When I woke, I was back on the cold floor of the cell. I sat up and took in the emptiness of it. No bed, no food, no water and most importantly: no Maximus Megestanis.

"Where's Max?" I questioned Luciano who I could sense lurking in the darkness.

"I figured that it is safer to keep the two of you apart. And besides, considering the state he's in, you probably don't want to see him," Luciano replied with an evil smirk.

"What did you do to him?!" I hissed hastily getting to my feet.

"Relax, babe," Luciano said leaning casually on the bars. "He's still alive and as soon as the wolfsbane is out of his system in an hour or two he'll start healing."

"Why? Why are doing this to him?"

"I can't hurt you because of the Alpha so he is currently taking the both of yours punishment," he replied with a fake smile.

"I will tell Leonardo everything that you have done, Luciano, and ensure that you never win back his trust."

"You will do no such thing," Luciano warned.

"And how are you going to stop me?" I asked. "Once Leonardo arrived you are no longer the most powerful wolf in this compound."

"Do you really think he gives a shit about what I do to Max? He tried to kill you remember? So I will be allowed back into the pack regardless of what you say to him and if I find out that you've been opening that little mouth of yours...oh sweetheart. I will make you and your cousin pay the first chance I get. Now that I have you firmly back in my grip, you will never escape it. Leonardo is going to thank me for going to so much trouble to get him his Luna and I will win back his trust no matter what you tell him about me. Words can't beat actions."

"Leonardo doesn't tolerate rapists, Luciano. You could keep bringing me back to him for decades but nothing will change that. Just before I left, he had killed a soldier for forcing himself upon a she-wolf from another pack and he didn't even get as far as removing her clothes. So what makes you think he is going to let you anywhere near his pack after what you did to Hestia?"

"That depends on how desperate he is to get you back. Are you aware that every Alpha in the world is aware of your disappearance? It is a miracle you have gone this long without already being dragged back to him, especially with that mark on your neck. He won't leave me unrewarded, babe," Luciano replied. "And besides, I have a way with words.copy right hot novel pub