Chapter 135
Sebastian
The screen showed Marcus, then swung to Damian in the VIP terminal, surrounded by my people in expensive suits and barely concealed weapons. He looked annoyed rather than frightened, but I saw the tension in his shoulders.
"Mr. Gray," Marcus said politely, "someone wishes to speak with you."
Damian's expression shifted from confusion to fury when he saw Lirael on the screen.
"Sebastian. What are you doing?"
I adjusted the angle so he could see us both, my hand on Lirael's shoulder. "Just inviting Lirael to spend Christmas with me. A private holiday. You understand."
"Let her go."
"I will. In three days." I leaned in, pressing my lips to the mark on her neck, feeling her shudder. "Until then, she's exactly where she belongs—with me."
Through the screen, I saw his hands clench, saw gold flash in his eyes. "If you hurt her—"
"I won't. I give you my word, Damian. Three days, and she'll be free to choose. But until then, she stays with me."
Lirael trembled, and I pulled her closer, the gesture both possessive and protective. "You have my word as an Alpha—she'll be safe. In three days, I'll personally ensure she can contact you."
Damian stared at us, then made his decision. He couldn't fight me here, not without starting the war Lirael was trying to prevent.
"Three days," he said quietly, eyes locked on Lirael. "I'll wait. Remember—whatever happens, it's not your fault."
He handed the phone back and walked toward the exit, my people parting to let him through. I watched until he disappeared, then ended the call.
"Smart man. He knows when he's outmaneuvered."
"He'll come for me," Lirael said hollowly. "The moment he's clear, he'll start planning."
"Let him try. By the time he figures out where we've gone, it'll be too late." I started the engine. "And in three days, you'll be free to leave if you want. I'm not keeping you prisoner forever. Just for Christmas."
She turned to me, silver eyes full of betrayal. "Where are you taking me?"
"Home. The estate. Where you belong."
---
Lirael
The city lights faded as Sebastian drove into the countryside, snow falling thicker now. I watched the world blur past, feeling the suppressant wear off but knowing it didn't matter. Even with magic back, I was trapped—by his threats, by my inability to let innocents suffer.
The bond pulsed between us, carrying his emotions. Satisfaction, relief, desperate hope. He really believed three days could fix everything broken between us.
"I know you hate me right now," Sebastian said quietly. "I know this is unforgivable. But I've tried everything else. Staying away. Giving you space. Being patient. It got me nowhere."
"So you resorted to kidnapping."
"So I resorted to desperate measures." His hand found mine, fingers intertwining despite my attempt to pull away. "I'm not asking for love or forgiveness. I just need you to see what we could have if you stopped running."
"I'm not running. I'm trying to live."
"Without me." Barely a whisper. "You're trying to live without me, and it's killing me. Every day you're with him, every moment you're building a future that doesn't include me—it's like dying by inches."
I wanted to say that was his problem. That I didn't owe him anything. But the bond carried his anguish so vividly I felt it as my own, and despite everything, some part of me understood.
"Three days," I said finally. "Then this ends. Whatever happens, you let me go. You keep your word."
"Three days. And if you still want to leave, I'll let you. I'll even help you start over somewhere I can't follow." His voice broke slightly. "But please. Just give me this chance."
I didn't respond, just watched the snow fall, feeling the weight of the next seventy-two hours settling over me.
---
Sebastian
The estate appeared through the snowfall—stone and iron and towering windows, lights blazing against winter darkness. I'd had the staff prepare everything, made sure every detail would be perfect. This was my last chance.
I pulled into the circular drive and killed the engine. Through the windshield, snow fell in thick curtains.
"We're here."
Lirael looked at the estate, something flickering across her face—recognition, maybe. She'd been here before, when things were different.
I got out and opened her door. When she didn't move, I unbuckled her seatbelt and lifted her from the seat.
"Put me down. I can walk."
"I know." But I didn't release her, carrying her toward the entrance. "Indulge me."
The doors opened, Marcus stepping aside. I carried her up the staircase, down the corridor to the master suite. The room I'd renovated for her, even though I'd had no guarantee she'd ever see it.
I set her on the bed. She immediately scrambled away, putting distance between us, taking in the room—the bathroom, the closet, the windows.
"The door is biometrically locked. Only my iris scan opens it. The windows are reinforced and alarmed. You're not getting out unless I let you."
She glared at me. "You're insane."
"Yes. I thought we'd established that." I shrugged off my jacket, rolling up my sleeves. "What do you want from me, Sebastian?" Her voice cracked. "What can you possibly accomplish in three days?"
I walked to the windows, looking out at the snow. When I turned back, she was watching me warily.
"I want you to remember. Remember when we were good together. When you trusted me enough to sleep in my arms. When you came back for me on that island."
I moved closer, stopping a few feet away. "I want you to see I'm not just the monster who kidnapped you. That I can be gentle. That I can give you the life you deserve."
I gestured around the room. "Everything here is yours. The bathroom has that lavender soap you like. The kitchen has your favorite seafood pasta ready. All I ask is that you give me a chance."
"And if I can't? If three days isn't enough?"
"Then I let you go. I keep my promise, and I never bother you again. But until then—this is your home. All I ask is a chance."
She was silent, then walked past me into the bathroom, closing the door firmly. I heard the lock engage, heard the shower start.
I pressed my palm against the door.
"Three days, Lirael. That's all I'm asking. Three days to show you what we could be."
No response, just running water. But through the bond I felt her confusion, her fear, and underneath it all, a tiny spark that might have been curiosity.
It was enough. It had to be.
I walked to the window and allowed myself to hope. Three days. Seventy-two hours to prove what we had was worth fighting for, or seventy-two hours to say goodbye forever.
Either way, by the time Christmas was over, I would have my answer.