Elias's face turned ashen. He stared at my hand on Frank's arm as if he might attack us at any second.
His Alpha dominance spread uncontrollably through the air. The wolf warriors around us couldn't help but bow their heads, unable to look our way. Frank wasn't a werewolf, but fear crossed his face too. Still, he held his ground. "Wh-what are you going to do? Are you going to hit us?"
"Hit you?" Elias shot him a look of disgust and sneered. "You're not worth it."
Before any of us could react, he lunged forward. The next second, my world spun. When I came to my senses, I was slung over his shoulder!
"What are you doing? Put me down!"
Elias handed Arian off to another subordinate and carried me toward the limo in long strides.
I pounded on his back with everything I had, but his solid muscles made him immune to my blows. He showed no sign of letting me go.
"Please, Serenity. Don't force my hand." His voice was low. "I've endured four years. I can't take it anymore."
I froze, not understanding what he meant.
He threw me into the car, shut the door, and locked it to prevent my escape.
"I'd rather use any means necessary to take you with me than lose you again."
With those words, he turned and walked to the front, opening the driver's door.
I couldn't believe it. I threw myself at the door, desperately trying the handle. Frank charged up from behind, shouting, "Kidnapper! Let her go!"
One look from Elias, and several warriors blocked him again.
"For my mate's sake, I won't do anything to you," Elias declared coldly. "But if you dare follow us, don't blame me for what happens!"
"You—!" Frank's face flushed with rage.
Elias got his people back into the vehicles. The engines roared to life.
Frank screamed and chased after the car carrying me. Through the window, I watched his figure grow smaller and smaller until he finally disappeared behind us. Unease and fierce anger filled me. I had no idea what Elias intended to do with me.
Even when he had despised me most in the past, he had never used such forceful methods. His imprisonment of me before had been nothing more than house arrest. But after four years apart, he seemed to have changed into someone I didn't recognize.
"Let me out! I won't go back with you!" I gave up on the door and threw myself at the front seat, trying to grab the steering wheel from the driver. He swerved sharply, the car fishtailing wildly. Suddenly, a small body tumbled into my arms due to the momentum, bringing my mind back to some semblance of calm.
"M-Mommy?…"
He looked up at me timidly, hesitating over what to call me, but still trying to get closer. I froze for a moment, then fell silent.
I could fight the driver and force the car to stop. But that would put Arian at risk too. In the end, I gave up and opened my arms to my son. He nestled his head against me obediently. I held him tight, drawing warmth from his small body to ease some of the dark emotions churning inside me.
It's okay, Serenity.I held my child and told myself.Even if they take you back, you won't give in to any of them!
I will escape!
With that determination, I returned with Arian to the mansion where I had lived four years ago.
When I stepped through the door, I was surprised to find that nothing had changed in four years.
And I, too, felt as if those four years of separation had never happened. As if I had never left.
Before I knew it, nearly a week had passed since my return to the mansion. Just like before, I was trapped in this "prison," unable to leave.
I had assumed Elias had kidnapped me to make my life difficult. But to my surprise, he'd been incredibly careful around me this past week, eager to please, even.
