I am SO sorry for this strange updating time!

I fell asleep last night when waiting for 12 AM, because cheerleading knocked the strength out of me.

We had a planking competition (which I won, yay!) So sorry for not keeping to my usual schedule.

Carry on!

Top Commenters (Those who have a good description of the riddle correctly):
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Word Count: 1855

~Mara

I didn't get the opportunity to answer.

Once we pulled up, everything happened in a matter of seconds. From me being handcuffed, to being dragged from the car by my arm. Kaden's hand on my arm was the only thing keeping me calm within this current haze of darkness.

Yet still, fear bloomed within my chest, threatening to spill out. All my bearings are suddenly lost, as I feel my feet get dragged over thick concrete floors.

The feeling of Kaden's fingers pressed against my neck make me gasp. I know what he plans. But I don't bother fighting it, as I feel myself slip into a state of unconsciousness.

💙••💙

I awake, roughly tousled and weak. My blindfold has been ripped off, but the phantom feeling still dances across my face. The chair I am bind to is as familiar as the room I'm in.

This isn't the first time I've been in this position.

Kaden leans against a wall at the other end of the room. A smirk of amusement dances across his face, as he takes me in with wicked eyes. I was about to say something to him, but I notice Coen by the door.

I'm supposed to hate Kaden.

"It seems as though our game has come to an end," Kaden muses. He strolls closer, making me shiver.

The taunt in his voice resides deeply inside me. This is Alpha Kaden. Not my mate, right now. And I am not his mate. I am Mara, his captive.

"What a shame. How I did enjoy pursuing you," he murmurs. His eyes flash sinfully, as he drags his gaze down my body. Suddenly, I feel exposed, like my bare legs are spread wide for him.

"Let me go," I say hoarsely. It's a lame attempt, but I'm sure Coen buys it. At least I think so, as I cast a quick gaze at him. He stares blankly at us both.

Kaden, close now, kneels in front of me. The corner of his mouth is raised playfully, daring me to make a snarky remark. I am reminded again, of his true self. His true self being the sinful, mischievous Alpha yet to grow into his title.

Glancing down at his hands, I see them covered by those retched gloves. Instead of acknowledging that fact, he runs the top of his finger down my chin, watching me shudder with a look of utter pleasure.

"Oh Mara...You thought you could escape me?"

The way he says it suggests it's more than an act. He's teasing me with the fact that he did find me. And he did win. Even if he did almost die in the process. Not that Coen had to know that.

"You always told me no one escaped twice. What I shame I played you," I say proudly, watching Kaden's dark eyes narrow.

He reaches up suddenly, griping my chin almost painfully. Almost.

"I have a riddle for you..."

Here we go. The riddle I was supposed to get an answer for. Now I am on my own to decode it. My heart falls at the thought.

He stands up straight, glancing casually at Coen. The fake Guard stands still, watching with curious eyes. Just looking at him makes me want to gag.

"An unfortunate soul, can spin quite a tale.
Words weaved like a needle, with string like fire.
Cracks between the lines are memories;
a pair of eyes, she admires, the holder.
Blessed with one, but not granted solitude.
Living in fear, such a novelty.
Creating it, a hobby."

He lets out a deep breath, as he finishes. Caught in his gaze, I see a flicker of sympathy, but he smoothes it over with a calm facade in a second.

What will he do to me if I fail to answer correctly?

Pushing the thought from my mind, I try concentrate on the riddle. Instantly, I had a few answers swimming around my mind, which is a better start than the last riddle I failed to answer.

An unfortunate soul, can spin quite a tale.

At first, I thought of myself. I am in an unfortunate situation, that's for sure. But I discard the idea, as I am the worst at spinning a tale.

Next, I consider the brothers. Kace, Coen, Kaden. Each is unfortunately good liars, and have undergone terrible feats in their lives. The next line also relates to their abilities to curtain this place from my eyes.

Cracks between the lines are memories;
A pair of eyes, she admires, a holder.

Instantly, I shun Kace from the riddle.

Coen, though...Once, I sought friendship, trust and a refugee within his eyes. Despite the memories and lies he hides.

Kaden. His eyes, I always use to read his emotions. The pain of his past, and present express the riddles line before me.

Blessed with one, but not granted solitude.

Coen, who lost his mate. Kaden, who can't be with his mate, just yet.

My head begins to hurt.

Living in fear, such a novelty.

Coen must fear his life...Living with out a mate can potentially be deadly over a long period of time. Kaden, of course, fears for his parents lives.

Creating it, a hobby.

What am I to do? Both men radiate fear.

Kaden raises an eyebrow speculatively. He awaits an answer I am unsure about. This means I will be forced to go with what my guy insists is the answer.

