In Between The Alphas
Chapter 82

My bones feel heavy and my mind feels like it is being weighed down by shackles. My back also seemed to pulse but not in a way that hurt.

I want to start like this, half delirious, half in the clutches of sleep and half awake but my body had other plans as my mind started to wake.

I woke up feeling numb all over. I reached behind me to feel my back but my fingers came in contact with a cold sticky balm. I wiped my hands on my laps and forced my body into a sitting position.

I leaned my head back against the wall while making sure my back didn't touch it at all and I tried my bond again but I couldn't get through and I swore under my breath.

"It's not going to work," my body went on high alert when I heard his voice, "Your mind link isn't going to work."

Hunter walked into the cell and let his eyes roam over my body slowly. I fought the urge to cringe from his stare and he just gave me a smirk in return.

"Other than the fact that your chains are laced with wolfs bane; I had a witch cast a spell on this particular cell, your link won't work as long as you're in here."

I pretended not to be listening and he dropped a tray of dry bread and jerky in front of me. I let my eyes roam over the plate briefly before turning away.

"Don't be stubborn, Charlotte," he began, "You have to eat if you want to live, I can't have you dying on me."

"I would rather die than eat your food."

"If I have to tie you up and force the food down your throat then I will," he warned, "You need to learn which battles are worth fighting and which are not." He turned on his heels.

I glanced at the plate in front of me but still didn't make a move towards it.

"Oh and Charlotte," he stopped by the door of the cell, "I will be back in an hour and if you haven't eaten then I will make good on my promise."

He left without another word and I cursed out loud but found myself picking up the bread. I got out once and I'll do it again, I just need to be strong enough to do it.

I don't know how long I was left alone. I tried to count but I found it only made me more agitated.

The light coming from the small window was getting darker so I assume it's night. Other than the food Hunter brought earlier, I haven't been fed and my stomach is starting to grumble.

Light but firm footsteps caught my attention and my pine instantly straightened. Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

"Get up," he spoke without even looking at me, "Your family is here to see you." I ignored him and stayed sitting on the floor, "You know that I have to repeat myself Charlotte; get up and come with me." "Charlie isn't hard to say you know; it's less syllables."

"That is a ridiculous boy name."

"Are you stealing quotes from my dad now?" I teased, "He calls me Charlotte too and it must be so sad knowing that you call me Charlotte just like everyone else, you're not special."

I know asking him not to call me Charlotte will only make him want to call me that more and I don't want anyone calling me Charlotte except Logan.

"Get up." He ignored my taunts as he unhooked my chains, "I'm not discussing this with you."

I rubbed my sore wrists and shot him a wicked scowl. "I'm not seeing my family naked."

"You're not naked," he said simply, "As far as I can see your pants are still on. Besides it is nothing that anyone hasn't seen before. You were comfortable being a slut at that pack, so you should be comfortable doing it here." I gave him a sardonic smile and rose to my feet.

"I guess it goes to reason that you are a weak man." His jaw clenched and I know I am poking him. I can only hope I get the reaction I want, "I can imagine all the people that will see me like this; guards, servants. No strong Alpha would let their woman out looking like this."

"Logan would rather die than let anyone see me naked," I faced him so he was looking me dead in the eye, "I guess that's the difference between you and him; he is a man who commands respect and you are a sad lump of clay, excuse of a man."

I was barely done when his hand whipped across my cheek hard and a sharp gasp flew from my lips. I righted my face and he whipped me again.

"If you ever compare me to that boy, I will rip him to shreds and make you watch." He spat but I didn't give him the satisfaction of my anger.

He stormed out of the cell and I made to follow but he stopped me with a hand. "Do not take another step, or I will break every bone in your body."

I stayed still and I heard him yelling but couldn't make out the words. He returned with a plain black tee shirt and threw it at me.

I wanted to smile but I had to force my face to remain neutral as I pulled the shirt over my head. It smelled like soap and it was faded and almost falling apart at the seams but it is better than walking around naked.

Hunter walked over to me and snapped two bracelets over my wrists. I felt a tremor go through my body and I fell to the ground with a groan of pain.

"You didn't really think I would let you go out just like that? I won't have you calling that petulant child Alpha."

"Why not; are you scared of him? I taunted and Hunter grabbed a fistful of my hair.

He pulled it sharply and I smothered the scream that was about to escape my lips, "I will enjoy breaking you down Charlotte," he ran his nose through my neck and I forced bile back down my throat, "It will be the highlight of my life." He bit just over my mark and I threw up. I threw up all over his pristine shirt and shoes and all over the new shirt he got for me.

His lips turned up in a snarl and for the second time today he backhanded me so hard that I fell back a few paces.

"Now I have to change," his voice was barely above a whisper, "No worries, I will just have to take you to dinner."

He moved to grab me but took his hand back at the last moment. This time I actually smirked.

"Better watch how you handle me, Hunter," I said, "Because I promise you, that will be my reaction every single time you try to touch me."

"I could always gag you." He smirked and my smile faltered. "I have spent too much time talking with you; we leave now."

He grabbed my arm and pushed me out the door so I walked in front of him. As I walked I realized two things;

1. His mind is truly f****d up and I have underestimated him.

2. The only way I will make it out alive is by scheming and reverse psychology.