3. Lena

The massive shifter glances at me what seems like every five seconds. He keeps lifting his hands off the wheel as though he's going to touch me too, but to my relief, he doesn't. There's a thick tension, a heat I can't describe, but fear is what outweighs everything.

What have I done?If Shadow finds us…we're dead.

The silence has stretched the entire drive, apart from me reassuring the pups that everything was fine and to sleep. I glance in the back seat, continuing to ignore the shifter who helped us, and watch my niece and nephew breathe easily in their sleep.

After an hour and a half of driving, I've only just now given up the fear that they're following us. I kept looking back with a sick tension in the pit of my stomach and the instinct still hasn't quite left me. The lump in my throat hasn't diminished in the least, and I can't stop thinking about what Shadow would do to me if he caught me this time. I swallow in an attempt to breathe and look back to Addy and Reece again; they're still huddled together in the back under a blanket. Peacefully sleeping I hope. I'm far too aware nightmares could follow them, but I pray they don't.

The smells of dirt and blood fill the car, but more than that is the fear that radiates from the pups. My heart aches at the memory of their terror-filled eyes. My poor niece and nephew. I want to climb into the back with them, but they sleep easier together just the two of them, so there's no room to lay…that and I feel frozen in my seat with this stranger's sharp silver eyes on me.

I don't understand. I don't know what to think. A small part of me is relieved to be away from Shadow, but the rest of me is terrified of the unknown. I have no clue what's going on and it's hard to be grateful when I know a worse fate could be waiting for me.

"Who are you?" I dare to ask, the questions and thoughts scream in my head, demanding answers. My whispered question finally breaks the silence.

I don't remember him from my old pack; I have no memory of him at all. My eyes fall as I realize he couldn't have come from my pack; they're all dead. The lump grows thicker in my dry throat, and I struggle to take a breath of air.

I need to keep myself together for the pups' sake, but I start to tremble as I realize I've given this shifter control by getting in this car with him. I'm at his mercy and I have no idea why he's come for me. I'm reminded of my vulnerability as the pup growing inside of me kicks against my ribs. I close my eyes and wince as I absorb the painful blow. My little wolf. As the pinching pain subsides, the hint of relief comes over me. He's okay. My baby is okay. We've survived this long, we can make it another day. My hand finds my belly and I close my eyes for a brief moment of calm. Just one day at a time.

The werewolf's large hands twist on the wheel and the movement and sound have my eyes darting to him once again. He looks at me from the corner of his eye again.

"Jude." His low, baritone voice sends a shot of heat through me, and an unwarranted desire heats my core. My heart sputters in my chest. I have no clue where that came from; I have no right to be feeling this way toward him. He's a beast of a man, taking up space with his broad shoulders. His chiseled jaw looks rough with its stubble.

As I find myself eyeing him, my breathing shallows and I clear my throat while I readjust in my seat. It protests my movement with a groan and instinctively I look back to check on the children. The movement is accompanied with another pang of pain. One that is short lived but other pains shine through. My lower back is killing me and I can't get comfortable. Not that being uncomfortable is unusual at this point in my pregnancy.

Jude pushes a button on the dash of his car. "Give it a minute to heat the seat"—his eyes find mine—"it'll help with the pain."

His voice is full of concern. It's kind of him to care, but he's already done enough.

Something about his tenor makes me feel at ease, like it's going to be all right. As the seat warms, he's right, it eases the pain. I'm slow to relax, but then I find myself staring at the side of his gorgeous face. He's handsome yet rugged. There's mud on the scruff of his five o'clock shadow, traveling up to his high cheek bones; he's classically handsome with his short, dark hair and piercing silver eyes. He turns to look at me and I shift in my seat to stare out of the window and avoid his questioning gaze.

As the heat slowly warms my back, I feel a radiating ache travel from my lower back down to the front of my thighs. I push both my palms against my legs to alleviate the pain while my eyes close tightly and my toes curl. I hold in my whimper and breathe out deeply. It's not that bad of a pain and it's not the first time I've felt it. I've learned to be as quiet as I can. They've been coming and going this past week. As the pain subsides, I relax back into the seat. Jude's watching me instead of the road, which makes me uneasy.

"I'm fine." I push the words out as the uncomfortable sensation wanes.

