Chapter 97

Chapter 21 – Trapped

Eudora’s POV

It’s been three days since our return from Miami and my encounter with Victoria. Ares forced me to see Doctor Kendra immediately upon our return to make sure everything was okay. She ordered me to spend a few days in bed to help me recover from the stress of everything and because werewolf pregnancy fatigue would be setting in soon. When I was pregnant with Lukas, I found myself taking two naps a day. The best part of the naps was Ares’ willingness to tuck me in and sneak in some love-making thanks to my raging hormones.

Thalia was coming today, and I wanted to spend more time getting to know her and Tymber. Wylder had been keeping Tymber to himself, not that I blame him. His wolf needed alone time with his mate.

“Baby, Apollo needs a little more time. He’s angry with me because something terrible could have happened to you and the pup. I can’t focus on what I need to do and worry about something happening to you. Just stay in bed and let everyone cater to your every need.” He pleaded.

“This is the safest territory in the country, no one is going to come into the pack house and hurt me.” I replied.

He had kept me in our chambers with warriors stationed outside the door. When it was time to eat, he escorted us downstairs. I had spent the last three days alone with Lukas and minimal visitors because of the ramped-up training schedule.

“I want to go downstairs and have tea with Thalia.” I nearly begged, I was starting to get cabin fever in our chambers. Grandma Dori was setting up afternoon tea and sandwiches for the ladies. She always made the best finger sandwiches, and her homemade scones are out of this world delicious.

“Fine, but I’ll have Wylder join you ladies as well.”

“Are you kidding? Wylder will eat everything and I’m not willing to share the scones with him. Besides, your mother will be there.” I kissed his cheek and made sure to press my chest against his before I made my way to the closet to change my clothes.

“Keep that up and I’ll tie you to the bed until I’ve had my fill.” He groaned and adjusted himself.

Ares escorted us downstairs and Yia-yia reached for Lukas. He kissed my forehead before he excused himself to join the training. Xena was also at the training and would not be able to join us for afternoon tea.

“Where’s Aunt Anabeth?” Demeter asked.

“She’s with your Pappoús at the training, instructing on weaponry,” Raven told a disgruntled-looking Demeter.

“I should be able to train too! I’m a damn Alpha, I may decide to take a pack of my own someday.” Demeter grumbled. “Instead I’m stuck in here with the elders and pregnant she-wolves eating sandwiches. No offense.” She scoffed.

“You’re going to have to talk to your father and brother about that. Now if you’ll excuse me, ladies, Conner just called me with something urgent in Florida. I need to call him back. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Cassi said and rushed out.

Paola also excused herself, she looked nauseous and pregnancy fatigue was hitting her hard. I listened to Grandma Dori and Grandma Raven discuss the secret to great lamb shanks while chewing on finger sandwiches. Thalia was quiet, but I suspect that had to do with her entire life changing when she lost her father. I remembered what it was like when I was suddenly alone and believed my parents had died.

“Thalia, would you like to go and watch the training?” Demeter asked and Thalia nodded her head. Poseidon was at the training and I’m sure being near her mate would make her feel better.

“Dora?” Demeter asked.

“Well, if everyone is at the training, then they should have no problem if Lukas and I pop over there to watch for a little while. My poor baby has been couped up for the last three days. He could use some fresh air.” I quickly reached for the baby sling and put Lukas in it, then I grabbed three fresh warm scones to snack on while I watch my sexy mate get sweaty.

We made our way to the training field and found wolves fighting with long swords and double blades. Most of the males were topless and the female warriors were in sports bras and spandex. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was why Ares was trying to keep me away from the training. I noticed some unmated wolves checking out Tymber with a possessive-looking Beta standing nearby. Ares locked eyes with me and did not seem happy to see me here. He moved to me in a few quick strides.

“Baby, what are you doing here?” He asked as one of the warriors let out a loud yelp of pain.

“She needed some fresh air.” Demeter snapped back at him.

“There’s plenty of fresh air in the garden.” Ares replied to her.

“How many vampires are training with the pack today?” Demeter asked and Ares looked rooted on the spot.

I looked around and noticed at least two dozen vampires training in hand-to-hand combat with warriors. They were fast! This must be why Ares didn’t want me outside, we had vampires visiting. Lots of them.

“Where are my parents?” I asked.

“They’re at home waiting for Grandpa Crow and Ambrose to arrive for a visit.” He told me. “If you’d like to see them, I’ll ask them to come visit this evening. You should probably get back to tea, there’s nothing exciting to see out here.”

“Why? Is Candy here? Or someone else?”

“Baby, I know how uncomfortable you are around vampires and not all of them live as your parents do. With all the work and energy being spent out here, some of them will need to drink blood to maintain their strength.” He reluctantly added.

He was right. From what I understood, vampires' eyes turned red when they were either angry or had recently consumed a lot of blood. I was fortunate, I had yet to witness it with my parents and knew they were extra careful not to let me see them that way. I gave him a quick kiss and said goodbye to Thalia and Demeter before I started the walk back to the pack house.

As I neared the pack house, Lukas shifted in the sling and jumped down. It seemed he wasn’t ready to be trapped inside again. He took off running towards the wildflower-covered hills on the south side of our pack territory. I ran as fast as I could in my sandals and dress, calling his name. The more I chased after him, the more he ran.

