Chapter 0070

The door slams open with a force that silences the room. Heavy breathing fills the sudden quiet.

"I'm taking her out." That voice—I recognize it, though I can't place it. Warm. Reassuring. Please let him mean me.

The restraints on my wrists snap free. A hiss of pain as silver burns skin. Then strong arms lift me, cradling me against a chest that smells like freshly baked cookies. I instinctively nuzzle closer, though my body remains limp.

"Got you, Evelyn. You're safe now."

I want to scream that we're not safe—Victor's still here—but my voice won't obey.

The scent of blood grows stronger as we move. Fighting echoes around us.

He stops abruptly. "Call my father. Tell him I have her. Sebastian's staying to handle Victor. You're in charge." Sebastian's here. That means I'm protected.

Another familiar voice asks, "How bad is she?"

A pause. "Too soon to tell."

Cold night air hits my face as we exit. The sounds of battle fade behind us. After what feels like hours, I'm lowered onto soft leather. That unmistakable new car smell.

"Hold on, love." The cookie-scented warmth leaves me, and I immediately feel adrift. But he returns quickly. "Can't stand that bastard's stench on you. Going to change your shirt. If you object, little guardian, feel free to wake up and stop me."

Buttons pop open. Cool air brushes my skin before being replaced by soft fabric saturated with that comforting cookie aroma. Like coming home. My heartbeat steadies.

He reclines the seat, buckles me in, and shuts the door.

Darkness claims me again. I drift in and out, catching murmured phone conversations. Sometimes he holds my hand, his thumb tracing circles that send warmth through my numb limbs, lulling me back to sleep.

Next awareness—antiseptic sting in my nose. He's carrying me again.

"Put her here," a new voice says.

"No. Where are you taking her?"

"This way, Alpha."

Needles prick my arms. Machines beep.

"Alpha, what happened?"

"Found her unconscious." A growl rumbles through his chest. "Neck's bruised with puncture wounds. Marking attempt failed."

"Where is she? Where's my daughter?" My father's roar is the last thing I hear before darkness swallows me whole.

Evelyn's home! Those bite marks better heal properly.