"Do you sense something wrong?"Ancelin asked.
"Can't say for certain.We should be seeing people moving between buildings, but I haven't spotted a soul since this place came into view."Krevan gestured toward the abandoned vehicles lining the street.
"You think they're hiding somewhere in town?"his father asked, voice tight.
"Possibly.I'll check the clinic with a small team.If anything goes wrong, drive Mother and Ancelin away from here—and don't head home.Wait for me to find you first."Krevan slid out of the driver's seat, surrendering it to his father.
With four soldiers at his back, Krevan approached the clinic and pushed the door open.Behind them, Aiden gunned the engine and sped toward the town limits.
"Aiden, what's happening?"Vida's voice cracked with fear.
"Krevan's team is under fire."
"Where do we go now?"Vida's voice trembled."I hate abandoning him like this."
"Following his orders is all we can do," Aiden said firmly.
"But how can you be certain they're in danger?"Ancelin leaned forward.
"The gunshots carry."Aiden gripped the wheel tighter."We'll keep moving until Krevan finds us.His squad can follow our tracks if the weather holds."
For half an hour they crawled through the snow-choked plains of Verrian.Ancelin pressed her forehead against the cold window, tears blurring her vision.A dark figure materialized on the road ahead—Krevan, flanked by two soldiers.Aiden braked hard.Krevan yanked open Ancelin's door and pulled her onto his lap as the other men squeezed into the back, sandwiching Vida between them.
"We arrived too late for Doctor Jared."Krevan's voice was hollow."These aren't just mercenaries anymore—they're executing civilians.Jared was practically family.They were holding the entire town hostage when we arrived.The Krammers nearly wept when they saw us.We neutralized all ten before they could harm anyone else.They clearly planned to use the townspeople as leverage against us."
I grabbed what we needed from the clinic.Let’s go home.We need to gather our things and make it to Silos to get aboard our military transport and leave for Triaxe.I hope it has been well protected.There may be more of them waiting in Silos.The other two soldiers headed back to the house to keep watch.”
"The ship is secure," came a voice from behind."We stationed ten of our best at the vessel.Triaxen military doesn't take chances."The soldier leaned forward, silver eyes catching the light."Those Earth-born bastards never stood a chance against us.But that old doctor..."His fangs flashed as he spoke, voice dropping to a growl."They slaughtered him.Could've been the whole town if we'd been minutes later."
Ancelin turned to find Krevan's expression hardened into something primal.The gentle circles his thumb traced on her back contrasted with the cold fury in his eyes.
"They'll regret ever crossing our path," Krevan said, his silver gaze fixed on the horizon.Then, softening slightly, he looked down at her."Ancelin."
"Yes?"
He pressed a small box into her palm."At home, I need you to take this test.After that, pack only what's essential.Your other belongings can follow later."His voice grew urgent."We have less than an hour.They'll strike our home next.More of them are already on Verrian."
The vehicle pulled into the garage where soldiers awaited.As orders flew between them, Krevan guided Ancelin toward the bathroom, the test box clutched in her hand.
Ancelin crossed her arms over her chest."I'm not doing this with you watching me, and it can wait."
"What's the problem?"Krevan's silver eyes flashed."We're mated.I need to know if you're sick."
"Out."She shoved him through the doorway and slammed the door."Mated or not, some things are private."
Minutes later, she emerged and thrust the test stick at him."Pregnant."
"Wash after touching that," she called over her shoulder, already heading for their bedroom."Don't forget the power crystal when we evacuate."
At the top of the stairs, Krevan materialized in front of the bedroom door.Ancelin flinched."Stop doing that.It's creepy."She sighed."This doesn't change anything.We suspected I might be pregnant."
"It changes everything," Krevan growled."As my mate, I'd protect you with my life.But carrying my child..."His fangs glinted."I'll destroy anything that threatens you."
Ancelin brushed past him with a dismissive wave."You'd do that anyway.You're just looking for reasons to be dramatic."She blinked rapidly."Let me pack quickly and go.We'll get the rest later."Her voice wavered."And don't give me a hard time or I'll start crying.I suddenly feel like I might."
Krevan's expression softened."Don't cry, sweet mate.I'm just relieved you're not ill."
"Krevan," Aiden called from the hallway."Help with her bags so we can leave.Pregnant females cry at everything."
