Tortured Embrace Read online

  “Yeah, actually I do,” he answered, snidely. Stepping closer into the room, he addressed his cousin. “Before you finish your statement, I’m telling you now, I won’t inflict pain on my pack member. I don’t care what he did. We weren’t aware of the order so I think we should be exempt from the punishment.”

  Ramo’s face filled with anger as he spoke, nervous for what was coming and for his alpha’s stupid order. He continued his rant. “You know how much Jason loves her, why the hell would you give such a command?”

  “Serena has gone through enough…” Adam shouted, before Ramo cut in again.

  “She’s fine. Better every time she’s around Jason and you know it. I’m telling you, I won’t do it. I won’t.” He looked around at Alex and Nick for some support. “Tell me you wouldn’t hurt your beta? Tell me!” he ordered.

  Lifting a calming hand to Ramo, Alex addressed their alpha. “We haven’t had a punishment for years. Certainly not under your reign, nor your father’s. You’re aware of what must be done. Are you up for this?”

  “No,” Adam said, immediately. “But it has to be done. It’s stated in our laws. I can’t let this go just because he’s our friend. What will the other Blacktails think?”

  “Who gives a shit what they think?” Ramo spat out. “They don’t even know you gave the order.”

  “They will,” he responded low.

  “How?” Ramo asked, incredulously, his palms up.

  “I documented it,” was all he replied.

  Ramo threw his hands in the air. “Oh come on! Seriously? Wasn’t it bad enough you gave the verbal order, you had to write that shit down in our laws?”

  Adam pinned him with a hard glare. “She’s not your sister so I don’t expect you to understand, but you need to lower your voice and remember who you’re talking to,” Adam growled.

  Ramo felt his alpha’s force lower his head in obedience. Pissed beyond belief, he snatched the nearest vacant chair, and sat down roughly.

  Alex rubbed his beard, his dark eyes contemplating. “We understand the punishment must be brought out. Have you thought of the devices…”

  “Jesus,” Ramo uttered, shaking his head.

  Alex went on, “…because I agree with Ram, I won’t be a part of torturing my beta with physical pain. If that is his punishment, you can count me out as well. I will disobey that order.”

  Adam started to snarl, but stopped himself, his body trembling to withhold the reprimand. When he calmed some, he spoke carefully, but in a stern voice. “All of you can feel how much I don’t want to do this. Jason has accepted his punishment and as alpha and his friend, I will carry it out.”

  They stared frozen in their seats at their master’s words. Despite how furious they were, they couldn’t help but feel admiration for Adam. It took a strong amount of valor to carry out such a painful deed. But what would become of them? Something like this could kill their friendship, the Fighters as a whole.

  Fact was, they all knew it had to happen. The sense of trepidation practically stifled the room. How would he carry it out though? Thinking of the old torture methods, Ramo cringed. Images of the iron maiden and the rack filled his mind, and he felt nauseous. The formal punishments for disobedience dated back centuries.

  Adapting to the world they were born into, werewolves took on these harsh forms to sustain power throughout the pack. As time went by, they became illegal in the human world, but as few werewolves ever deceived their alpha, these penalties withstood.

  “Alone?” Nick asked quietly, his face drawn.

  Adam nodded. “I would not put this on your shoulders.” He straightened, placing his hands on his hips. “Notices will be sent out to the rest of the pack, but I don’t want a crowd so…”

  A pop resounded throughout the room, startling the men. Evangeline had teleported from the upstairs to the dining room in her robe, her face fuming with anger and centered on her mate. Her icy voice came out slow and clear.

  “Adam Perez, listen carefully because these are the last words you will hear from me if you lay a finger on that man.” Adam’s stunning mate visibly shook before them. “Need I remind you, if it weren’t for Jason, I’d be decaying in the middle of the woods right now.”

  His alpha stared, open-mouthed at his fiancé.

  “What’s more, had it not been for Jason’s helping hand, you, dear alpha,” she stated mockingly, “would not have two healthy-born sons.”

  “Evangeline…” Adam started.

