.

"And if I'm not hungry?"

"You'll learn I'm very patient. Not to mention, I admire your stubborn nature very much," he smiled.

"Good. Because I'm not eating," I said, rising to my feet and slipping on the heels I kicked off hours ago.

"That's alright, you might change your mind once we start talking," he said, stepping to the side to allow me to leave the cell.

I didn't say anything more as I stepped out. My mind was spinning. What would we 'talk' about? What was this dinner with him going to be like? I was already alone with him a few seconds and my heart was racing. Whatever happens... I'll just have to manage and stay strong. Secretly, I was hoping to see the animal in him come out. Because this gentlemen side of him was just making me nervous.

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PLEASE READ

So... I have a little explaining to do for where I've been. I planned on putting the dinner with Reid in this chapter, but didn't want you guys waiting any longer – for those of you who actually still are looking forward to updates. I don't blame anyone who has stopped reading, but for those of you that haven't, I am incredibly grateful. More than you know and more than I've showed.

I don't want to draw your attention from the chapter. I was very excited to post and finally get some feedback. But you deserve to know what's happened. Since I've last updated, I ended a three-year long relationship. I won't go into it, but ending it has taken a heavy toll on me. I did the right thing for me as person. But I've also had difficulty staying focused on anything. I've been staying distracted and busy, because it was difficult for a while focusing on writing. If I was writing, my mind would wander. Not just to the break up either.

Staying focused has also been difficult because I'm trying to find myself. I'm struggling with my identity and a few other personal problems. It's gotten to me quite a bit. From the time I started writing to now, I've never felt this confused and conflicted with myself. Not because of the break-up, but with who I am as a person. I'm having difficulty establishing the confidence in who I use to be – or who I thought I was. Establishing what made me the person I was. I am just confused about a lot of things in my life.

Now before I go on, I want to make it clear - I don't want any sympathy. I'm not looking to express excuses as to why I haven't updated in months. I'm really sorry for that, but I am just wanting to be honest with you guys and tell you what's be going on with me. There is no need to worry; I will be fine, and I know I will be. I will be okay – I promise. It's just what I'm going through right now, which is okay 😊 Everyone must go through this stuff. Break ups, self-evaluating, confusion.... I'm just simply expressing what's been going on with me.

Along with the break-up and personal issues with myself, I managed getting myself a job. I'm a few weeks in and its great so far. It's a part time job, but this week going into the next will be very busy. Because of Spring Break, I'll be working literally every single day, so I figured this chapter needs to finally go up now and not after another week passes.

It's been difficult to start feeling motivated too if I'm honest. There is a lot of stuff going on – a lot on my mind, more personal stuff I won't get into, a lot I'm dealing with, and now I'm working. But it's more than that. I'm really trying to get back into writing like before and it's difficult. Maybe because I feel it needs to be perfect when I should be doing it for the fun of it. Which I know and understand. I know the reasons I should be writing, it can just be difficult to stick to it. But with spring here and everything, I hope to get back into the hang of things. I'm going to try to sit down and just write and not think about if its perfect. I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can. And if you're there reading along, then I'll feel very lucky 😊

Anyway, that's about it for my rant. Like I said, please don't worry about me. I'll come out the other end a better and happier person! It's just why I've not updated or stayed active, I've been in this slump. But I am doing better. I am doing better, please know that. And I will try to get back into updating regularly. I can't promise it will be weekly just yet, but it won't be like it has been. I am sorry for that. Truly. I feel I have let my readers down and feel awful for it. You stick with me, support me, and I've not been there. I'm sorry for that, but really want to make up for it.

I hope you wonderful people enjoyed this chapter. You're all amazing and your support means the world. Albany is handing out high fives to you guys with the occasional bird :P