33 Prisoner

**Erick's POV**

I heard her screams as I was brought back to reality. "Rhian, Rhian, he has her, he is hurting her." I was lost in my anger and rage. I knew there was no controlling the shift that was overwhelming me.

I heard the sound of David's voice but his words didn't register. I was clawing anything in my path throwing whatever wasn't secured down. I couldn't hold Robin back and I began to feel all my bones break and snap. He didn't care that we were on the second story he jumped straight through the window.

He landed on his feet and took off towards the forest. Normally I had control even when we shifted but the wrath he felt in this moment had him on a rampage. I felt the same way and I didn't even try fighting him. Besides the trees zipping by and the leaves crunching under our feet was safer than the damage I could inflict upon anyone who interfered at this moment.

I would guess I had been running full tilt for an hour or so before I started to make my way back to the packhouse. I needed to talk with Samuel, Rhian didn't want us to attack tomorrow. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to handle knowing she was still under his control.

I was starting to settle enough that I wasn't seeing red and Robin relinquished control back. I could smell that I was coming up on a group of wolves and I became very alert and aware of my environment.

I relaxed when I realized it was Samuel, David, and Alec. "We wanted to make sure you were OK so we followed you. We weren't sure what made you so upset." I heard David inside my head.

"Yea, except you, ran way too fast we couldn't keep up!" Alec added.

"I am sorry, I thought I was having a nightmare. I was wrong I actually saw Rhian. I know where she is. She gave me a warning before I heard them start torturing her. We need to get back to the packhouse. She says we have to stop the rescue in the morning."

We took off towards the packhouse. Stopping at one of the outdoor clothes cubbies to get dressed. Everything had happened so quickly earlier no one's clothes survived the shift. We were gathered around Samuel's desk when I tried to explain what happened earlier.

"I don't think Rhian can get a message out. She still has that collar David talked about around her neck. She is also bound by chains. She said they are keeping her at Cyrus's castle which is in the far southeastern area of Rhian's old pack territory. She says they are prepared for the rescue to be tomorrow.

She said it would be a trap that we need to wait at least three days. Maeve will be forced to change tactics thinking we abandoned her. She will drop whatever plan she has in place and have to create a new strategy. That will be our opportunity to surprise her with an attack.

Plus, the extra time gives us the chance to recruit additional warriors from more distant packs to help us. Do you think we could possibly get word to some of the trusted wolves within her old pack? Maybe if they are aware of the truth they won't fight in her defense."

Alec responded first, "The guy makes an excellent point. We should check the records and see if we have any other connections to the Crescent moon pack. I will check with the warriors that have gone of to council training sessions."

Samuel looked at me and I could sense he was apprehensive about what he had to say to me. "Erick, if we wait this is going to be an extremely difficult few days for you. I would venture to guess that this may not be the first time you are drawn to Rhian and may see her in situations that will bring out your anger.

I would like to keep a guard with you. They will be able to quickly notify us if your emotions take over. If we are going to wait I can't have you getting upset and trying to rescue her solo. Will you agree to that?"

"Before this morning I wouldn't have been happy about having a babysitter, although, seeing her in pain caused me to lose all control. It is likely a good idea to have someone keep tabs on my whereabouts." I agreed.

"That's settled then, alright well, I think it would be a good idea for you to stay distracted in the meantime. I think Doc said there was still more research he wanted to do. Why don't you go find him? I would have you reach out to the other packs but I am not sure how helpful that would be when they don't know you. David and I can handle that."

I nodded and was getting ready to walk out the door to find Doc. I paused in the doorway turned around and said, "Thank you. I am really glad the Moon Goddess chose you to help me on this path because I can't imagine a better option."

MEANWHILE...

**Rhian's POV**

Thank goodness my wolf had recovered a bit from the effects of the wolfsbane I was injected with. I was able to heal the worst of the wounds that Joel had inflicted upon me. Throughout the entire night, he barely let me sleep. To be honest, I wasn't even sure about the time anymore.

Without a window to help gauge the moon's rise and fall I wasn't sure how much time had gone by. Cyrus quit coming in with Joel, he may be a nasty perverted man but he did not have the same sadistic tendencies as Joel.

Joel was thrilled with himself every time he heard me cry, or he drew blood. He said he was hoping Erick would suffer through our bond. He truly hated that he wasn't a pureblood werewolf. I couldn't do much being chained but I refused to cower to him.

He wanted me to beg him to stop. Plead with him to end the torture. I didn't care I was never going to back down. I knew Erick was coming and I knew Joel was no match for him.

The door slammed open, "I think your mate forgot about you. Or he is too scared to face me either way. I am happy it allows me more time alone with you."

"You are a sick traitorous bastard and I can not wait for Erick to rip your throat out!"

"My, My, we are a little testy today. Is it just now dawning on you how terrible of a choice you made with your mate. You know, after Eliza kills him maybe I will just keep you around as my little mistress."

He ran his hand across my face making my skin crawl. I turned quickly trying to bite his hand, but he pulled away just in time. "If Erick doesn't kill you I will you pathetic piece of garbage."

"Haha, careful sweetie. If you make me too upset I may just have to cut your tongue out. It would make you a lot less fun as a plaything."

"I would rather die than be your plaything." I was so angry and frustrated I didn't even see her walk into the room.

"Dear daughter, you do know that your death could be arranged." It was Eliza. I hated the fact that she always looked so put together, proper, regal if you will. Despite her stiletto heels, she didn't even make a sound as she walked across the dungeon floor.

She came face to face with me. She pinched my cheeks together so that I was forced to look directly into her eyes. "Now, tell me where that awful nephew of mine is and why hasn't he come for you? Could it be he doesn't care for you at all?"