"You're not." His words are low and absolute.

"I am. They're just Braxton Hicks. They're fake contractions." I lower my gaze to my scraped knees which have mostly healed. "I promise it's nothing more." I don't think he would go through all this trouble to kick me out of his car if I were to go into labor, but I don't want to risk it. I'm getting close to the end of my pregnancy, but it's been hard tracking the weeks. The lonely days have blurred together and I'm not even sure at which point I came to carry Shadow's young.

I feel the blood drain from my face as the overwhelming sadness washes over me. Just the thought of my mate makes my heart clench in agony. I don't feel any regret that I've left him; I just feel weak and dejected that I'll forever be alone. Every memory is dark and brutal. I rub my belly, feeling a bit of peace, at least I have my pup. I'll do everything I can to do right by him.

"We're almost home." Jude's words bring me back to reality. Home? I glance in the back of the car to see both pups are still soundly asleep.

"Where are you taking us?" My voice is weak and breaks at the end of the question. The anxiety I felt when we first got in the car has returned.

"Home." His simple answer doesn't ease my worry. Anxiousness riddles its way through me. He gently places his large hand on my thigh and my body stills from his touch. I close my eyes just as another radiating wave of pain begins in my lower back. I breathe deep, but this time I don't move my hand to my upper thighs since his hand would be in my way. I dig my heels into the floor of the car and breathe through the uncomfortable pain. Once it's gone, I realize he's taken his hand away from me and is gripping the wheel with a force that's turned his knuckles white.

"What do you mean ‘home'?" I have to push through these questions and figure out what I've gotten us into. I let out a slow, shaky breath before asking, "Are we staying with your pack?"

"Yes." His one-word answer doesn't ease my worries in the least.

He looks out of the window while I stare at my dirty feet on the floor. I just can't look at him without feeling nauseated. My chest hurts and I rub the growing knot of pain.

I nod my head and swallow before asking, "Whose pack is it? Who sent you?"

"The Shadow Falls pack." My body freezes with fear. I know that name. It's Shadow's old pack. Tears prick my eyes as I realize why I've been taken. Shadow wanted to hurt their pack, and tried to take their mates, so Devin sent someone after me.

I close my eyes tight to avoid crying, but the pain comes back. I wish it would stop; I have more important things to concern myself with now. I need to know what they plan to do with me and my family. My hands push against my thighs and my shoulders hunch forward. I try to relax my body to loosen the pain, but in this position it's so hard to get comfortable.

"We're almost there." His words are meant to be reassuring based on his tone, but all they do is terrify me. I've been taken by my mate's enemy, and I have no clue how I'm going to get out of this. My mantra rings in my head, one day at a time, but I don't want to think like that. Not when Addy and Reece are involved.

"What are you going to do to us?" My breath stalls as I ask; I need to know. I need to know they'll be all right no matter what plans they have for me.

His silver eyes finally meet mine, but I can't keep his gaze. I'm terrified that they're going to use us against Shadow, or worse, send us back. I hear him swallow before answering, "I'm keeping you. You belong to me."

A numbing heat washes over me as fear settles in my bones.

I've merely changed hands of captors.

With staggered breathing, I attempt to remain calm. I nod stiffly, acknowledging his words, as tears slip down my cheeks.

"What about Addy and Reece?" I swallow thickly, praying that he'll show me kindness.

"They'll stay with us." He turns the wheel and immediately the car starts rocking unsteadily as we drive down a gravel road. I close my eyes and try to even my breathing. As long as my family is safe, we'll get through this. I don't have any other choice but to do my best to survive. I will survive.

Before I've had a moment to really pull myself together, the car slows and comes to a stop. I open my eyes to see an enormous house in front of us. The driveway is a semicircle that leads to a stone path and large entry. I've never seen such a beautiful home. Jude's hand grabs mine and he squeezes. "I promise you'll be all right. I'll take care of you." His voice is soft and comforting and I find myself believing him, but then a flash of Shadow comes to the forefront of my mind. My body stiffens. He said the same words. He said he'd take care of me. I look back up at the house and it no longer holds its appeal. It's merely a gilded cage. I won't let myself be conned with fantasies. Not again. I won't let it happen again.

