Chapter 19

NINETEEN

L ena's drive home from her mom's house was usually an easy ride where she used to unwind, the quiet of the car a stark contrast to the bustling noise of her day hanging out with her mom and the rest of the family.

The familiar route with its winding roads flanked by dense forests always brought her a sense of peace. But tonight, her senses were on high alert. The shadows of the trees seemed to stretch longer, more ominous, as if forewarning her of danger.

As she rounded a particularly secluded bend, the sudden, harsh glare of headlights in her rearview mirror shattered the tranquility of her drive. A vehicle, dark and imposing, was gaining on her rapidly, its intentions unclear but undeniably aggressive.

Lena's heart skipped a beat, her grip tightening on the steering wheel as she tried to maintain her composure and speed. What the hell? She tried to move over a little to give the other car the chance to go around her. She really didn't want this person on her ass her entire drive, but they stayed behind her.

"Come on," she muttered. "Just go around me."

The bright headlights blinded her and she waved the car around her. Nothing.

"What a jerk. Are you seriously going to make me pull off the road to let you go past me?" she grumbled.

Before she could formulate a plan, the vehicle was upon her, its bumper nearly kissing hers in a dangerous dance. Panic flared within her as she realized these weren't just reckless drivers; this was a targeted pursuit. The emblem emblazoned on the side of the pursuing vehicle, barely visible in the fleeting light, confirmed her worst fears—the Hillside Pack.

Oh, god.

Lena's mind raced, thoughts of Alex, their shared moments, and the promise of a future together flashing through her mind in stark contrast to her present peril. She needed to escape, to get to safety, but the isolated road offered little in the way of refuge.

The shifter gang made their move, their vehicle swerving to sideswipe her car, a clear intent to force her off the road. Lena fought to keep control, but the impact was too harsh. Her car veered off the asphalt, the world tilting dangerously as it tumbled down the embankment, coming to a jarring stop as it slammed against a tree.

Dazed and disoriented, Lena struggled to comprehend what had happened. Pain flared across her body, sharp and demanding attention, but survival instincts kicked in. She needed to get out, to hide before they came for her.

But as she attempted to extricate herself from the wreck, the sound of approaching footsteps froze her in place. Through the shattered window, she saw them—the same guys from the last attack. The members of the Hillside Pack, their faces twisted in grim satisfaction as they closed in on her.

Panic surged, a primal fear of the end drawing near. She searched desperately for a means of defense, her hand closing around the small flashlight she kept in the door pocket. It was a feeble weapon, but it was all she had.

"I've got you now, weak little human," the guy with the neck scar, who she assumed was the leader, said with a growl. "Let's see how Alex handles losing his mate."

He yanked the mostly torn door off her car, leaving her exposed.

She swallowed hard and readied to swing the flashlight at him.

Just as he reached her, a loud siren pierced the night, the flashing lights of a police cruiser cutting through the darkness. The Hillside Pack members hesitated, their resolve faltering under the unexpected arrival of law enforcement.

The guy with the scar met her gaze. "I'll get you next time."

She blinked and the shifters were gone. She realized she'd been holding her breath and let it out slowly.

"Hello?" the officers called out. "Are you okay?"

She tried to move but couldn't. "I'm pinned in my car."

"Don't worry, miss. We'll get help."

Thank god. Lena's relief gave way to the pain of her injuries, the adrenaline that had sustained her thus far receding. When an ambulance arrived, she allowed herself to be helped from the wreckage, the reality of her narrow escape settling in.

In the antiseptic calm of the hospital room, Lena lay propped up by a mountain of pillows, the dull ache of her injuries a constant reminder of the night's terror. The atmosphere changed dramatically as her mother burst into the room like a storm front, her energy alone enough to stir the sterile environment into a frenzy.

"All right, where is he? I'm ready to turn someone into a human pretzel. Who dares to lay a finger on my baby girl?" her mother demanded, eyes blazing with a ferocity that could rival any shifter's. Her hands were poised on her hips, ready for battle, her purse no doubt harboring an arsenal of makeshift weapons.

Alex followed closely behind, his expression grim, a stark contrast to the animated outrage pulsating from Lena's mother. His jaw was set, a visible sign of the storm of anger brewing beneath his calm exterior.

Lena, despite the pain, couldn't suppress a giggle followed by a groan at the sight of her mother, who seemed to grow more incensed with every passing second, her indignation a live wire sparking in the tranquility of the hospital.

"Oh, you think this is funny?" her mother turned to her, eyebrows raised in mock offense before softening. "I swear, Lena, if I had my way, the Earth would be scorched of anyone who even thought of harming you."

Alex moved to stand beside Lena's bed, his hand finding hers, his touch a grounding force.

"We're going to make sure this doesn't happen again," he said, his voice a low rumble, every word laced with a promise of protection and vengeance.

Lena's mother, however, wasn't done. She pivoted toward Alex, her earlier fury morphing into a different kind of inquisition. "And you! Mr. Big, Bad Wolf, where were you when my daughter was being turned into roadkill? What's the use of having all those teeth and growls if you can't keep her safe?"

Alex's response was measured, his anger at the situation clear, but so was his respect for Lena's fiery mother. "I assure you, I'm doing everything in my power to ensure Lena's safety. This won't go unpunished." His eyes flashed gold as he met Lena's gaze. "I promise."

Unsatisfied but momentarily placated, Lena's mother huffed, then turned back to Lena, her mood shifting like quicksilver. "Well, since you're okay and apparently dating Superman here, when can I expect some grandbabies? You know, someone new to worry about and protect from the world's evils."

Lena blinked and watched her mother wink at her.

The room filled with Lena's laughter, the tension breaking like a wave upon the shore.

Alex, however, didn't miss a beat, his voice steady but his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and a deep-seated promise. "We're taking things one step at a time. But Lena's safety and happiness are my priorities. And yes, that includes shielding her from overly enthusiastic future grandmothers."

Lena's mother narrowed her eyes at Alex, but a smirk played on her lips. "Fine, but just remember, I've got my eye on you, Mr. Wolf. By this time next year, there better be a new grandchild in my arms."

"Mom!"

Alex squeezed Lena's hand. "I believe our mothers have made a pact to get a grandchild out of us sooner rather than later."

"You better believe it," Lena's mom said with a grin.