C4- Undeniably breathtaking

Elijah's POV

The place is as still as a void. Only the sound of running engines and the excited breaths of two police dogs can be heard after my command. Breathing in deeply, I pick up the crispiness of the evening air. Accompanied with the scent of pine and damp earth, it smells even more like pack, causing a sense of calm to wash over me.

But it's short-lived, as like a broken record, a series of words replay in my head.

"You're safe for the time being, Eli, but don't think it's permanent. I'll get to you, mark my words. I'll bide my time until your protection runs out. And when it does, I'll strike. You can bet your life on it, Eli. When I do, you'll go down for good.”

Yvonne’s words chew on my mind unending. One hundred and seventy three years ago, I'd thought she'd have to wait a really long while – most probably for all eternity.

That had been my agreement with the Darkseeds. I'd live forever but the moment I set my eyes on my mate, I'd lose my immortality and become weak like a man, living earnestly to die.

My jaw clenches as I feel a surge of anger and frustration.

The panic that cut through my soul when I felt Vynessa’s distress, was enough proof to make me believe Yvonne may not have to wait much longer for my end. If a news as light as a kidnap could frighten me simply because of a woman I have never spoken to, then a little more and I'd drop dead.

Turning to the police officer, my stoic expression doesn't waver when I speak. "I appreciate your concern, officer," I say, my tone dripping with inconceivable authority, beneath the calmness of my tone.

"But this matter is now under my jurisdiction. I suggest you and your team stand down." I say, studying them as my ears pick up the soft steps of Jet and Klaus, my beta and gamma heading towards me.

The officer's eyes flicker, his finger lifting up to scratch his rough beard, a hint of uncertainty settling on his face. For a moment he glances at his team, then back at me, before nodding slowly. "Yes, sir," he mutters, backing away. "We'll leave it to you."

I watch as they retreat, their footsteps echoing through the quiet. Not like I'd for a moment thought he'd do otherwise. I understand the act he'd just put up. One that'll show his men he'd thought about his decision and not that he is a dog doing my bidding. Which he is– only instead of a dog, he's a wolf.

As they drive off, my eyes finally relent, flicking over to the one person I've been unreasonably eager to see all week.

Vynessa.

For an instant, I forget to breathe as my eyes lock onto hers. And unlike that night at the hospital, this time, I truly see her, like really get the chance to look at her.

Brunette curly hair cascades down her back in tangles. I doubt that's how they'd been when she left this morning. There doesn't seem to be a bruise on her. She sits still, her honey-brown eyes heavy with wariness, but beneath that gaze is a spark of curiosity.

Her cute button nose twitches slightly as she sniffs, with a touch of red dancing across her cheeks. It's just a nose, but my heart misbehaves, skipping a beat as I find it hard to look away from her.

How is it so easy for her to affect me, to cause my carefully constructed control to waver in her presence.

"Elijah," Jet says softly, his baritone warm. "What's the plan, Alpha?" He asks.

I tear my gaze away turning to Jet, my jaw clenched in frustration. How can one small, fragile human wreak such havoc on my emotions?

"Take the kidnappers into custody." I growl, nodding toward the two amateur kidnappers, my voice rougher than I intended. “Prepare them for tomorrow.” I add, watching as the man and woman's eyes fill up with terror but no word leaves their lips.

The more reason why I must have a talk with them. No one just keeps quiet when punished by me– except you know pleading will only lead to your death.

Jet bows his head, quickly moving to escort the kidnappers out.

"And the human?" Klaus asks softly, his gaze flicking to Vynessa.

I follow his gaze, my heart skipping a beat as I take another look at Vynessa, my eyes swiftly scanning the area until they land on the leader of the ambulance team. "She needs to rest," I instruct.

Doctor Timothy, nods almost imperceptibly, acknowledging the order given through the Pack’s mindlink.

I steal one last glance at Vanessa, my gaze drinking in the sight of her frightened yet fragile beauty. She's a tiny, delicate creature.

The goddess, it seems, has a twisted sense of humor. But at least the object of my damnation is undeniably breathtaking.

I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head. I need to prioritize.

The kidnappers need to be interrogated, and I need to find out who's behind this and put an end to his silly game.

But as I turn to Klaus, I can feel Vynessa's eyes on me, watching me. For a brief moment I wonder what she thinks of me.

"Let's get to work," I say eventually, my voice firm. "We need to finish what we've started."

Klaus nods, his face thoughtful.

“What is it?” I ask, not quite expecting what he says next.

“Won't you talk to her?” He asks, looking back at her. “It's obvious you want to.”

My eyes unreluctantly find Vynessa again. “Look at her, Klaus. She won't remember anything I tell her.”

Klaus frowns. “I do not agree with you dulling her senses.”

“What then should I have done, allow her struggle all the way home?!” I seethe, hating where this is going.

“Your home, not hers.” Klaus states and the sudden wrath that burns through my veins shocks even me.

“Don't say that.” I growl, catching sight of Vynessa's eyes drooping shut. The gas seems to have worked much slower on her than most humans.

“How do you think she'd react when she wakes in a place she doesn't remember getting to?” Klaus says, as usual pointing out a flaw I'm well aware of.

“It's better this way. I need her safe. If she begins to struggle, I might be tempted to leave her be, which I can't risk. And who cares if she's upset. She means nothing to me but is a liability I'd rather get rid of.” I spit out in annoyance.