Chapter 113 — Trust me

GINA’S POV.

At the mention of his name, my body went stiff as rage coursed through me. He not only attacked our pack while we were gone but also had to kidnap my best friend.

Devyn snatched the phone from Liam and put it to his ear.

“What are you playing at, you fucking bastard?” he spat out, his voice filled with venom.

As the conversation went on, all I could think about was the horrible things he could do to Kristen. We knew just how evil he was, but didn’t know what he was capable of doing.

Devyn looked frantic, and for a second, I thought he was going to toss the phone away. Reluctantly, he handed me the phone.

“He wants to speak to you specifically.”

Wasting no time, I grabbed the phone and placed it against my ear.

“Put it on speaker. I want to hear what he says to you,” Devyn instructed and I obeyed as I pressed the speaker button.

“Gina.”

Chills went through my spine, leaving an uneasy feeling within me. I hated the way he said my name, and I wished he’d never say it again. Swallowing the thick lump that formed in my throat, I spoke.

“Why did you take her? She has nothing to do with this.”

“She doesn’t, but she’s the best person to play bait,” he said arrogantly, his tone cold and devoid of any emotion, “It won't take long as long as you do exactly what I tell you.”

“Why do you need her as bait?”

“Because that’s the only way I can get you. Since your stupid boyfriend keeps getting in the way, I figured I could make you come to me instead.”

I heard Devyn growl as he inched closer, feeling the heat of his anger radiating, “You must be sick in the head if you think I'd let her anywhere near you.”

“I wasn’t talking to you, Devyn, now sit back like a pup and fucking listen!” Damien yelled suddenly, making me jump.

Devyn was about to retort back at him but I stopped him by placing a hand on his chest.

“What do you want from me?” I spoke.

“Power,” he said blankly.

“From what I’ve heard, you already have enough. What more do you want?”

“There can never be enough power, but you can’t understand that. People like you don’t know what it means to have power.”

“What’s your plan? How do I get Kristen back?” I said sternly, ignoring his pathetic talk of power.

“You have to come to get her. Your ascension is tomorrow night, and I want you to be here, to ascend in my pack.”

“And if I don’t?” There was a long pause as a suspenseful silence hung in the air.

“I’ll kill her.”

His dark laughter roared from the phone, and I felt goosebumps break out on my skin. My fist clenched at my side, and my grip on the phone tightened.

It never ended. The challenges, obstacles, and enemies; it never fucking ended.

Everyone kept getting dragged into this because of my destiny, and they were either getting hurt, killed, or kidnapped, except for me.

There weren't any doubts that Damien meant what he said about killing Kristen, and I wasn't going to test out to find out if I was right.

I took a deep breath, and everyone watched me in silence as if waiting to hear what I’d say.

“I’ll come. I’ll do everything you want me to do but don’t hurt my friend. That’s my part of the deal.”

Devyn suddenly gripped my shoulder tight, as his voice echoed in my mind.

‘I’m not going to let you go there.’

I shut my eyes as I tried to get a hold of myself. I wasn’t going to argue with him or anyone. My mind was already made up.

“Good girl,” hearing Damien call me that and not Devyn made my skin crawl and prickle in irritation, “I’ll send a car to bring you tonight. Come alone. Obey the rules, and nothing will happen to your friend.”

Devyn’s grip on my shoulder tightened even more, and I knew he was too furious to realize he was hurting me.

When the call ended, I stood still for a moment as my mind raced with a series of thoughts filling my head. Devyn leaned forward so he was my height, and we were gazing into each other’s eyes. His face was grim, and his eyes narrowed in anger.

“You’re not going there.”

I tipped my chin high. “I am.”

His jaw twitched and I could see a vein pop on his forehead,” There’s no way in hell I’m letting you go there by yourself.”

“So you’ll let Kristen get killed then?” I could feel the anger rushing through my veins as I bit out, “Is that what you’re saying?”

He shook his head, “No. We can find a way to get her back without having you go there.”

“And how do you plan on doing that?” I snapped. When he didn’t say anything, I knew he had exactly no idea what to do, “I thought so. Look, I don’t have a choice. I have to do what he says for Kristen’s safety, then when I’m there, I’ll figure something out.”