I stopped running and walked at a slow pace. Lukas looked back and charged at me. When I reached down to pick him up, that energetic little pup started running playful circles around me. I chased after him and tapped his tail before I turned around to run away. He chased after me, yipping and nipping at the hem of my long maxi dress. We continued playing for a while. It was a fun game of tag, and I was surprised to see how well he understood the concept.

Lukas plopped down when he was tired and I sat down next to him, stroking his soft fur. The breeze was fresh and blowing, the wildflowers that covered the hills were in full bloom. I looked out over our beautiful territory and considered picking some flowers.

A rustling noise came from somewhere behind me and I heard a little whine come from Lukas. I looked down to see something sticking out of his hind leg, it was a dart. I reached for it and felt a sting hit me in the neck. I pulled the dart out of Lukas and fought against the darkness that was taking over me. I opened my mouth to scream and felt my body go limp as the darkness consumed me.

I tried to open my eyes but couldn’t. Everything felt so heavy. So weak. I could feel the cool hard floor pressing beneath my cheek.

“I asked for the offspring of the Alpha King, and they bring me back a human with her puppy!” An angry voice roared, and I heard the sound of a loud bang.

My eyes cracked open and I could see the little black wolf pup that was my son, sleeping against me. I tried to lift my head, but nothing seemed to be working. My eyes closed again, and the darkness sucked me back in.

Something was pressing into my side, and I felt it move around. I opened my eyes this time and was able to lift my head up. Lukas was still in wolf form. I reached for him and pulled him close to my chest. I was in a small cell and the lights were dimmed down. I could hear the sound of snoring, though I wasn’t sure who it was or where I was.

I moved into a sitting position and felt a wave of nausea hit me. I felt car sick, but I wasn’t in a car. I held Lukas tight and kissed the top of his little head, thankful he was okay. Whatever they hit us with was strong and I hoped the new baby was unaffected. Panic washed over me, how long were we sleeping? Has Ares discovered we’re gone yet?

There didn’t appear to be any windows. All I could see were metal bars and other cells in the darkness. The one across from me was occupied by something large and furry. It appeared to be sleeping. The cell next to me had a female curled on the floor, sound asleep. Her head was laying on the lap of an old man, who appeared to be shackled to the wall with a long chain.

Lukas squirmed his way into the baby sling that was still hanging around my shoulder and chest. He shifted back into his human form, and I knew he would be hungry. I pulled the sling up to completely cover him and fed him. Sitting quietly in the dark, thoughts swirled around in my head, a man was angry because he wanted the child of the Alpha King. He wanted Lukas. When we arrived, Lukas was in wolf form, and he assumed Lukas was a dog because werewolves don’t shift until they reach maturity at eighteen.

If the man had been a werewolf, he would have felt Lukas’ aura. He would have picked up my scent now that I was pregnant with a pup. I had not seen the face of the angry man who wanted my son, but I will not hesitate to gouge his eyes out if he tries anything. I looked down at the naked baby pressed against me, he had finished his meal.

I looked him in the eyes and commanded him with a single word. “Shift!”

Lukas shifted and I stroked the top of his head, keeping him warm in the sling. We would need to keep up the perception that he was just my pet puppy if they were looking for the Alpha King’s offspring. Maybe I could be a vacationer who was enjoying a hike with my puppy when I was snatched up. The puppy could be my emotional support dog. I thought up several stories and prepared for interrogation. If they believed I was just human, would they let me go and risk a human reporting being abducted? No, it would be easier to kill and dispose of me.

The sound of keys tumbled a lock and a metal door clanked open. A few seconds later, the lights were turned on and heavy footsteps moved towards us. A big man stopped at the cell next to mine. He inserted the keys and unlocked the cell door.

“Let’s go slave, you have thirty minutes to prepare breakfast. If you burn my bacon, I’m going whip you again.” He threatened.

The young female who was sleeping with her head on the old man’s lap stood up and rubbed her eyes. Her hair was long, curly, and looked wild. Her clothes looked tattered, and despite having just woken up she looked exhausted. She said nothing. She nodded her head and moved to the door to follow the man out. He turned to lock the cell and noticed I was awake.

“I don’t know if the master wants to waste food on her and her dog, so they won’t need breakfast.” The big guy said.

The young girl looked at me and surprise flashed in her eyes. I could see her nostrils flare as she took in the new scents. Her eyes flashed dark black, giving away her wolf. Her eyes looked me over and trailed down to the sling. I squeezed Lukas a little tighter.

Please keep your mouth shut. Please keep your mouth shut. I repeatedly said inside my head, praying she wouldn’t say a word. If she says anything, I’ll be discovered.

They left silently and the metal door at the end of the hall closed again. The furry creature in the cell across from me stirred and I realized it was two furry creatures. They stood and stretched their legs, and I took them in. They were both wolves. One was black and white with shades of brown on his face, he was the bigger one. The other was predominantly honey and brown. I made eye contact with the larger one and he stared back at me.

“Can you shift, please? I have some questions.” I asked him.

Nothing.

He made no move to shift into human form he just stared at me. I wondered if I was challenging him by looking him in the eyes. I wondered if he would know I was the Luna Queen.

“Please, I don’t know where I am or what’s going on.” I pleaded with him again and his ear twitched.

“Where are we? Please, I need to break out of here.” I begged and the smaller one turned his back to me, sitting on his legs.

“They won’t answer you.” I heard a tired and rough voice say from the cell next to mine.

“Why not?” I asked the old man who looked like he was having a tough time breathing.

“Because they’re not werewolves, they’re real wolves.”