What have you done?

Eliza’s POV

“Yelda?” I gasped, unable to believe she was standing in front of me. What had she done? The smirk on her face said it all. “What have you done to my alpha mates? You bitch.”

I could feel my anger boiling over as Yelda's smirk grew wider. Jasmine, my wolf, was stirring, sensing my distress and ready to take control. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, but it was useless. The sight of Yelda, her eyes gleaming with malice, was enough to push me over the edge.

"Tell me what you've done with my mates," I growled, my voice low and menacing. Theron's hand on my shoulder was a cautionary reminder to keep my emotions in check, but I was beyond reason.

Yelda chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Oh, Eliza, you're so predictable. Do you think you can waltz in here and demand answers? I've been waiting for you, and now that you're here, you'll play by my rules."

I snarled, baring my teeth. Jasmine was rising to the surface, and I could feel my body beginning to shift. Theron's grip on my shoulder tightened, holding me back.

"Eliza, don't let her provoke you," he whispered urgently. "We need to know what she's done with the pack and your mates."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. Jasmine receded, but only slightly, still simmering just below the surface. I glared at Yelda, my eyes blazing with fury.

"Talk," I spat, my voice cold and deadly.

Yelda's smile never wavered. "Very well, Princess. I'll tell you everything. But first, let's get one thing straight: you're not in charge here. I am. And you'll do exactly as I say if you want to see your precious mates again."

I felt Theron's hand tighten on my shoulder, a warning to stay calm. But I was beyond calm. I was ready to unleash hell on Yelda and anyone else in my way.

"Tell me," I repeated, my voice low and menacing.

Yelda's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Your mates, Rylan, Rio, Enzo, and Ed, are...indisposed. Let's say they're enjoying a little...vacation, courtesy of me."

I growled, my vision blurring with rage. Theron's grip on my shoulder was the only thing holding me back from launching myself at Yelda.

"What have you done to them?" I snarled, my teeth bared.

Yelda's smile grew wider. "Oh, Eliza, you'll find out soon enough. But first, you need to come with me. We have a little...reunion to attend to."

I felt a chill run down my spine as Yelda's words hung in the air. What did she have planned? And where were my mates? I was ready to do whatever it took to find out and rescue them, no matter the cost.

"Let's go," I spat, my eyes never leaving Yelda's face.

Theron's hand fell from my shoulder, and he stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Yelda. "We'll go with you, but if you've harmed one hair on their heads..."

Yelda's laughter cut him off, sending shivers down my spine. "Oh, Theron, you're so predictable. Do you think you can threaten me? I have the upper hand here, and you'll do exactly as I say."

I took a step forward, my heart pounding in my chest. I was ready to face whatever lay ahead, as long as it meant finding my mates and bringing them home safely. But as I looked into Yelda's eyes, I knew I was walking into a trap, and there was no turning back.

Yelda gestured with a manicured hand, and two figures emerged from the shadows of the abandoned storefronts. My breath hitched. They were…wolves. But not just any wolves. They were massive, their fur a deep, unsettling black, and their eyes glowed with an eerie, unnatural red. My wolf, Jasmine, howled in my mind, a primal scream of warning and fury.

"Meet my guardians," Yelda purred, her voice laced with amusement. "They're quite fond of...visitors."

The two wolves stalked forward, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators sizing up their prey. They radiated an aura of immense power, a palpable threat that sent a shiver down my spine. I could feel the raw, untamed energy emanating from them, a stark contrast to the desolate silence of the town.

"What are they?" Theron asked, his voice tight. His hand instinctively moved towards the hilt of the sword at his hip.

Yelda laughed, a cruel, mocking sound. "They are enhanced. My little experiments. You might call them the ultimate protectors."

My mind raced, trying to understand what she meant. Enhanced? Were they some mutated wolves? Or had she used magic to amplify their abilities? Whatever they were, they were dangerous.

"Where are my mates?" I demanded again, trying to keep my voice steady, although the panic clawed at my throat.

Yelda ignored me, her attention focused on the approaching wolves. "Take them," she commanded, her voice sharp. "Make sure they don't try anything foolish."

The wolves lunged.

Theron reacted instantly, drawing his sword swiftly. He moved surprisingly, meeting the first wolf head-on, his blade flashing in the dim light. I knew he was a formidable fighter, but I also knew he was outmatched. These wolves were different.

I didn't hesitate. I shifted, the familiar transformation flooding over me—bones cracking, muscles contorting, fur erupting across my skin. My vision sharpened, and my senses heightened. Jasmine, in control now, roared in defiance.

The second wolf turned its glowing red eyes on me, a silent challenge. I met its gaze, my eyes burning with a fierce, unwavering light. I would not let it touch Theron, harm me, or stand between me and my mates.

I launched myself at the wolf, a blur of motion and fury. My claws extended, my teeth bared, a primal scream erupting from my throat. The world narrowed to a single point: this fight, this moment, this battle for survival.

The wolf met my attack head-on, its massive body colliding with mine. The impact sent a jolt through me, but I held my ground, digging my claws into its thick fur. We grappled a whirlwind of teeth and claws, the air filling with the sounds of snarls and growls.

I could see Theron fighting the other wolf; his movements were skilful but strained. He held his own, but I knew he couldn't last long against such a powerful opponent. I had to end this quickly.

I dodged a swipe from the wolf, then lunged, aiming for its throat. But the wolf was quicker, twisting away at the last second. Its claws raked across my side, tearing through my fur and flesh. Pain exploded in my side, but I ignored it, fueled by adrenaline and the primal need to protect those I loved.

With a roar, I slammed my body against the wolf. Using my enhanced strength, I shoved the beast into a nearby storefront, the glass shattering as they crashed through.

I turned back to help Theron, but the scene that met my eyes stopped me cold. Theron was kneeling, the black wolf looming over him, its red eyes blazing triumphantly. It was about to strike.