Devyn shook me as if trying to shake some sense into me, “I don’t trust him. Who knows what he’ll do to you.”

I never thought about that, but I wasn’t going to risk Kristen’s life because of uncertainties, “I don’t know, but I know he won’t kill me yet. I have to do this, and no one is going to stop me from doing so.”

Devyn’s eyes widened a bit as it surprised I refused him… like this was the first time I was doing that. He ran his fingers through his dark curls, which was the first time I had seen him do that gesture. He turned to Liam and Wilona.

“Since she won’t listen to me, she might listen to you. Talk her out of this.”

Liam looked at me, concern swirling in his eyes, “He’s right, Gina. It’s dangerous to go, if you can just be patient, we’ll come up with a plan.”

They didn't realize that my fear was for Kristen’s life, not mine. I couldn’t save a friend before, but I was determined to save another.

“I’m going, Liam. I can’t risk it.”

Devyn muttered a curse under his breath and his gaze shifted to Wilona. When I looked at her, there was understanding in her eyes.

“I think she should go. I mean, we don’t really have any other choice but this one. I trust her, and you both should trust her too.”

I couldn’t hold the smile creeping on my face. If I could count on anyone to have my back, it was going to be Wilona. Devyn shot a dirty look at her, and then when he looked back at me, there was a desperate look in his eyes.

I walked up to him and grabbed his hand in mine, then I tiptoed so I was up to his height, and placed a kiss on his cheek.

“Trust me. I have a plan and I’m convinced it’s going to work.”

There was a defeated look in his eyes, but he had to accept that this was my decision.

“This is my destiny, my fate, and I’m tired of people taking responsibility for me. So let me do this, please.”

He released a deep sigh, “You’ve always been so damn stubborn, and one day, it's going to drive me insane,” he smirked, “That day might be today.”

He leaned lower and placed a kiss on my lips, “I trust you.”

Warmth flooded my chest and I threw my arms around him, “Thank you.”

I told them about the plan I had in mind, and they agreed it could work. It was going to be risky but it was what I had to do. I couldn’t just sit back and let Damien use me, I was going to fight back, even if it’d cost my life; But I didn’t tell Devyn that part.

Night approached and Damien’s men came to drive me away. Standing by the car, Devyn stood beside me, along with Liam and Wilona.

I could feel Devyn’s heart beating fast against mine as we embraced. I nestled into his chest, feeling his warmth enveloping me and offering comfort as I breathed in his scent. The thought of leaving him made my heart churn, but it would be only for a short while hopefully.

“Once night comes, and you’re not here, I’ll come get you myself,” he said in my ear.

I shut my eyes as his voice sent vibrations through me, “It’s going to work, Devyn. Be optimistic.”

“This is the most optimistic I’ve ever been in my life.”

“Well, you’re not trying harder,” I managed a chuckle, but deep down I was hurting.

When we pulled back, I said my goodbyes to Liam and Wilona.

“Kick their asses if it comes to it,” Wilona cheered, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Liam had a worried expression on his face as I turned to him.

“Wipe that look off your face. You’re making me nervous.”

He managed a smile, but I could tell it was forced, “I’ll try. Good luck, you’ve always been so brave.”

My heart warmed up, and I wanted to hug him, but I could feel Devyn’s burning gaze behind us. I walked back to the car and just when I was about to step in, Devyn grabbed me, pulled me to his body, and kissed me hard.

It was intense and desperate, like this was going to be our last kiss and he wanted to savor every moment of it.

When we pulled apart, our forehead touching, he whispered, “I made a promise to never stay away from you. You’re making me break that promise now.”

I realized just how worried I was making him and my heart twisted. I wanted to say something, but the words couldn’t come out.

“If anything happens to you, I’ll tear this world apart if I have to. Goodbye angel,” he caressed the necklace on my neck, “Don't take it off.”

Somehow, I never did, “I won't. I love you.”

I got into the backseat, my eyes never leaving Devyn. When I settled in, he shut the door for me and looked at me from the glass.

As I was driven out of my home yet again, the tears streamed down my eyes and I let them flow freely. My body trembled as I pressed my palm to my mouth to stifle my sobs.

I was confident that things were going to work out, and determined to make this plan work. But deep down, there was a strong sense of dread that was slowly making its way to the surface, and taking over me slowly.