~39~

LUCAS

The screech of tires tore through the morning, shattering the peace. I whipped around, heart hammering against my ribs. The black car from the cafe was back, parked across the street, watching the house like a predator.

Before I could even think, the car lurched forward, tires squealing in protest as it sped away. One thought blazed through my mind: Beryl

Pure adrenaline surged through me. I sprinted towards my car, parked discreetly around the corner. Throwing myself behind the wheel, I slammed the car into gear, the engine roaring to life. I peeled out of the parking spot, weaving through traffic in a desperate pursuit of the black car.

The chase was a blur. I pushed my car to the limit, ignoring the blaring horns and shouts of other drivers. I had to cut them off. The black car weaved through traffic with an unnerving ease, taking shortcuts that sent chills down my spine. But I persevered, staying on their tail.

I was nearing the outskirts of the city, buildings giving way to a deserted highway. I saw my chance. In a daring maneuver, I swerved into the oncoming lane, forcing the black car to brake sharply.

For a moment, I thought I had them. The black car skidded to a halt, tires smoking. But then, everything went wrong. A car coming from the opposite direction swerved to avoid me, slamming head-on into the side of my vehicle.

The world spun into a sickening chaos of metal and glass. Pain erupted in my chest, stealing the air from my lungs. The car lurched to a stop, the engine sputtering its last.

Dazed and disoriented, I tried to focus. My vision blurred, the ringing in my ears deafening. I coughed, a sharp stab of pain shooting through my side. I was hurt, badly.

Strong hands yanked me from the wreckage. Through the haze of pain, I saw figures emerge from the black car. Their faces were obscured by shadows, but they moved with a practiced efficiency, dragging me towards their vehicle.

"Let me go!" I rasped, a pathetic attempt at resistance. A cold chuckle echoed in my ear. "Don't worry, you're coming with us."

The world faded to black as darkness swallowed me whole.

Beryl

My head hurts, my arm too

I blinked away the grogginess to find myself in a dimly lit room with a flickering lightbulb. The gunshot wound from my shoulder blossomed in pain and I winced at the sensation. My arms were tied above me making it embarrassing and very painful to move. Surveying the room despite my poor vision I noticed the windows were sealed shut, dimming my hope to escape.

"Beryl..." A familiar voice called and I turned to find the source despite the poor visuals. The voice was ragged, barely a whisper. I wasn't alone. But whoever it was, they didn't sound like much help. I called back, "Who's there?"

"I didn't give you the gun for nothing" the voice scolded

"Lucas" I called out, getting a grunt in reply. The lightbulb stopped flickering and brightened, aiding my visuals. Lucas was right in front of me, some two meters away. His hands were tied above him in the same way I've been bound but he looked worse. Droplets of blood stained his shirt and bruises littered his face and arms.

"What happened?" The beta winced as he tried to sit up but ended up slouching because of his tied up hands, he glared at me and sighed, struggling to pull himself into a better sitting position.

"They caught me off guard, bastards" He replied with a strained voice. "Did you even use the gun?" He questioned in that annoying voice of his. Even when injured he has a way to piss me off

"Yes, jackass. What about you, didn't look like you handled it well" I rolled my eyes

"Like you did any better"

"Please shut up"

The door creaked open, revealing armed men and a man in a sharp black suit. Ace. His resemblance to Bruce was uncanny, but I knew better. Ace crouched before me, icy blue eyes assessing. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Beryl," he said, silkily.

"Ace, can't say I feel the same way." My glare intensified.

His smile widened. "You're a hard one to find," he purred. "But I've been patient."

Ignoring the pain, I met his gaze. His attention shifted to Lucas. "Couldn't even protect his mate," Ace taunted.

Lucas spat blood. "Go to hell."

Ace chuckled. "I don't hate you, Beryl. You're here because my bastard of a brother is your mate, which makes things difficult for you."

"You're playing a dangerous game," I said, my voice low. "What do you want?"

His smile turned predatory. "Power, of course. The kind that comes from controlling the most elusive alpha in the city. Bruce thinks he's untouchable, but he forgets that even the strongest have vulnerabilities."

Lucas shifted, his eyes locked on Ace. "What's your game, Ace?"

Ace's gaze flickered to Lucas. "Simple. I want Bruce to bend the knee. To relinquish his power. And you, Beryl, are the leverage I need."

I glanced at Lucas. "And if we refuse?"

Ace leaned in, his breath cold against my cheek. "Then things get messy" A cold metal on my chin had me lifting my head. Lucas fought against his restraints and shot a murderous glare at the alpha trying to carve my skin.

"Coward" Lucas snarled. I couldn't do anything without the blade nicking my skin. I sighed in relief when the blade left my skin

"I'll send someone in to take care of... that" Ace gestured to my shoulder and Lucas. He left with his guards following behind. Silence enveloped us in a thick fog, letting my thoughts run wild. The time for what ifs is long passed, and even if I never met Bruce there will still be a chance I would end up like this without Lucas here. The door opened to reveal someone I wasn't so surprised to see, and neither was Lucas.

"Why am I not surprised" He scoffed at the woman. She didn't have the guts to looking my eyes. I couldn't even bring myself to hate her, the loss of blood made me too dizzy to even glare at her.

"I can't even hate you" I sighed. Elena placed the first aid kit down and sat beside me, fingers reaching out to my bloodied shoulder. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you"

"Try me"