Chapter 6

"I'll wait for you at the border of Laurel Valley territory." Julian's voice came through the phone, unusually grave. "One hour later, at the abandoned quarry. Remember, don't let anyone follow you."

Clutching my phone, I gazed out at the storm.

This was my only chance.

An hour later, dragging my injured leg, I struggled through the rain-soaked night toward the border between the two packs.

There, Julian was already waiting for me.

When he saw my pale face and limping steps, anger flared in his eyes.

"Damn Damian! How could he do this to you!" Julian rushed forward to catch me, and the warmth of his touch nearly brought me to tears.

"Julian, I..." My voice broke, "I need your help."

"Tell me," he said firmly yet gently. "Whatever it is, I will help you."

I took a deep breath and told him everything- the curse, the children, Damian's cruelty, Selena's malice, all of it.

"The Blood Reversal Curse?" Julian's face turned grave immediately. "Ella, do you know what that means?"

"I do." I touched my belly. "I may die, but my pups must not."

"No." Julian gripped my shoulders tightly. "You will not die. Our Crescent Pack healers have ancient records about this curse."

I was stunned. "What?"

"While there is no complete cure, there is a way to put the curse into dormancy," Julian said, hope flickering in his eyes. Julian's eyes shone with hope. "Ella, the only way is to leave here and seek help from the ancient families of the Blue Moon Pack."

A glimmer of hope ignited in my heart. "You mean... "

"We can save you, and we can save the pups," he assured, taking my hand. He clasped my hand. "But you must leave this place and undergo treatment elsewhere."

I closed my eyes, recalling Damian's coldness, Selena's malice, and all the suffering I had endured here.

"Alright." I opened my eyes, resolve hardening within me. "I agree."

"But Julian," I looked at him, "why are you helping me? This could bring you trouble."

He smiled gently. "Because you're worthy of love, Ella. You deserve a better life."

Just then, a wave of pain surged from my abdomen.

The curse flared up again.

"Ella!" Julian caught me as I staggered.

I gritted my teeth against the pain, but blood still trickled from the corner of my mouth.

"There's not much time, " I panted. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow night," Julian said, his eyes on my pale face. "I'll arrange everything."

On the way back, the rain intensified.

I didn't notice the two pairs of eyes lurking in the dark forest, silently stalking me.

Back in the cramped room, I sat on the bed, gently stroking the life growing inside me.

"My loves, soon we'll be free," I whispered. "Mommy will protect you,"

Suddenly, the voice within me echoed again, sneering, "Do you really believe that man will save you?"

"Shut up, " I replied coldly.

"He's an Alpha too, Ella. All Alphas are the same-they will all betray you."

"Julian is different." I replied.

"Heh," the voice sneered, "you'll see soon enough."

Ignoring its words, I lay down to rest.

Tomorrow, I would leave this hellish place.

But outside my room, two figures lingered in the rain, whispering to each other. I didn't notice.

One of them picked up a phone and dialed a number.

"Miss Vance, we've located the target."