The cruel jibes Lucas had sent her way. Then of course there were the jokes he’d played. The pictures of her head on top of a naked body. The internet porn video that was to claim her masturbating for money. All of it mean.

Swiping away the tears, she walked into her house, going straight to her bedroom. She sat on the edge of her bed, feeling the sickness swirling in her stomach.

The night she’d turned, the feel of her wolf rushing through her body had been incredible. Then, when she felt her mate, everything in her mind had been complete. So perfect. Until she realized the black-haired wolf was none other than the very cruel boy who’d made her school life a misery.

She’d become a laughing stock of the entire school. There was no way she was going to let him win.

Fine, he wanted a year, she’d give him a year. The island was a pretty big place. She didn’t have to see him for a single day.

****

Lucas groaned as he opened his eyes. Gripping the back of his neck, he felt like he’d been stabbed with something. Reaching behind him, he touched the delicate part of his neck and knew without a doubt he’d been drugged. He sat up and glanced around the room. The bags he’d been neatly packing were in the corner, and there was no other telltale sign of him being kidnapped or on the road to torture.

Swinging his feet to the floor, he turned and saw the envelope with his name scrawled across it.

He picked it up, recognizing his father’s writing instantly. After opening the envelope, he pulled out a single sheet of paper and started to read.

Son,

I hope you know what you’re doing. Requesting what you did took guts, and I’m so proud of you. This is what had to happen. No one can know where the island is. You and Mabel had to be taken. She is in another room. Good luck, and I hope you’re able to fix this damage once and for all. You’ve got one year. Make it count.

Dad

Lucas had no idea this was what had to happen. Running a hand down his face, he just knew Mabel was going to be pissed at him. Probably find it to be another reason not to stand being in his company.

When it came to his mate, he’d fucked up on every single level prior to even knowing she was his mate.

Damn it.

He’d lost count of the number of times he’d thought about his behavior in the past and been ashamed of himself.

He’d hurt his own mate. It was why he hadn’t forced her to stick around. He completely understood her need to be as far away from him as possible. Still, it fucking sucked.