Natala (Emerald) POV:
It had been two days since I had been brought up to the main bedroom by Edward and kept in here. Though he never raped me, he never stopped drugging me. Today was the first morning I wasnât already drugged before even waking up. I had convinced him somehow not to inject me with whatever he was injecting me with. When my body would recover from the temporary paralysis he would put me in; I would feel numb; it was like my soul calling to my mates would get weaker with every dose. First, I had thought he had given me the potion Rayla had mentioned, but last night I had overheard him talking to Khole that they would do the spell tonight.
My senses were on high alert after listening to that conversation. My mates and brothers hadnât shown up, and as much as I wanted to keep up my hope that they would, it was slowly dwindling. I still hadnât been able to connect with Trisha or my Lycan; the drug had blocked me from every supernatural power or strength I had. I had become an average human, a goat waiting to be slaughtered. Thankfully Edward nor Khole had picked up on my pregnancy yet. Even though Rayla wasnât allowed to enter Edwardâs room, she had sneaked in and put a concealing spell on my pups. However, it was supposed to fade today. She had told me if she put a stronger spell, Khole would pick the magic emitting from me and get suspicious, a risk I wasnât going to take. Another thing that plagued my mind was that it had been over a week, and I had yet to see or talk to Leah. The only thing keeping me at bay was that Rayla had told me she was fine and healthy, that for the most part, Edward and Khole didnât go to her room and usually just sent a servant with some food and water, but that still didnât take away the anxiety.
âWhat are you thinking about, darling?â Edward said as I felt his arm around my waist from behind
I tried my best not to cringe away from his touch; I didnât want to give him a reason to drug me. I had to find a way out before he rammed that potion down my throat. I didnât even want to think what the effects it could have on the pups.
Maybe if I asked him nicely, he would let me see Leah. Once I got to see her, we could come up with a plan together. He said he was pleased with me, and he looked like he was in a good mood. Taking a deep breath, I kept my voice steady and added a little sweetness to it, hoping he would give in to it.
âIâve been doing everything youâve asked and havenât complained. Do you think I could meet Leah for a bit? Itâs been over a week. I want to check over here.â I said.
His silence stretched out for a minute, increasing my heartbeat as time passed. Why was he quiet? He didnât do anything to her, did he? The thought had me suck in a breath and made my heartbeat go to an all-time high.
âHey, hey darling, relax. The she-wolf is fine. Since youâve been a good girl these past few days, Iâll allow you to see her, but you have to keep Rayla with you.â Said, Edward
I couldnât help but let out a sigh of relief when I heard Edward say that Leah was fine. As much as I hated to admit it, Edward was a lot of things, but he wasnât a liar.
âIâm not as cruel as you think I am, darling. I wouldnât hurt a pregnant she-wolf, especially one that is so close to my darling. Now come, Iâll take you to her.â Edward said, pecking my cheek.
I cringed. He had never given up a chance to touch me or k**s me; every chance he got, he had his hands on my body. At this point, his hand made me more sick than my morning sickness. Leading me out of the room and down the corridor towards the stairs, I took everything I could. Every window, corridor and door could aid in my escape if the need arose. When he had finally reached the bottom step, he took multiple turns around different corridors. The constant turning made me dizzy; I felt he was doing it on purpose, but I didnât care. I still tried memorizing the way he had taken me and the distance between his room and the main door. Rayla had mentioned there was a trap door down in the dungeon where they kept broken items, which led out to come part of the woods. She even told me we were in the forbidden lands, which didnât help with my anxiety. The forbidden lands were like nuclear zones for wolves due to the magic explosion during the diversity wars. I wasnât sure if there were as toxic anymore since we had learned how the twins had planned to integrate them back into neighbouring packs in the academy. I was broken out of my thoughts when Edward stopped in front of the brown door; leaving my hand, he took out a key from his pocket, unlocked the door, and moved aside to let me pass.
âNat.â Leahâs voice rang through my ears.
You could tell the happiness and relief poured into her voice when she called out my name. Our eyes locked, and we ran to one another, crushing each other in a bone-crushing hug. I heard the door close behind us and lock. I pulled back and looked over Leah, making sure she was unharmed. I knew everyone said she was, but I had to check for myself; she was here because of me instead of being with her mate and enjoying her pregnancy together back at Dark Storm.
âGoddess, youâre okay! Youâre okay! I was so worried! Iâm sorry I tried coming, but no one let me.â I said, hugging her again
âI know, Rayla told me. How are you, Nat? Rayla had mentioned what had been happening. Are you okay?â Asked Leah
You could tell Leah was upset; her tone was low, as if even asking would break me. But I wasnât the same girl she knew at the academy.
âIâm okay! We donât have much time, I donât know when Edward will be back, but we need to come up with a plan to get out of her and that too before the witching hour. Edward and Khole plan to do the spell tonight, and I canât let that happen.â I said.
My hand unconsciously went to my stomach and rubbed it. Leah followed my movement. She looked confused for a second until realization flickered through her eyes, and the happiest smile dawned on her face, but before she could say anything, I covered her mouth and put a finger against her lips, shaking my head at her to be quiet. I wasnât sure if Edward was still lingering around or not. She nodded her head in understanding, and as soon as I removed my hand from her mouth, she smiled and gave me a hug kissing my cheeks. The realization that one of my best friends and I would be becoming mommies together brought a smile to my face, maybe they had a daughter, and she could be mates with my sons.
âBut Nat, how do we get out of here? The one time I was let out and I went outside, the place was scattered by guards,â Said Leah
Before I could get a word out, a sweet voice rang out from the door, making me and Leah look in her direction.
âWell, thatâs easy. Donât go out from the front.â Said Rayla
Turning around, there stood Leah with the most tender smile as she watched mine and Leahâs interaction.
âAnd donât worry, a little birdie told me the quadruplet alpha, along with your mate Leah and your brothers Natala are on their way here as we speak.â Said Rayla
Hope bloomed in my heart! They were coming!