Chapter 29 029

Chapter 29 029

Lucien's POV

As I stepped outside, Austin and Shark were already waiting by the car, their postures rigid and alert. Austin pulled the door open without a word, and I slid into the back seat.

The engine purred to life as Shark took the wheel. We moved through the castle gates and onto the main road.

There was silence in the car, but my thoughts were fixed on Claire. In all my existence, she seemed to be the only girl that has fascinated me and the more I get to know her, the more interested I become.

Austin turned slightly in his seat, his eyes finding mine in the rearview mirror. "Do you truly believe she was not involved with the poison?"

I leaned back, not wanting to have this conversation with him, but I knew I couldn't get away from it that easily. "She is innocent."

"How can you be so sure?" There was confusion written all over his face, though he kept his voice neutral. "She knew about it before anyone else. That is not normal."

"I know what I saw," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. "Claire is not our enemy."

Austin nodded slowly, but I could tell he was not convinced. He faced forward again, and the conversation died there.

But how could I bring myself to say that? Just a few days ago, I was sure that she was my enemy and we were fighting so hard to get rid of her life and now I was telling Austin she wasn't our enemy.

I sigh while I caress the bridge of my nose.

We drove in silence for another ten minutes before I spoke up. "Take the other route."

Shark's hands tightened on the wheel. "Alpha, that route is usually dangerous. We avoid it for a reason."

"I did not ask for your opinion," I said calmly. "Take the other route."

Austin shot me a look, his brow furrowed, but he did not say anything. Shark hesitated for only a second before turning the wheel and veering off onto the narrow road that cut through the eastern woods.

I could feel their confusion as the both of them exchange glances, but I was not about to explain myself. Not yet. If Claire was right, if there really was an ambush waiting for me, then this was the only way to know for certain.

The road grew darker as trees closed in on either side. The headlights cut through the shadows, and for a while, everything was quiet.

Then Shark slowed the car, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward. "There is a car up ahead."

I followed his gaze. Sure enough, a vehicle sat in the middle of the road, its hazard lights blinking weakly. No one was inside from what I could see.

Shark brought us to a stop about twenty feet away. "Looks like the driver had trouble. I should go check it out."

"Do not!" I Commanded quickly before he could open the door.

He glanced at me in the mirror. "Sire?"

I pinned my gaze at him for a while with a smirk on my lips. "If you get out of this car, that will be your death. This is an ambush."

Austin's hand went to his gun immediately. Shark's jaw clenched, and I saw his entire body go tense.

Just then, the driver's door of the abandoned car opened. A man stepped out, his hands raised in what was supposed to look like surrender. He started walking toward us, his face painted with false concern.

"Please, I need help!" he called out. "My car broke down and……."

He did not get to finish.

Two more cars came roaring out from behind the trees, their headlights blinding as they screeched to a halt behind us. The Doors flew open, and figures poured out, armed and ready.

Austin did not hesitate. He rolled down his window and fired three shots in rapid succession. Two of the men went down immediately. The third dock behind his car for cover.

"Drive!" Austin barked.

Shark threw the car into reverse, tires screaming as he backed up hard. The engine roared, and we shot backward, away from the ambush ahead. Austin kept shooting, his aim steady even as the car jerked and swerved.

I sat back, calm, my hands resting on my knees. A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth.

Claire had been right.

The girl had seen this. Somehow, impossibly, she had known exactly what was going to happen. And now, watching it unfold in real time, I realized what I had in my hands.

A jewel.

With her abilities and my power combined, I could become untouchable. My pack could become the strongest pack in existence. No one would dare challenge me. No one would even think about it.

Shark's voice cut through my thoughts. "We are clear!"

I glanced out the back window. The cars were still there, but they were not following. Austin had done enough damage to make them think twice.

"Good," I said. "Keep moving."

Shark pressed down on the gas, and we shot forward, the trees blurring past us. For a moment, it felt like we were in the clear.

Then Shark hit the brakes so hard I nearly flew forward as the car came to an abrupt halt.

"What the hell?" Austin snapped.

I looked up.

Five wolves stood in the middle of the road ahead. Massive, their eyes glowing in the headlights, fur bristling as they growled low in their chests.

My stomach dropped.

"Behind us," Shark said, his voice tight.

I turned.

Five more wolves had appeared behind the car, blocking the road completely.

We were surrounded. This was something that I definitely didn't expect and now I had to think of how to get away from this.

I had been able to advert Claire's first vision, now I knew that I had to think fast in order to get rid of tbem, but how was that going to happen when we were outnumbered.