"You. You're the answer."

Kaden pauses for a moment, then he slyly smiles.

Not being able to move, I have to sit and allow him to approach me with a slow, sensual gait. The sultry expression staining his features enough to make me shiver with delight. Again, he bends down over me, till our faces are nearly touching.

"I'm always the answer, Mara."

And with that, he slashes the ties from my wrist, freeing me.

Gasping, I bring my wrists up for me to see. They are tainted by flaring red marks. With a quivering gaze, I see, or should I say, feel Kaden still in inches from my face.

He manages to get even closer in my ear, to whisper, "I shall meet you in your room tonight, where I will make love to you with my mouth, like I did those few days ago."

I close my eyes, as my only response.

"And this time, I'll give you exactly what you've been craving."

❤️••❤️

The longer I say in the room, the more anxious I began to feel.

Already, my body is anticipating the arrival of Kaden, to this room. As I lay on my bed, I imagine him stalking into my room, shirtless, while I lay at his mercy.

Instead though, when my door open, I am greeted by a pair of warm brown eyes. Coen.

I nearly faint from disappointment.

"Mara...You're okay!" He says.

Suddenly, I'm frozen in place. He still thinks we are friends. He still believes I trust him more than anyone in this castle. And that's how it needs to stay.

Standing, I run toward Coen, my arms outstretched. Slamming into his chest, I wrap my arms around him. Surprised, he gently responds with a hug of his own.

The scent of him makes me feel sick to the stomach, but I push it down, forcing a flawless smile onto my face.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was escaping,"
I breath into his shirt. Pulling away, I try imagine myself in his eyes. Do I look happy enough? Or is my pure hatred seeping through the facade I've placed over myself.

"You're stupid..." He mutters in disbelief. Obviously, he doesn't seem to have had any faith in the fact that I could have run away. He probably thought he lost his leverage over Kaden.

I hope I truly had him scared...

"Unfortunately, I'm back now," I murmur.

Coen steps back a couple of steps, closing the door. The simple movement makes my heart fill with a little bit of dread. He's never taken a step like this before. I wonder if I should call for Kaden's help.

No, I need to seduce into telling me where he's hiding his own parents.

Slowly, I remove my jacket, tossing it to the floor beside me. Coen watches, eyes darkening. My shirt isn't too risqué, but the gesture is enough to make him swallow.

"I did miss you though," I say gently. No I didn't.

Coen breathes in deeply, eyes consuming the view of my chest and bare arms. I twist on my feet, wandering over to my bed. Perching on the end, I try force the most suggestive look in could muster into my gaze.

I hate myself so much for this.

"Is it stupid for me to say that you're looking awfully good today," he comments wistfully.

Yes. Very stupid.

I could imagine the look on Kaden's face if he were to walk in at this moment. He knew my plan, but I would hate the reaction if he had to witness it.

"Not at all. Come, sir," I order softly, wondering if I sound as erotic as I hope I do. It's obvious Coen is nervous about Kaden. Perhaps he is just worried that it will ruin his plan.

Nonetheless, he strolls over, and sits beside me. I try force myself to relax, as I find myself tensing away from the man.

"It must be lonely for you...Without a mate," I say.

My fingers cross behind my back. Did I go to far. Instead, his eyes blaze, and he nods.

I've got him. He's completely locked in on me; he's hypnotised.

Reaching up, I gently trace the outline of his chin with my fingertip. The stubble that I feel, and the shiver his skin makes is a repulsive feeling. This is not the man I want to spend my night with.

"How do you express your sexual need?" I question.

Yuck, I'm making myself sick.

Coen, seems to think. "I don't..."

"What a shame..." I murmur gently.

We are close, disturbingly close. If I wasn't acting, I would have slapped some sense into him. Instead, I have him exactly where he is most vulnerable.

Suddenly Coen leans forward, trying to capture my lips with his own. I stop him, bringing my finger up to press against his lips.

"Not now, with Kaden so close. We will find time," I say.

Coen nods, coming to his sense slowly.

When he leaves, I feel myself shiver with an unexplainable giddiness. This is the first time I've successfully seduced a man into complete submission. I just hate how Coen had to be the subject.

Leaning back on my bed, I wait for Kaden.

🔴🔴🔴

If you can't access chapter twenty five im sorry, i reuploaded it and none of you can see it. This is a complaint you would have to lay with Wattpad as there is nothing I can do.

💛••💛

Yuck, I hate Coen so much.

But I love Kaden, and if you do to, then you'll love the next chapter ;) Yep, another mature chapter for you all to enjoy.

Vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter! (:

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