King (Alliance #2)

He didn’t lock me in?

Because he knows you won’t be able to leave.

My lips purse. It’s probably true. I saw the guards outside. I saw the lock on the front door, and I think he said all the windows are made out of this same magically non-breakable bullshit. And even if I got outside, I’d have to climb over a tall as hell fence, and walk…somewhere.

But still. Open door.

Correction,openingdoor.

The shadows stretching across the room telling me that the sun is setting, meaning I slept most of the day.

The door keeps opening and I have to squint to see who’s entering.

But no one––

A shadow closer to the ground draws my attention down, as the same huge black dog from last night lumbers into the room.

My heart instantly flies into my throat as I shuffle back on the mattress, not stopping until I hit the headboard.

“G-good boy,” I choke out.

His head cocks at my words.

“Okay,” I whisper. “This is your home, I get it.”

His smooth steps bring him closer to the bed, between me and the bathroom door.

I carefully scoot toward the other side of the bed. “We’re good. You’re a good dog. A nice dog.” I try to remember the commands that King used last night. But I can’t. I was too terrified to pay attention.

The dog gets closer, and when he sinks onto his haunches, like he’s about to jump onto the bed, I throw my hands out. “SIT!”

I shout the word, closing my eyes at the same time, bracing myself to be mauled.

But nothing happens.

Opening one eye, I see the giant dog sitting next to the bed. His chin resting on the mattress.

“O-kay…” I lick my lips looking around the room. “Okay.” I don’t need to make it out of the room, I just need to make it to the closet. I know dogs are fast, but the bed is between him and the open closet door. I can do this. “Sit,” I repeat, sliding closer to the far edge. “Stay.” I keep the hand closest to the dog up in the universal symbol ofstop. “Stay…”

When I reach the edge, I drop my hands and leap for the floor.

It’s only a few steps. Just a handful of strides.

I think I’m screaming, and I vaguely remember King saying something aboutnot runningaway from this dog, but it’s too fucking late for that now!

My feet skid on these accursed slippery floors, but I keep my balance and slide into the closet.

My toes catch on the rug that I forgot was in the center of the massive closet, but before I can fall, I reach back and swing the door shut.

I awkwardly land on my right arm as I hear the door slam closed behind me.

I flop onto my back. “Oh, thank fuck.” Relief almost makes me laugh again.

Until the dim light is blocked out by the giant furry face lowering to mine.

I freeze, too scared to even react, and the beast lowers his face to…lick me.

His gross tongue slides from my chin to my eyebrow, and I shriek, for a whole new reason.