The ceiling fan slowly coasts in a daunting circle above me as I lay in bed, pondering on my situation at hand. Just a few hours ago, my life was almost taken from me. Christian made a very clear statement. He can control anything he wants to. He controlled my blood flow; where my body was; the dialogue, which he knew would light a fire under me; and most importantly, my life now.

As much as I hate admitting defeat, maybe the fat lady has sung her boisterous and messy tune. I have gone over every idea and searched for any avenue that would lead me to freedom, but nothing pans out. As long as my mom is putty in his hands, I can't break either of us free.

The sound of pleasured screams echo through the house. A disgusted snarl seethes out of me. I hear the fierce pounding of the bed beating against the wall as my mom allows the true beast to rearrange her insides and take full advantage of her.

"Oh! Yes! Yes!" Her disembodied screams make me want to vomit.

Enough's enough. I've had it! I stand up, slip on my favorite sandals and storm out of my room to find my keys. I really don't want to listen to the sound of my mother getting plowed by a ravenous beast disguised in sheep's clothing.

I dial Kenzie's number as I reach my hand out to open the drivers door to my old 2007 Tahoe. Once she answered, I inform her of my situation before turning my vehicle on and backing out into the street. Disgust and angst overflow in her voice as she curses Christian on the other end of the phone. I put her on speaker phone as I journey towards her apartment.

"You're a dumbass Grace. I can't stand by. This has to stop! That fucker will end up hurting you!" Kenzie's voice raises higher and higher as the rage boiling inside of her grows astronomically. "You are putting yourself in this situation!"

"I know, Kenz! I know! But what the hell can I do?! I can't afford to live on my own like you and Ryder and if I'm not home to help my mom, I'm not sure what would happen." My tone came out a little pointed. We have gone over this well before, but my outlook hasn't changed.

"Jesus, Grace..." She groans. "How much longer until you're here?"

I glance down at the small clock on my dash. 7:56 PM. A heavy sigh puffs out of my lungs as I tell her my estimated time of five minutes.

"We will talk more, just please drive carefully." Her harsh tone dials down to concern as she gently spoke.

"I will. See you in a few." I end the call and try to focus on driving. Before I knew it, I found myself swerving into the emptied parking lot of the Luxe Apartment complex. I find a slot closest to the building and park my truck.

After locking my truck, I padded over to the dark metal stairway. I trudge up two flights of stairs before finally reaching Kenzie's place. The dark gray door is framed with white wooden trim. The golden apartment number 22 is slanted in a decorative font just above a small peep hole. At the base of the door is a hard bristle welcome mat Kenzie bought because Ryder kept tracking in mud.

I rapidly tap my knuckles on the door before taking half a step back to wait. No sooner than when I step back, the door swings wide open. Ryder stands before me, leaned back on one hip, shirtless, with only a pair of shorts on and a toothpick hanging out of his mouth. I try to refrain myself from gawking at his magnificent body, and strut straight past him.

"Sup," I say in passing. I hear a faint chuckle as I pass him, but press forward into the living room.

As I turn the corner, I find Kenzie wrapped in a cozy Sherpa throw, sipping on sleeping tea out of her 'Call Me Boss' mug. Her blonde hair is thrown into a messy bun. Bags cling to her eyes as it's evident the tea is taking full effect.

"Going to bed early I see?" I slip off my shoes, tuck them under the coffee table, then fall into the cozy embrace of the couch. She lazily nods her head.

She seemed just as exhausted from her day as I was. I decide not to bring up the Christian situation for now. If she brings it up, I'll push it to the side. It's a topic for another day. We both need rest.

I feel like a fool for agreeing to run with Ryder this morning. Little needles of pain probe at the ends of my nerves as I pump my legs harder and faster in an attempt to keep up. I never run! This thing called a 'work out,' hasn't been a part of my vernacular for a while. His legs were too powerful for me. My lungs gasp frantically for air, but it's hard catching a breath.

"Come on, girl," Shouts Ryder, looking over his shoulder. "You've got to have more power than that."

My chest contracts harder and harder, making breathing a challenge. Determination is my motivation as the soles of my tennis shoes beat against the smooth black asphalt. My arms pump back and forth. The wind brushes my baby hairs into my face, but I keep going.

"Shove it, dick bag." I say, feeling my muscles unthread with every stride. I inhale deeply through my nose and continue on, exhaling loudly.

Ryder breathlessly laughs. "We will get you into shape, whether you like it or not."

The last time I worked out was months ago. On a whim and on the floor of my bedroom, I was inspired by social media. I longed to have the perfect body like these bewitching Instagram models. I did push ups, sit ups, squats, mountain climbers. Twenty of each. Three reps. I was determined to tone my thighs, lift my ass, and have the flat stomach every girl dreams of having. But, reality hit me, and quite frankly, I valued sleep over pain.

We were almost back to the apartment. I focus on keeping myself composed before my entire body unravels into a pile of human meat. I see the tall gray building, muster every ounce of energy I have, and push through the pain. I can already feel the nice, warm water of a good shower beating against my tender body, and wrapping me in its foggy arms.

Soon enough, we arrive at the entrance of the apartment complex. However, I'm not thrilled to see who greets us in the parking lot.

