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continued unconsciousness, the next several hours were a blur. Adam himself had trouble
staying awake, and tended to come to with a gasp that made his vision dim immediately all
over again. His ribs ached and his arm, but that was nothing compared to what he felt every
time he looked to find Todd still out, his breaths shallow and unsteady. Adam cussed and
yelled, demanded to be uncuffed so he could check on Todd, but, though Daan and Sim
shared guilty looks, neither of them had the balls to go against that fucker Peter.
Why should I care if he dies? He threatened to make me into a rug, did he not? Peter
asked. Before Adam could answer he was slammed backwards again as Peter braked hard.
Head spinning and electric lights blinking rapidly in front of his eyes, Adam was hefted
and dragged to the door of the van. He tried to fight, tried to stay with Todd, but as soon as
he opened his mouth to yell, Peter slapped him again. Adam s jaw popped as pain exploded
from the joint. Blood pooled in his mouth, gagging him. He must have bitten his tongue or
cheek.
Get his lover boy, Peter barked out, and that at least eased a little of Adam s fear
until he realised it didn t necessarily mean they were bringing Todd to wherever Adam was
going to end up. Adam bucked and succeeded in shaking off the hands holding him only to
receive another scorching slap. Behave, or I will see to it your mate is skinned as he
threatened to do to me.
Adam s eyes widened then narrowed. He d never hated anyone so much in his life.
Maybe Todd s father, but that was an older sensation, and this, with Todd s life in the
balance, was a whole new, fresh cut. Adam wanted a bottle of Beuthanasia for Peter the wolf.
If the fucker was lucky, Adam would hit a vein and be kind enough to use a big enough
dosage.
Ah, ah, I can see evil thoughts in here. Peter smirked and slapped the side of Adam s
head. It would be in your best interest, but, more importantly, in his best interest, for you to
be very, very nice to me.
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The nausea that had receded earlier came spewing back, literally. Adam couldn t have
stopped it if he tried. He heaved and Peter squeaked just before vomit splattered his pants
and shoes. If it pissed Peter off, that was too bad. Adam would never do what the delusional
jerk had just suggested. Todd wouldn t want him to, and Adam would truly rather die& but
he d take Peter out with him, somehow or another.
Ick, what a rejection, Daan said loudly and happily. Adam craned his neck and saw
Todd propped between Daan and Sim, still unconscious, and fear spiked in his gut, hot and
sharp.
Fuck you, Peter groused, glaring fit to kill.
No fucking you, that s for sure, Adam spat out.
Peter raised his hand and Adam tried not to flinch but his eyelids slammed shut
anyway.
I wouldn t do that, Peter, someone said in a low voice filled with menace.
Adam opened one eye as little as he could get away with and still be able to see. Peter
had turned white as could be as he dropped his hand back to hold Adam s arm.
I wasn t I was just trying Peter sputtered, red dots appearing on his cheeks. Hell,
Adam could even smell his panic, and when he cut his eye to where Peter was staring he
knew why. There on the step in the doorway stood the biggest man Adam had ever seen in
his entire life. The term hulking came to mind, certainly. With shoulders that filled the
doorway and a head he bowed to keep from touching the top of the frame, there was no
other way to describe him. Except for terrifying, perhaps.
You obviously would, and have, the huge man continued, his cold blue gaze raking
Adam then Todd. He nodded once then turned a fierce look on Peter as he stepped fully out
of the doorway and walked over. You will wait in my office. He towered over Peter, who
was now shaking like a man caught naked in a blizzard. You will, I am sure, seek to find a
way to justify this mistreatment of my guests. And I almost certainly won t believe you. Then
you will accept your punishment.
Peter gulped. Adam felt like gulping himself. It really pissed him off. Peter all but
dropped him and ran inside. If the big scary guy hadn t hooked an arm around Adam s
shoulders he d have probably fallen on his ass.
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Adam glared at the man, determined not to be cowed. Guests? What a presumptuous
load of
I assume you have come looking for Jameson.
The words shut Adam up.
I am Maarten Visser. Adam felt the first stirring of hope.
Visser? He searched the man s blue eyes, took in his dark brown hair and build. He
could see some similarities, or could he? Was he just seeing what he hoped to see?
Maarten nodded. Yes. My brother, Luuk, is Jameson s mate.
Adam wanted to believe it, but what difference did it make if Maarten was telling the
truth? He d had them abducted, and drugged their friends, and had them beaten& although,
as mad as he d looked when he d spied Peter fixing to hit him, maybe Maarten hadn t
ordered that last bit. Or he had, but was fucking with Adam s already messed-up head.
I will explain what I can when we get you and your& Maarten glanced back at Todd.
Husband, Adam growled, and dug in his heels. For all intents and purposes, that s
what Todd was to him, and he was the same to Todd. He figured that would be clear and
easier for Maarten to understand, too. Uncuff me, right the fuck now. Unless you intend to
harm us& more. He dared Maarten with his posture, his eyes, his tone, everything. The man
was definitely an alpha, and wouldn t like it, but fuck if Adam cared. Maarten could show
him respect, and Todd, too.
Maarten looked more amused than angry, which predictably infuriated Adam, but,
since he pulled a key from his pocket, Adam decided to shut up for now. In seconds, Adam s
hands were free, and Maarten had tossed the key to Sim. Adam started to turn around but
Maarten caught him by the shoulder. Inside first, please. Then I promise you can see to your
husband. We are at risk every moment we are outside.
Well, you sure didn t seem to care before, Adam snapped. And I m checking him
now. He pivoted and promptly gasped, having turned too quickly. His knees gave out, and
only Maarten s quick reflexes kept him upright once again.
What is the saying? Doctor heal thyself? Maarten muttered. You are hurt, too. Come
on. I gave you my word you can tend to him, but you can t do so if you are unconscious as
well.
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That s a bullshit line in this case, Adam protested, but, the truth was, he could hardly
breathe, much less walk. He felt battered from head to toe, his nerve endings screaming with
pain. He had no choice except to let Maarten help him inside. To his complete surprise, he
and Todd were placed in a spacious bedroom. Windowless, which didn t surprise him and
cast more doubt on their host, but there was nothing he could do about it right now.
I will send someone in to see to you both, Maarten said. I know you are a
veterinarian, but your husband is a man, and you are hurt. You haven t anything to work
with, either. Maarten frowned at him then studied Todd. What did Peter do?
What the hell does it look like he tried to do? Adam shouted, patience eradicated by
hours of fear and hurt. Fucking look at us!
He was very hateful and hit Adam several time, Daan said from behind Maarten.
And made threats to Todd unless Adam was very nice to him. That is when Adam threw up
on him outside.
If Adam thought Maarten had looked furious before, it was absolutely nothing
compared to the thunderous expression he wore now. Get Spiegel in here, Maarten
ordered. I will go take care of Peter.
With that ominous threat, Maarten left the room, Daan running off with a Be back with
the doctor, right behind him.
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