Chapter five

Elara's POV

I curled into myself, pressing my body against the cold leather seat, my arms wrapped tightly around my middle as if I could somehow shield myself from the terrifying presence beside me.

Lucian.

His name alone sent a shiver through me. He sat there, completely at ease, his powerful frame taking up so much space it felt like the air itself was suffocating me. His scent—smoke, pine, and something darker—wrapped around me, making my stomach twist in knots.

I stared out the window, the dark forest blurring past as the car sped down an unfamiliar road. My heart pounded so hard I thought I might be sick.

I had to get out.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing my voice to stay steady. "Please… stop the car."

No one responded.

I turned my head slightly, my voice breaking this time. "Please. Just drop me off. I swear I won't tell anyone. I won't say a word. Just… let me go."

Silence.

The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Sorry, sweetheart. That's not happening."

I sucked in a sharp breath.

The man beside me—one of Lucian's warriors—sighed, his tone almost gentle. "We won't hurt you. Relax."

Relax?

I whipped my head toward him, my hands trembling. "Relax? You kidnapped me! I don't even know where you're taking me!" My voice cracked at the end, the weight of my fear crushing me.

The warrior beside me met my eyes, his expression softer than the others. "I know this is scary, but please believe me when I say the Alpha only wants to keep you safe."

Safe?

I let out a broken laugh, shaking my head. "Safe from what? From who?"

My question hung in the air.

Lucian didn't answer.

He just kept staring straight ahead, his jaw clenched, his massive hands resting on his thighs, his fingers twitching slightly.

I turned back to the window, my breathing shallow.

No one was going to help me.

No one was going to save me.

I was completely, utterly alone.

The journey felt endless. The road stretched on, dark and unfamiliar, the only sounds being the steady hum of the tires and my own unsteady breathing. No one spoke. Not even Lucian. He sat beside me like an immovable force, his presence suffocating, his scent filling the enclosed space, making it impossible to forget that I was trapped.

I had lost count of how many hours had passed when one of the men in the front seat finally spoke.

"Alpha, we need to get the file from Alex. He's just by the road."

Lucian didn't respond immediately. His fingers tapped lightly against his thigh, a subtle but noticeable sign of impatience. "Fine. Make it quick."

The car slowed, then came to a stop near a deserted roadside. My heart pounded in my chest. This was my chance.

I shifted in my seat, my voice timid. "I… I need to pee."

Lucian turned his head toward me, his golden eyes locking onto mine, unreadable, calculating. He didn't say anything for a long moment, just watching me, as if trying to decide whether I was lying.

Then, finally, he sighed. "Fine. Get out."

The door opened, and cold night air rushed in. I stepped out cautiously, my body tense, feeling the weight of his stare burning into my back.

Tall bushes surrounded us, thick and wild, the perfect cover.

I forced myself to move slowly, as if I were actually searching for a spot. I took a few hesitant steps into the brush, feeling the damp earth beneath my feet.

Then I turned and ran.

I sprinted as fast as I could, my legs burning, my breath ragged, branches whipping against my skin as I pushed deeper into the trees. My heart pounded so violently I thought it might burst.

I didn't look back.

I didn't dare.

But it didn't matter.

Because before I could even get far, something crashed through the undergrowth behind me fast, relentless.

Then suddenly an iron grip wrapped around my wrist, yanking me back so hard my feet left the ground.

I let out a choked gasp as I was slammed against a solid chest, a growl rumbling in my ear.

Lucian.

His scent, his heat, his raw strength surrounded me, caging me in.

His fingers dug into my arms as he lifted me effortlessly to my feet. My breath came in sharp, ragged pants as I stared up at him, terrified.

"No!" I screamed, thrashing, pushing at his chest with all the strength I had left. "Let me go, you bastard!"

Lucian's grip didn't loosen.

His golden eyes burned with something dark, something dangerous. His jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring as he glared down at me.

"Enough."

The single word was a command, low and full of dominance, sending a violent shiver down my spine.

I whimpered, my legs trembling.

Lucian exhaled sharply, his grip shifting slightly but not releasing me.

"Do not run from me again, Elara." His voice was quieter this time, but no less dangerous. "You won't like the consequences."

As we neared the car, I noticed a new man standing beside it, talking to the others. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself with a quiet confidence that sent a ripple of unease through me. His sharp gaze flicked to me as Lucian dragged me forward, his brows raising slightly in curiosity but he said nothing.

I barely had time to process the silent exchange before I was shoved back into the car. The moment my body hit the seat, I curled into myself, wrapping my arms around my trembling frame.

Lucian slid in beside me, his presence as overwhelming as ever. He turned slightly, his piercing golden eyes meeting the warrior's.

"Tell the Elders I will come in two days to give a report." His voice was firm, unwavering.

The man nodded once. "Understood, Alpha."

Lucian didn't spare him another glance. Instead, his attention shifted back to me.

I refused to meet his gaze, staring at my lap, my hands clenched into fists.

The car started moving again, the low hum of the engine filling the silence between us.

I felt Lucian's eyes on me, felt the weight of his dominance pressing down, but I refused to acknowledge it.

I was his prisoner.

And no matter what he said no matter how much he insisted he was "keeping me safe" I would never forgive him for this.

The rhythmic hum of the tires against the road and the low vibrations of the car wrapped around me like a slow, lulling force. I fought it at first, blinking rapidly to keep my eyes open, but exhaustion clung to my bones like a parasite.

My body ached from struggling, my mind heavy with the weight of everything that had happened. My brother. Mira. The wolves. The way Lucian had ripped me away from them without hesitation.

I hated him.

And yet…

My breathing slowed. My fingers twitched weakly before curling into my lap.

The warmth of the car, the monotony of the road, and the sheer exhaustion of my fear started pulling me under.

I tried to fight it.

Tried to stay awake.

But the darkness was too inviting.

My head swayed slightly before it dipped, my body betraying me as sleep crept in, quiet and merciless.

And just before the world slipped away, I thought no, I felt the faintest touch.

A hand.

Warm. Calloused.

Brushing against my cheek, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

I was too far gone to flinch.

Too lost in the haze of unconsciousness to recoil.

And then, everything faded to black.