ALPHA'S HUMAN SURROGATE 43

CATRIONA

“Jayden, please slow down!” I pleaded, gripping the dashboard as the car swerved dangerously along the deserted road. My voice trembled with fear. “If you keep driving like this, we’re going to crash!”

But Jayden ignored me. His hands clenched the wheel, knuckles white, his jaw locked tight. The fury radiating off him was nearly tangible. And I understood why—he’d seen me with Gabriel. The way Gabriel had touched me. The way I’d let him. I didn’t know what had come over me. I only knew that my heart pulled me toward Gabriel, even when I was supposed to belong to Jayden.

Minutes later, Jayden slammed on the brakes in front of an old, crumbling house. A faded sign hung crookedly above the door:

"CONVENIENT MOTEL."

Before I could say a word, he flung open my door, grabbed my wrist, and dr……