Chapter 0061

Victor pulls a thick hood over my head, plunging me into darkness. The fabric allows just enough air to breathe and faint slivers of light to penetrate, but nothing recognizable. We trek through the wilderness for hours before reaching a cluster of vehicles.

"Where are you taking me?" My question hangs in the air, unanswered like the dozen times before. Victor hasn't spoken a single word since we departed.

At a blacked-out SUV, he finally removes the hood and cracks open a water bottle. I accept the offering, letting him tilt the cool liquid into my mouth. Werewolves can endure dehydration, but I won't refuse resources when given.

The moment I finish, cold silver shackles clamp around my ankles. The hood descends again before rough hands shove me into the cargo area. A partition slides shut overhead, sealing me in complete blackness.

I seize the chance to mindlink my father. "Dad? Can you hear me?"

"EVELYN!" His mental voice cracks with relief. "Are you hurt? Where are you?"

"I'm unharmed. We've been moving west all night—I think. The hood makes it impossible to tell."

"Trackers picked up Adrian's scent where we found him. They're closing in on your trail."

"Is he—"

"Alive. The wolfsbane's still in his system, but he's stabilizing." His thoughts turn urgent. "Sweetheart, give me landmarks."

"Just a clearing with parked cars. I'm in a four-door SUV with a hatchback. No visible roads. Now they've covered me completely."

"Did Victor reveal his plans? Adrian said he's claiming Alpha status now."

"He mentioned having a plan when I challenged his scent. That's all I know."

My father's resolve strengthens our connection. "We're coming, Evelyn. Survive. Fight. Remember who you are—my daughter, a Guardian, a warrior!"

"You trained me well. I'll use every lesson." The vehicle lurches forward. "We're moving again. I'll contact you when possible. I love you, Dad."

"Stay strong, my heart."

The connection severs. Exhaustion weighs on me despite the danger. The rhythmic hum of tires eventually drags me under.

Voices arguing about rest stops jerk me awake. "I need to pee."

Silence. Then an unfamiliar male voice: "Hold it."

"For how long? It's been hours." I press the issue, hoping for a chance to gather intel.

Another pause. "Thirty minutes. No sooner."

He must be mindlinking Victor—which means my captor isn't in this vehicle. That could be an advantage or a deadly complication.

The SUV eventually slows, turning onto what feels like a dirt path. Each jolt sends fresh agony through my battered shoulders, but I bite back any sound.

When we finally stop, the hatch swings open. Light floods in as the partition lifts.

"Out." The command leaves no room for negotiation.