  “Save it.” Storming toward the door, she waved her hand at him, rolling her eyes.”

  “Goddamnit, Evangeline, you…”

  Evangeline spun around and addressed Nick. “When your true alpha returns will you tell him I’ve taken the boys to my parent’s house.” With that, she left the room in a vampire dash.

  Adam shut his eyes in defeat. “I keep forgetting she can fucking hear everything.”

  This was met with two heavy pounding thumps from the upstairs, letting them know she heard that too.

  They watched Adam flinch at his mate’s fury. Battling with himself, they felt his urge to console Evangeline and the self-loathing for what he had to do to their friend tearing him apart.

  Ramo couldn’t be a part of it, but he was beginning to feel guilty letting his cousin bear this weight on his own. He addressed him evenly. “How Adam?”

  Straightening, Adam walked toward the door, faltered on his feet as if he’d had one too many, and stilled. Then said gravely, “The pillory.”

  ****

  Jason pulled Serena in tighter, bringing her closer to his side. Feeling her arm close around his torso, he shut his eyes, basking in the afterglow of the moon heat. Sure it had been tainted with Adam’s visit, then jerked awake by Kevin Goode’s announcement, but here she was, with him. Sensing her worry for him didn’t sit well of course. He wished she wouldn’t fret so much about the order or his looming punishment. He’d endure a hundred beat downs if it meant an eternity with her.

  “Please stop worrying, Serena. It’ll be fine, I promise.”

  Her voice vibrating against his chest, she said quietly, “You don’t know that.”

  “It’s no big deal. You’re getting yourself worked up for nothing. It’ll be over and done with before you know it.”

  Her emotions were going haywire. How much would his love have to endure? She’d been kidnaped, tortured, pregnant, miscarried, and now that she’d given herself to him, Serena would have to lie in wait while he paid the price for their union and to top it off, a father she never knew she had popped into her life to stir the pot.

  Jesus!

  Serena and Kevin had made arrangements to meet the following afternoon for lunch to get better acquainted. Despite the shock, he knew Serena was looking forward to getting to know him. Jason had to admit, Kevin was a standup guy and he and Adam approved of their meeting as long as one of the Fighters accompanied her at a safe distance. They really didn’t expect the guy to harm Serena, but it was all a bit much for her, and he and Adam wanted to make sure she didn’t get too overwhelmed.

  Lifting her head, Serena rested her chin on his chest and regarded him. Melting in her beautiful brown eyes, he ran his fingers through her hair, repeating the gentle glides as goose bumps rose all over her.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked, smoothly.

  Her cheeks flushed adorably, knowing he referred to their vigorous “workout” the previous night. “I feel amazing.”

  Smiling, he licked his lips, completely enamored with her as he continued his caresses.

  “You’re amazing,” she added.

  Now it was his turn to blush.

  Tilting her head, she asked hesitantly, “Why didn’t you stay inside me? Why did you…you know…”

  He looked away, taking a deep breath, knowing they had to discuss this at some point in time. “I know you don’t want to talk about it, but after what you’ve been through…it just didn’t seem right. What if I got you pregnant?” Jason heard her he
art rate increase as joy washed over her, and he froze, gazing admiringly at her.

  “You’d make me the happiest woman in the world,” she said, warmly.

  Chest expanding, he brought her to his lips, molding them to his in a searing kiss, his head swimming from her delicious scent. The idea of having a family with Serena was a dream he dared not think of before. Now, well…could it possibly happen for them?

  Pulling back, she smiled. “I understand why you felt the need to be cautious, but it’s not the moon heat now,” she said, suggestively.

  A low growl escaped him as he gripped her waist, bringing her atop him in an effortless move. Serena sat straddling his waist, her hair draped around her shoulders as she gazed down at him with wide eyes. “You look beautiful up there,” he said, biting his bottom lip.

  Giggling, she brought her hands to his chest and his skin tingled at her touch. “I don’t know what to do,” she said, shyly, wriggling a bit over him.

  “Ah, Serena. You’re already doing it.”

  She gasped as his thick length grew under her, nudging against her warm sex.

