Chapter 4

JODY

I needed to figure out what she was going to do with this situation.

First, I had to know what Ivan did.

Damn you!

Second, what did Aurora mean that her brother would die if he didnʼt have a child?

Ridiculous.

Third, I was most definitely going to do something about that damn physical attraction I had toward the man.

I refuse to feel otherwise for that man!

His aura of restrained power pulled me right in. It was like waiting to see when a wild animal would lose control. And I should feel horrified... out of my mind horrified. But instead, I had never felt so interested.

I walked to a closet and opened it to find a whole wardrobe.

What the actual heck?!

I frowned at the fact these clothes appeared to be my exact size. With a yank, I pulled out a top of the softest material and stared at it.

They were really my size.

“Heck, they are exactly my taste. Wow.”

Then a sick sensation settled at the pit of my stomach.

Just who was Ulysses Galligan? And why had he chosen me?

As much as I wanted to say this whole thing was insane, I was curious to see what was behind it all. This was the most action Iʼd had in every way possible for a long time.

Not to mention, I hadnʼt had any type of action in a certain department in years.

Gosh.

Now was not the time to think about being so sexually inadequate. I’d only done the deed twice.

Nope.

But Ulysses was so imposing, and even scarred, heʼd turned me on. Something a lot of the men Iʼd dated hadnʼt done with their sloppy kisses and roaming hands.

The garden below was gorgeous. Perfectly manicured and I could probably spend hours sitting out there reading a book or mediating. Guards walked the perimeter every few seconds. I stood no chance of sneaking away.

These were werewolves.

Big, bad, hairy werewolves.

With canines the size of my fist. My best bet was finding out what was really going on and deciding my next course of action, and then, praying for a miracle of epic proportions.

The fastest way to getting out of this fortress was talking to Ulysses again.

And that meant I had to go to dinner. Or go looking for him.

With a pretty pair of black capri pants and a flowy red top that was a bit more dressed up, I slipped into the most comfortable sandals of my life and went looking for food and my captor.

Ignoring the excited shudder that raced through me, I tried to tell myself I didn’t want to look pretty for him.

No way.

I was just trying to be civil.

The dining room was still empty when I arrived but the table had been set. I started to wonder if maybe I did have a chance at escaping. But first I had to know where Ivan was and other details.

I groaned as the smell of food reached me. Maybe I could find the kitchen and talk someone into helping me find my way out of there.

Then what?

Ulysses would send his men to get me again?

No.

I needed to solve this problem and once and for all. I needed to cut all ties with Ivan Swinson.

Because for a man to trade his flesh and blood... his own daughter for some debt was unforgivable.

I poked my head into the room next to the dining room and gasped. There was a massive glass figure collection. They were all over. In displays but everywhere. I walked in quietly, hoping my steps wouldn't vibrate the floor and break anything.

It was stupid, but the collection was flawless. All types of tiny animals and their babies. Mother bears, giraffes, cats, dogs, wolves, everything on the planet cuddling their offspring. My heart melted at the cuteness.

As I walked the room, something caught my attention. A framed photo of a couple hanging on a wall. They were not that old in the photo, but it was clearly dated, so these must be the parents.

The woman was beautiful with flowing blonde hair. She looked a lot like Aurora. The father was a very handsome man with a stern look and piercing gaze. It was like looking at what Ulysses would have looked like without the scars.

“Oh there you are! Thank goodness!”

I slapped a hand on my chest and gave a loud shriek at the noise. Then I turned to glare at Aurora.

“Please. Donʼt you ever do that, Aurora! You scared me half to death.”

She gave an apologetic nod.

“Sorry, I forgot youʼre not a werewolf. We can hear people coming from a mile away.”

That would be a very great trait to have.

“No, Iʼm not. Whereʼs your brother?”

Aurora grinned, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Oh heʼs growing on you already, isnʼt he?”

I rolled my eyes and tried not to show the incredulity on my face.

“Uh, no, no, no, no. I just need to talk to him about Ivan. Thatʼs all. Nothing more.”

“Okay. Well come on then. He should be down shortly. Then you can grill him about your father,” Aurora said, leading me back to the dining room.

“You know about Ivan?” I asked.

Aurora nodded.

“Of course. He’s done some unforgivable things. And I had to know the extent of how badly he’d behaved.”

“Tell me. Please” I leaned forward on the table, staring at Ulyssesʼ little sister expectantly.

Aurora pursed her lips and gave a slow, doubtful shake of her head.

“I... I donʼt think I should. This is something you and Lux should talk about. Really, Jody. So please donʼt insist I tell you.”

“Well, okay. I understand. And I wouldnʼt want you to be uncomfortable. But can you tell me if heʼs alive, at least?” I ask.

“Oh, heʼs alive, Jody. Very much alive. And for as long as youʼre here, Iʼll make sure that Ivan Swinson stays that way,” came Ulyssesʼ voice from the other end of the room.