Chapter Seventeen : Hour of Reckoning NICOLE You think this ends with me ? I forced the words out , my voice raw but steady . Nathan will come . And when he does , youll regret every second of this . Gerald smirked , the kind of smirk that turned your stomach . He crouched to meet my gaze , his voice low and venomous . Oh , Nicole . It is almost saddening how hopeful you are but Nathan will never find you at least not while you are alive . And Daniel ? Hell get here just in time to see your last breath . After that , Ill rip Nathan apart piece by piece , and no one no one will stand in my way . His words clawed at my resolve , each one a weapon designed to break me . My heart pounded painfully against my ribs . I couldnt show him my fear . I wouldnt . 50 % 11:41 1/6 11:41 Chapter Seventeen : Hour of Reckoning The door slammed open , and Nadia strutted in , heels clicking against the cold floor . Her wicked grin sent a chill down my spine . In her hand , she held a phone . The boy is almost here . Her laughter echoed in the room as turned to Gerald , Ill make sure everything s set outside . Dont screw this up . Gerald waved her off , clearly irritated . Just handle it . When the door slammed shut behind her, I was alone with him again . The silence between us was heavy , suffocating . My wolf stirred weakly in the back of my mind , but the silver injections theyd been using had dulled our bond . She was a whisper now , barely there , and it felt like losing a piece of my soul . But I couldnt give up . I slumped forward , letting my head drop as if I was finally giving in . Gerald , I whispered , my voice trembling just enough 50 % 11:41 2/6 Chapter Seventeen : Hour of Reckoning to sound believable . What ? he barked , pacing the room like the predator he was . You were right , I said softly , my words shaky . I never deserved their loyalty . I was just handed everything . You … you were the one who earned it . I see that now . He stopped mid step , suspicion flickering in his eyes . What are you playing at ? Nothing , I said quickly , letting tears fill my eyes . I just … I dont want to die like this . Not without admitting the truth . You were always the better leader . For a moment , I thought I had him . His chest puffed out slightly , pride evident . But then his smile returned sharp , cruel . Nice try , he said , stepping closer . But you re not fooling me . Desperation clawed at me . I reached deep 50 % 11:41 3/6 11:41 Chapter Seventeen : Hour of Reckoning within , searching for the mental link I had severed long ago . Nathan , can you hear me ? Please . Please answer me . The emptiness was suffocating , and for the first time , hopelessness gripped me but then my eyes darted to the table behind him where a small blade glinted in the dim light . It wasnt much , but it was something . I let my body sag against the chains , feigning exhaustion . If you re going to kill me , at least tell me this , I murmured , buying time . Why did you fake your death ? His hesitation was brief , but it was enough . I lunged , stretching against the chains . My fingertips brushed the blade , but Gerald was faster . His hand closed around my throat , slamming me back into the wall . Because I as so done playing your dog . I needed time to pull this together and you 50% 11:41 4/6 taking the wrong mediat Dr. My Crazy Husband f 11:41 524 Chapter Seventeen : Hour of Reckoning couldnt just give me space to breath . Always Gerald this , Gerald that , he growled , tightening his grip , never fit and you are pathetic . You were The blade slipped from my grasp , clattering to the floor . My vision blurred , but I caught the faintest flicker of something in his eyes . Doubt ? Uncertainty ? Before I could process it , the door burst open again . Not Nathan . Nadia stormed in , fury etched across her face . Gerald ! she barked . Stop playing around . Weve got a problem . What now ? he snapped , releasing me . Her voice dropped , her tone almost trembling . The wolves I sent to bring Daniel … they re dead . Their heads were sent back in a box . And Daniel isn t with them . Geralds eyes narrowed . And ? 50 % 11:41 5/6 11:41 Chapter Seventeen : Hour of Reckoning Nadia swallowed hard . The area s crawling with wolves . Nathans found us . I thought Gerald would be scared that his plan was falling apart but instead a smirk graced his lips . Dark and Deadly . He turned to me , his expression cold and final . Theres no point in waiting anymore . 99 Give the order , he said to Nadia . Our wolves are to kill without mercy . He looked back at me , his grin widening . And as for you , Nicole … Before I could react , his hand shot forward , plunging into my chest and I gasped as I felt his claws against my heart . The pain was blinding , and then … Everything went black . 50 % 11:41 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!