I lower my head in shame for hoping for more than what this reality is. I've been taken by the enemy of my mate and given to one of his pack members. I look into Jude's silver gaze and bite the inside of my cheek, thinking maybe he'll treat me better.

But why would he?Just as the thought strikes me another wave of pain grows in my back and moves slowly to my front and down my thighs.

"I'll get the pups, we have plenty of room."

Before I can answer, Jude's already gotten up and out of his seat and shut the car door. He moves to the back seat to get the pups and I know I should do the same. I move through the pain, breathing slow deliberate breaths out of my mouth in through my nose as I open the door and scramble out. I lean against the back of the car as I hear him shut the opposite door. With the soft click of the door closing, I look up to see him carrying both sleeping pups. Part of me is relieved that I won't have to carry them, I'm exhausted and just want to rest; but the other part of me is ashamed that I can't take care of my only remaining family.

I watch him as he makes his way around the car with Addison sleeping on his right shoulder, open mouthed and drooling; and Reece asleep on his left, reminiscent of a peaceful little angel. I'm all too aware that I shouldn't feel this sense of calm without knowing what's to come. It's short lived anyway; the air is knocked out of me as my little pup kicks me again. I grunt and close my eyes. My strong little wolf.

"Do you need a healer?" I open my eyes slowly to see an enormous, muscular wolf in front of me. His face is all sharp edges, and waves of dominance and power wash off him. The Alpha, Devin. I feel an urge to bow to him, but his hand reaches out and braces my elbow. "You don't look well." His voice is strong and emotionless. He's merely stating a fact.

Anxiousness creeps through me.

"Yes, she needs a healer." Jude answers for me and I hunch my shoulders forward realizing I'm not needed to speak. I nod my head slightly and walk with the men up the steps to the house.

"Do you think they'll follow you here?" Devin speaks over me to Jude.

"It would be easier, but I don't think they will. We'll have to go to them." I part my lips in shock as the air leaves my lungs. They're going after Shadow's pack.

The echoes of our footsteps are hollow as the beautifully carved front door opens and we enter the estate.

"They're here!" A feminine squeal draws my eyes across the spacious entry to a large and modern kitchen. My jaw nearly drops at the luxury. It's been years since I've even seen a kitchen, and it wasn't even close to being this nice.

"Hush, the children are sleeping." Hearing those words from the Alpha is odd, but even more strange is watching a small human walk past him and straight to me. I almost back away, but she wraps her arms around me. She smells wonderful and I immediately feel sickened at my appearance in comparison, but she doesn't seem to notice. If she does, she doesn't let on.

A human and a wolf, the connection between them is as obvious as it is confusing. She cannot be the Alpha mate, can she?

The dirt from my clothing clings to the human's clothes when she releases me. "Welcome to the pack." A bright smile lights her face as she whispers in a hushed tone.

"Aw look at them sleeping." A low, sing-song voice whispers from a tall blonde to my right, another human. I should be grateful that the confusion and shock replace the uncertainty and fear. She places a hand over her heart and a small smile grows on her face as she watches Jude carry Addy and Reece into a room opposite the kitchen. I instantly follow, my heart racing and my head filled with questions. I need to know exactly where he's taking them. I'm grateful for their kindness, but I don't trust it.

He lays them down so gently on the sofa, carefully so they remain asleep. I can barely breathe watching the Alpha rest a blanket over them before looking back at Jude, not saying a word out loud, but it's more than obvious they're speaking through the bond.

"We're converting the guest wing for the kids." The blonde whispers and I'm not quite sure who she's talking to.

"Yeah we don't need it. I just cleared out the last of my things." I barely hear the brunette talk behind me as I watch Jude take a step back and give the pups space to sleep. His eyes peer into mine as he murmurs "they'll be all right" and motions for us to back slowly away. Cautiously, I do. I follow them.

"We have so much to buy for them. If you'd called us, we would've had everything ready." Jude huffs at the blonde's joking admonishment. It dawns on me that they must've been talking through their pack bond while we were driving. "The guys are gonna watch the pups until we get back. Do you want anything in particular or can I have free rein to shop?" It takes me a moment to realize the question was directed at me. The perky blonde stares at me expectantly. I can't help my blank stare. I don't know what I expected, but this wasn't it. I'm so out of my element and I don't know what's expected of me. I'm afraid if I say the wrong thing, I'll be punished.

