chapter 38

~Dainin~

Pain. A searing pain was all Dainin could feel as his body burned from the inside with no relief. On the outside, it was as if volts of electricity danced across his skin, burning just as hot. He had no idea how long he had been stuck in this hell, whether it was days, months, or years. He couldn't be sure. It was as if his body was floating in a never-ending abyss with only the pain for company. He couldn't feel Tessa anymore, or anyone for that matter, and his wolf had been silent since his consciousness awoke. At this point he wasn't even sure they were still connected. He was alone. 

His thoughts swirled in confusion as he tried to make sense of where he was. He tried tirelessly to open his eyes to no prevail. All he could hear was the erratic beating of his heart and a small static purr playing on repeat in his ears. The white noise was keeping him disoriented. He couldn't tell which way was up or down. To keep himself calm he started thinking about Tessa and his pack. If given the chance he would do everything in his power to get back to them. Dainin prayed they were all safe, even if he wasn't.

Without warning, Dainin felt a pressure building in his head causing him to internally scream in agony. His mind was suddenly ripped away from the darkness and into the light. Shaking away his blurred vision, Dainin saw he was in a cell. His instincts kicked in making him take in his surroundings for any sign of danger.

A figure stood in the corner watching him. He tried to attack his captor, but a singeing pain stopped him. "What the hell," he growled furiously, looking down at his limbs. Silver chains were holding him captive to a chair in the middle of the room. "I should have known," he cursed his luck. Now he understood why he couldn't feel his wolf or anyone else. The silver chains were blocking them out with their poison.

He glared at his captor, sending waves of authority through the small space. "Who are you," Dainin demanded, attempting to lunge at the hooded figure again. He didn't care if the silver burned his flesh, he was ready to rip it apart. A dark laugh filled the cell in an echo, but Dainin wasn't about to show fear. He had no fear, only anger. He continued staring it down, sending the promise of death through his glare. "My, aren't you tough," it mocked him in a cold raspy voice as it pushed off the wall. "But your efforts are futile. You're not going anywhere," it paused, stepping into the light pulling away its hood, "Nephew."

Dainin's eyes grew wide in horror. "Nephew," he silently repeated. It was impossible. His Uncle was dead and the creature standing before him was no man. Its face was disfigured like a wolf frozen mid shift with fire red eyes. As it stared into Dainin's darkened hues a sinister smirk played on it lips revealing a row of sharp teeth as it cackled, reveling in Dainin's confusion.

It stalked closer to Dainin. "What? Don't you recognize me," it asked with sarcasm dripping from its tone. The question caused Dainin's brows to pull together. "No," he answered simply, refusing to accept this beast was his uncle. His answer angered the monster earning him a punch to the jaw. The chair tipped from the force and Dainin's bare chest landed on the silver chain that laid on the ground, instantly burning his skin.

He silently groaned in pain, refusing to give the creature the luxury of seeing him suffer. In seconds he was upright and face to face with the grotesque beast. Saliva dripped from its mutated mouth as it growled impatiently. "Don't play dumb with me boy," it screamed. Dainin cringed in disgust as the hot saliva sprayed his face, but he remained impassive at its outburst. Dainin quickly reared his head back then sent it crashing into the creature's snout. He smirked, watching it struggle to get its bearings. "I enjoy my personal space. It's best you remember that Uncle," he mocked, watching the beast pace the small cell.

A ferocious growl shook the room as the beast raced back in front of him, snapping its jaws. "You should have died with all those other worthless pack members years ago. You were never meant to be an Alpha. Your blood doesn't deserve it," it spoke, through gritted teeth. Dainin's curiosity got the better of him. He needed to find out what this crazed maniac was planning and why.

Dainin remained silent, keeping his face emotionless while waiting for him to continue. In his crazed state it seemed his "Uncle" was talking to himself, lost in the past. "I was meant to be the Alpha, but your worthless father found his mate before me. Since the bond added to his strength the council ripped my birth right from me. They all overlooked his obvious weaknesses all because he found his mate," it spit in distaste, turning from Dainin enraged. "Look how it all turned out. They said I was wasn't even good enough to be Beta,” it laughed humorously. “Well, now they're all dead so what do they know," its face turned into a sinister smile. "My plan to take over was flawless, until my so-called allies betrayed me, taking the land for themselves," it sneered. Dainin was struggling to keep his mouth shut. His "Uncle" was obviously a psychotic murderer. "If you were wondering they're dead too," it stated with pride.

Dainin was stunned at the carefree admissions of killing hundreds of wolves. Life obviously meant nothing to this thing. "We all heard you died, but now you're here looking as ugly as ever," Dainin cursed his smart mouth, but instead of rage he was met with humor. "Part of me did die," it laughed, then looked to Dainin with its red eyes and a serious expression. "My weak human side is dead," it declared and once again the smile returned to its face.

A chill ran down Dainin's spine as he saw no remorse or regret in the creature’s eyes. This monologue it spewed only confirmed how much danger they were all in. "What does this have to do with Blue Ridge and my pack," Dainin growled, trying to free his hands from the chains. The creature cocked its head to the side, stalking slowly towards him while barring its teeth. "Isn't it obvious? It's not just your packs, but it's the entire region I need. Rogues are great and all, but they can't bring me to power. I need trained warriors to control," it knelt in front of Dainin, looking into his eyes. "As you know, John has been helping me. He told me all about your mates little "exam" and with all those warriors in one territory how can I resist? I can be unstoppable!"

It stood walking towards the cell doors laughing. "Love to leave you here, but it's time for the battle to begin," he exclaimed, slamming the cell door behind him. He paused a moment gazing back at Dainin with a cruel expression. In a heartless tone he spoke. "I'm looking forward to watching the life drain from your mate's eyes by the way. Just like I enjoyed watching the blood spill from your parents." With his last admission he was gone leaving Dainin in the dark.