Chapter 7

The next evening, I followed Julian's instructions and drove to the designated meeting place.

It was a secluded mountain road, flanked by dense forests on both sides.

Outside the car window, night was falling.

Relief unlike anything I had ever felt washed over me, for I was finally about to taste freedom.

But that relief was quickly shattered.

Ahead, several blinding headlights suddenly turned on.

Three black SUVs swerved across the road, sealing off my path entirely.

I slammed on the brakes, my heart pounding wildly.

The car doors opened, and several tall figures emerged.

They were werewolves-rogue ones at that.

Leading them was a burly middle-aged werewolf, his scarred face twisted into a menacing glare.

"Ella Vance," he sneered, approaching my window with a cruel smile. "Finally, we found you."

I gripped the steering wheel tightly, struggling to remain calm. "What do you want?"

"We were hired," he said, licking his lips, "to make sure you suffer an 'accidental miscarriage.'" Instantly, my blood ran cold.

"Who sent you?" I asked.

"A very generous lady." Another werewolf stepped forward, a silver-laced dagger glinting in his hand. "She said as long as you and the pups inside you vanish, we'll be richly rewarded."

Selena.

My heart sank into utter despair.

She truly meant to wipe us out.

"Please," I pleaded, trembling. "I can give you more money-just don't hurt my children."

"Money?" The leader burst into laughter. "That lady has already paid us a hefty deposit. Plus, she said if we fail, our entire families will die."

"So, sorry, miss." He lifted the silver blade in his hand. "This isn't about money."

I desperately slammed on the gas, trying to break through the blockade.

But as soon as the car started, two werewolves blocked me from the sides.

One of them transformed into wolf form, its sharp claws slashing through the tires.

The car spun out of control and crashed into a roadside tree.

The massive impact left me dizzy, and pain surged through my abdomen.

The car door was violently yanked open, and I was dragged out.

"No!" I fought with all my strength. "Please, don't hurt my children!"

"Shut up!" The leader slapped me across the face.

I felt warm liquid flow from the corner of my mouth-it was blood.

"Hurry up," he barked at the others. "Make it look like an accident."

A werewolf strode toward me, the silver blade in his hand gleaming under the moonlight.

Despair engulfed me.

I closed my eyes, clutching my belly tightly. "I'm sorry, my babies. Mommy can't protect you anymore."

Just as the blade was about to pierce my abdomen, a furious howl ripped through the night.

Several massive wolves burst from the woods, led by one with dark fur, towering larger than any ordinary wolf.

It was Julian.

He lunged straight at the werewolf with the knife, his sharp teeth tearing through the other's wrist.

The silver blade clattered to the ground with a crisp sound.

The other wolves leapt into the fray, and the rogue werewolves were no match at all.

Julian's security team was well-trained; the battle ended within minutes.

"Ella!" Julian shifted back to human form and rushed to my side.

I collapsed on the ground, trembling all over.

The fight and the fear had drained all color from my face, leaving me gasping for breath.

Worse, the sharp pain in my abdomen made me realize the pups might be in danger.

"We have to get you out of here immediately," Julian said, helping me up, his expression grim.

"The original plan is too slow." He looked at my pale face, "We have to leave tonight."

I nodded, unable to speak.

The pain and fear threatened to swallow me whole.

But seeing the concern and determination in Julian's eyes, I knew I still had hope.

I still had the hope to survive.

Julian carefully helped me into his car.

"Ella," he said, holding my hand, "I won't let anyone hurt you again. I promise."

As the car sped away from the blood-soaked forest, I saw the corpses of the rogue werewolves strewn under the moonlight.

This was Selena's handiwork.

Perhaps it was my final confrontation with this place.

From now on, I would start a new life.

A life without Damian, without Selena, without pain.

But deep down, a voice snarled in a low whisper, "Remember tonight, Ella. Remember-they wanted to kill you and your children. One day, they will pay the price."