"Morning, Sunshine... I had no idea you actually worked out." Christian smirks, leaning against the warm hood of his car. His voice is calloused and sinful. His dark, leering eyes are concealed by RayBan sunglasses, but by the tone in his deep voice, evil lurks behind those expensive glasses.

I came to a complete stop next to Ryder, whose shoulders heaved up and down as he glared down at Christian. His nostrils flared in anger while Christian remained fixated on me. He seemed oblivious to the heaving beast next to me, like he was invisible.

"What do you want?" A deep frown curves my lips as I struggle to catch my breath still.

"I must speak with you in private, Grace." He says firmly, folding his arms over his chest. The grey suit he's dressed in clings to his visibly powerful muscles as he does so.

"As if," I snorted loudly, my throat desert dry. I wrapped my hand around Ryder's wrist, attempting to pull him behind me and retreat to the apartment; but he stiffened himself. I pull once more, however, my efforts are worthless.

"Grace, do not move." Ryder commands, his voice deep and smooth. He stands firmly like a volcano, eagerly waiting to explode in a fit of rage, spewing hot, boiling venom onto the vile creature before us.

"You need to come with me." Christian announces sternly, a sense of warning embedded in his voice.

"God, Christian. Leave me alone! I'm not going anywhere with you!" A dark grunt comes from my lungs as frustration slowly overwhelms me.

Without thinking, I took a step closer to the vehicle, allowing my frustration to bow up. As soon as my foot landed on the asphalt, two mountainous men stepped out of the white Tahoe. Beefy and bald, they look as intimidating as a gladiator on steroids. A small, quiet gasp falls out of my lungs as they slam the doors and stand stoically next to Christian.

"I really didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice, beautiful," he reluctantly sucks air through his teeth before calling to his goons. "Jason, Radon."

Without hesitation, they strut towards us, grunts of affirmation bellowing deeply from their broad chests. Danger rages like an angry river in their eyes. My heartbeat picks up pace, threatening to beat hopelessly out of my chest. Ah shit. What did I just do!

Suddenly, a dark, haunting growl booms through the morning air. Every hair on my body stands up. My heart stops as I realize how close that growl was... a little too close.

Slowly, my eyes cut towards Ryder. However, I was no longer looking into the face of a man, but a wild beast. A wolf. Icy blue eyes drenched in powerful rage are framed with coffee color stained fur. The wolf stands a little lower than me, not by much. His paws are as large as my face. Ripped muscles define his elongated body, while the fur lining his spine stands in alert. He lowers his head, showing off his robust and large canines. Deathly growls rumble from the beast like thunder in a dark and sinister storm.

My jaw hits the floor. I should have assumed he was one from his frame, but he never held any of the stereotypical characteristics of a wolf. Brutish. Arrogant. Challenging. Then again, my fathers antagonistic outlook on the beasts veered me away from them out of fear. That's all society knows them as: beasts.

The goons stop in their forceful tracks. Their hard glare morphs into pure fear as the beast stands before them, ready to pounce at any sudden move. I glance at Christian, who doesn't seem phased by Ryder's transformation. A smirk of premeditated anticipation slicks across his lips as he watches the scene before him unfold.

"Ah, of course!" He shouts over the wolf's thunderous growls. "I should've known you would be with one of them. However, Princess, you need to come with me. It's regarding your mother."

My mom? What about her? I thought to myself. I look down at the ground, hesitant about my next move. I don't know what tricks Christian has up his sleeve, and I don't want Ryder hurt if that is a part of the outcome of this showdown. But what about my mom?

"I see the gears grinding in that beautiful head of yours. Tick, tock!" He warns and I frown.

I turn my attention to the large beast next to me. His body heaves up and down. Anger courses through the threads of darkness intertwining in his icy eyes. I take in a deep breath, place a soothing hand on his fur and exhale slowly. I can feel the warmth seething off his skin as my hand hovers gently on him. "It's okay," I whisper tenderly.

His shallow breaths slow down as he stands down, still keeping his guard up. He sits on his back legs and lets out a vigorous sigh. I spin back around to Christian, gently biting at my cheeks.

A small, victorious grin captivates his lips as he watches my every move towards him. My bones feel like they are made of dense led as I stagger reluctantly towards him. Oh God, I didn't want to go with him. Once I make it to his side, he places a hand on the small of my back, keeping himself tucked close to me, and guides me to the back of the new white Tahoe. He opens the door, and ushers me inside. I take a seat in the cool leathered copilot chair behind the driver's chair, and press myself as far up against the door as possible.

"We got what we wanted boys," he calls to his goons. "Let's go!"

Without hesitation, both Radon and Jason rush to their now designated spots, avoiding the beast before us. It was obvious they thought they were more powerful than any human, but didn't realize this job involved a wolf. Neither did I, honestly.

I look outside the window and see Ryder warily staring down the vehicle. I wanted him to tear this vehicle to shreds—Christian and his goons right along with it. But Christian knew ahead of time I would cave to my weakness: my mom.

Christian then climbs into the seat next to me, slams the door behind him, all before the goons took off down the road. 

A/N

Wowww, Christian is a tool. What do y'all think? Please let me know in the comments. What do you think this shipment is??

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