  “See?” he teased. In a swift move, he lifted his t-shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor. “Wow,” he whispered. Seeing her this way, so delectably shy, sexy, and naked over him was going to give him a heart attack. His toes curled, his leg muscles tightening up as his breathing changed. Running the back of his knuckles over a nipple, she arched back slightly, sighing. “I’m not going to go as rough as I did last night. You’re in charge.”

  With her lips slightly parted, she gazed thoughtfully for a spell before lifting her hips. Her hand reached down between her legs as she moved to clasp his arousal.

  Hissing, he grabbed her thighs, squeezing them softly. He nearly closed his eyes, but he wanted to watch her every move. God, the feel of her sweet hand around him drove him wild.

  Serena brought the tip of his length to her entrance and sat down right on him. Damn, she was so tight. “Oh,” she moaned, and began to move, her hips rocking slowly back and forth, her stomach undulating in waves. He didn’t know whether to stare at her heaving breasts or her belly, rolling beautifully before him.

  Meeting every aching thrust, Jason’s hands glided over her hips, up her sides… He couldn’t resist. Sitting up, he brought his mouth over her breast, laving at the hardened bud that tasted so damn good. Lying back against the pillows he watched her progress, a surge of love and possession running through him as his gorgeous girl had her way with him.

  Her movements grew stronger and stronger, yet she maintained her unhurried pace, her rhythm smooth and oh so wonderful. Serena’s head fell back, and he stared transfixed at her swollen lips and the sweet moan she uttered with every stroke. “God, you’re so deep,” she whispered, breathlessly.

  Smirking in spite of himself, Jason felt the shudders begin as she climaxed, her body trembling as he felt her throb around him. Gripping her bottom tight, he bit down hard, finding his own release. Only this time, he stayed deep inside her, filling her up with his hot seed. His head jerked back at the intensity of riding out his orgasm still warm and enveloped in her sweet body. “Oh, God, Serena…” he sighed.

  The moment he stilled, she fell to his chest, completely spent. Soft breaths tickled his neck as she regained her strength. He held her to him, loving that they were still connected.

  “Are you okay,” he asked, rubbing her back.

  Nodding, she uttered, meekly, “Yes.” Then, “I love you, Jason.”

  Chest constricting, he responded in kind. “I love you.”

  Several blissful seconds later, her heavy pants turned to slow rhythmic breaths as she drifted off to sleep. He let her stay on top of him, loving the feel of her warm body draped against his, hoping and praying she would sleep the rest of the evening and into the night, blissfully unaware of his impending torture.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The darkening sky hovered over Jason as he made his way through the Midewin woods. The sound of his footsteps disturbed the quiet as though he were an intruder, an outcast. Usually the forest seemed to greet him like an old friend coming home after a long absence, but all those cozy feelings had somehow dissipated. She was now cold, distant, as if every tree and brush wanted to punish him too.

  He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a bit nervous, but every time he thought of what he did, he almost chuckled. Hell, yeah, he’d do it again. Whatever was coming was so worth it. Serena still lay in his bed, exhausted from their lovemaking.

  The love of his life in his bed.

  Bring on the pain.

  Entering a small clearing, Jason saw Adam waiting, tall and solemn amidst the towering dreary trees, which seemed to stare ominously at him. They were both barefoot and shirtless since in a short time the moon would turn them into wolves for the rest of the night. He’d been looking at his best friend’s somber face for so long when he suddenly noticed what was behind him.

  “Are you kidding me?” Jason asked, aghast.

  Adam moved aside, his head hung low to reveal a wooden apparatus. The pillory consisted of a thick stake onto which two parallel wooden boards clasped together with holes for the head and arms. Once a person was locked in the holes, there was no way to escape. It was meant to humiliate, just really uncomfortable, not painful.

  Of all the torture devices, his alpha chose the one that was least harmful. He didn’t know whether to be grateful or offended. He stared at Adam, forcing him to meet his eyes. “Tell me you’re going to kick my ass first before putting me in there?”

