Chapter 18

I was completely overwhelmed. I had no idea where I was and I couldn’t see anything. All I knew was that it was cold around me and the only other scent I could make out besides cheap cologne was dust and cement. If I had to guess I was in some large building, maybe an abandoned warehouse?

There’s shuffling all around me which confirms my fear of being severely outnumbered, giving me no hope of escaping on my own. Desperately I asked my wolf, “What are our chances of surviving?” My wolf answered: “This man doesn’t seem to want to kill you otherwise you’d be dead already. He’s only going to torture you for this list.”

Only. I felt frustrated and scared and I became increasingly panicked by the blindfold over my eyes. I hated not being able to see what was going on and I had no idea what list this man was talking about. I don’t have any lists.

“I don’t know,” I finally replied desperately, knowing that the only thing I could do is answer honestly. “Please, I have nothing to do with this, please let me go.”

I knew my begging would only get me so far, but maybe if I was convincing enough they’d see that I really was telling the truth and they would let me go. Perhaps they had the wrong person? I was just a nobody who was trying to earn enough money to live. What could these men possibly want with me?

“Think carefully now Eleanor. Did your father give you anything before he died?” The man asked, clearly amused by my fear and unsatisfied with my answer. His voice sounded vaguely familiar, but what really drew my attention was his words.

My father? What could this possibly have to do with him? My father died three years ago without leaving me any money or a place to live, let alone a list. The only thing I remember from that day was how stressed he seemed, and how he rushed out of the house telling me to take care of myself. He hadn’t even told me he loved me before he was hurrying away, only to never come back. I shook my head and swallowed back the lump that welled in my throat at the thought of my father.

“No,” I was certain. “My father didn’t leave me anything before he died, I swear.”

“Maybe she needs a little persuasion. There are other ways to get her to talk, so let’s really interrogate her and she’ll give us the truth,” another voice chimed in from somewhere nearby. This voice was huskier, less calm and more aggressive. I instinctively flinched as I heard a loud footstep come towards me.

“Back off, she is valuable to us in more than one way,” the man said before turning his attention back to me. Valuable? What value could I bring to these people? “Eleanor, why don’t you tell me more about your father.

What did he do before he left you?” I knew I was being tested and I didn’t want to give these men the truth. I figured my only chance was to stall for time so I started to come up with nonsense that could pass for the truth. Maybe I could tell them he had given me jewels or riches, perhaps they’d forget about this list and be bribed instead.

But then I felt a tug — my wolf was signaling to me that Lorenzo was nearby. Could I really trust that instinct though? What if I was just being hopeful and my wolf was playing tricks on me as a coping mechanism? I tried to concentrate on the tug in my gut and see if it was anything more than just nerves. But, before I could register anything else, a thundering howl cut through the air and was then joined by a chorus of at least a dozen more. I then heard someone running into the room.

“Sir, it’s the alpha of the Black Moon accompanied by at least 20 warriors,” a new voice said, clearly out of breath and panicked. Something in my chest settled as the energy in the room changed; it was as if all of these mens’ pride had disappeared and been replaced with fear just at the thought of Lorenzo approaching.

“It’s said that the Black Moon’s warriors are very powerful,” the same voice spoke up again. “Sir, we are no match for them and they will easily outnumber us. Is this girl even worth it?” After a beat of silence, the man in front of me hummed and I heard footsteps begin to retreat. I must not have been worth it to whoever captured me. But then I felt fingers pinch the back of my neck and my head was dragged back.

“This isn’t over darling. I look forward to our next meeting Eleanor,” the man said in a low tone so sweet it almost made me sick. His breath was hot on my ear and it sent shivers down my spine. Every fiber of my being wanted to get away. What kept nagging at me thought

But he pulled away and the rest of the men retreated. My eyes were still covered and I tried and failed to pull against my bonds. I eventually grew too tired and gave up, only giving myself leave at the thought of Lorenzo being near. After what seemed like endless waiting in the dark, I heard the warehouse's iron door being kicked open, and footsteps approached me and untied my hands. There was shouting in the distance, but all I could focus on was being pulled into a familiar embrace. Warm hands removed my blindfold, and I looked up to see Lorenzo's handsome face bathed in light.