  Brow tight, Adam shook his head. Fierce tension and remorse radiated from his friend. “This is it.”

  “No, it’s not. Get something else,” Jason demanded.

  They stood quietly for a moment, glaring at each other. He didn’t want to, but he started to feel guilty for putting his friend in this position and understanding hit. Of course his friend wouldn’t want him to suffer too much, but he still had to carry out the penalty.

  “Fine then. Where’s the crowd though?” The pillory was used back in the day to humiliate criminals in a town square. “Who’s going to throw stones and veggies at me if there isn’t anyone around?” he asked sardonically.

  Looking away, Adam said low, “The pack isn’t allowed in this area tonight.” He cleared his throat then hesitated. “J, I’m sorry…”

  “Don’t Adam. I should be the one apologizing. I knew how you felt, and I went against your wishes. I’m truly sorry for that. But you know how much I love her. I can’t fight it anymore. She’s a part of me, and I won’t live without her.” His chest tightened at his own words.

  Staring sadly, Adam found his voice. “I know, J. That’s why I’m sorry. I should have never given the order. I’ll regret it for the rest of my days, but when Serena came back…I panicked. I didn’t think anyone would be able to take care of her as well as I can. I was foolish.”

  Jason only nodded.

  Adam seemed to struggle with himself, his eyes everywhere but on him.

  Before his friend lost it, Jason said, “Let’s get this over with.” He strode to the pillory, stepping on the tiny platform and placed his wrists and neck on the bottom board. “Come on, bro, hook me up.”

  Adam’s knee bounced nervously before he turned to him. Sniffing loudly, he reached up to the top board and brought it down over his head and wrists.

  At this close angle, Jason could see the veins throbbing on the side of his alpha’s face, the tiny bead of sweat at his temple, could hear the raging of his heart. “Relax, Adam,” he said, soft and calmly. “I’d walk through fire for her. This…” He pointed at himself, indicating the boards around him. “…is nothing.”

  Eyes secured on fastening the lock, Adam murmured, “You’re going to phase, J.” His jaw twitched. “These gaps are gonna get tight on you. If you…”

  “Don’t even say it! I swear to God, if you come near me tonight, Adam…”

  Raising a calming hand, he said, “All right,” the
n met his eyes when he finished locking him in. “I’m not going anywhere though. I’m here with you. All night.”

  Shit! He prayed his buddy didn’t pick up on his sappy emotions now. Trying to swallow past the lump in his throat, he muttered. “Okay.”

  The sky blackened over them as Adam backed away, his bloodshot eyes never leaving him. He wanted to tell him to stop being so dramatic. He was fine. In fact, he felt stupid really. With his head angling forward, his long hair tickled his cheeks, and the only thing painful at the moment was the kink in his neck from bending this way. What he really should be doing is bitching out his friend for giving him such a pussy punishment.

  Off in the distance he could just make out footsteps on the forest floor. Someone was running this way. Adam jerked his head to the east, hackles raised. He hoped it was a human being nosey or else there would be another wolf joining him in his “torture.”

  As their visitor grew closer, he sniffed the air, a familiar scent wafting around him.

  Damn it!

  From the corner of his eye he watched Serena skid to halt between two oaks on his right, her hand covering her mouth. Shutting his eyes, real humiliation flooded him. He’d rather be flogged than have his girl see him this way.

  “You can’t be here, Serena,” Adam ordered.

  Without sparing her brother a glance, Serena walked determinedly toward him. “I’m not going anywhere, Adam, so either get another one of these contraptions for me or shut up.”

  The fight had left his buddy. With his shoulder’s slumped, Adam turned, giving them his back and a little privacy.

  When Serena’s precious hand slipped into his, he opened his eyes. Giving her a small smile, he said, “What are you doing up, little one?” In the past, Serena would occasionally run with the pack during the full moon, but often times, she’d sleep right through it.

  Her other hand gripped his, her eyes roaming around the pillory. “Does it hurt?” she asked, her expression sad, yet somehow resigned as if she understood how painful this was for all of them and didn’t want to start any unnecessary arguing with him or her brother.