Jude's hands brace my shoulders as he once again speaks over me. "Buy everything they need. Just don't take too long."

"Thirty minutes, tops." She retorts, and her smile dims slightly as she looks back at me but she's quick to correct it. I can only imagine what they're saying through their bond.

My eyes focus on the floor as another round of pain settles in my lower back and works its way to my front. I have to close my eyes and suppress the low moan clawing at me to get out. They continue to talk, and I do my best to stay out of the way and stay quiet. I try my damndest to just get through this pain without alerting them.

I don't know what to say. I'm grateful for their warm welcome, but I don't understand it and my instinct is to leave. I open my mouth, but words fail to escape my dry throat. I suddenly feel cold, and I wrap my arms around my shoulders. I focus on the floor again, unsure of myself and what I should be doing.

"Would you like a shower, Lulu?" Hearing my nephew's nickname for me from the handsome, masculine shifter forces a small, sad pang of a laugh from my lips.

After a moment I'm able to answer, "Lena."

"Lena." There's a hint of awe in Jude's voice and it commands me to look into his silver eyes. They're soft and they call to me. Small wrinkles form around his eyes to make him look even more attractive. My body wants me to lean into his embrace, but I refrain from giving into the temptation. I'm tired and aching everywhere.

"Would you like a shower, Lena? We have clothes for you."

Tears prick at the kindness, and I realize I may have thought the worst. I would give anything for a shower.

"Please." I finally answer his question. He looks back at me with a mix of uncertainty and hopefulness.

"Please what?"

"The shower." My voice is small as I tear my gaze away from his.

"This way." His strong hand presses against the small of my back just as another false contraction rips through me. It's more than irritating at this point. I walk through the pain and do my best not to let it get to me. I need to keep a level head and not get distracted. Jude rubs his hand along my back, and I find it relaxing and comforting. So much so that my eyes start to drift. I follow the sound of his shoes hitting the floor and let him lead me.

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather have a bath?" His question makes me open my eyes and look up at him. A comforting smile plays at his lips, but concern is most evident on his handsome face.

I shake my head. I'm covered in filth. The river has been too cold for me to wash lately. I really need to clean myself. Of everything. "A shower please." I can't help that my words come out as though I'm begging. Quite frankly, I would beg if he asked me to or rather, if he demanded.

I don't get the sense that he'll be doing much asking. The thought sends a chill through my body. It's been so long since I've even seen a shower. I'd give anything to be bathed in hot water. My head rocks as a wave of dizziness washes over me. At the same time another bout of pain nearly collapses my body. This one is much stronger than the last few. I have to stop and lean against the wall. Jude keeps his hands on me, and I find myself pushing him away. The pain in my legs makes me crouch forward to put pressure against my thighs. It feels so much better with the pressure from my hands, but my back still fucking hurts.

Jude waits patiently, gently rubbing my back even though I pushed him away. If he's going to have his hands on me I wish he'd push harder. I need pressure to ease this pain. I can't open my mouth to speak though, instead I just concentrate on breathing. For the first time I wonder if this is it, but my water hasn't broken, so I doubt I'm truly in labor. I breathe through my nose as the contraction wanes, and I gain control of my composure again.

"Are you sure you're all right?" I hear Jude's strong voice and simply nod in response. I walk forward with my eyes mostly closed. I just need a shower and a nap. That's all. Then I'll feel better.

"I know there's a lot you need, but anything at this moment? Is there anything I can do?"

It's shocking to hear his softly worded question. There's a tension between us as I stare up into his gaze and I gently shake my head.

I nearly weep as he leads me into the room. His bathroom is larger than my pathetic hut back at camp. The walls and floor are made of large rectangular slats of white marble with gray streaks. There's a large, egg-shaped bath in the center of the room and the entire back wall is a walk-in shower with three shower heads, one in the ceiling and the two on either side of the stall. A large pane of glass makes up the door. It's gorgeous and so clean it's nearly sterile. The sight makes me feel so out of place. It emphasizes my insignificance and filth.

If this is all a trick, it's cruel.

"I don't feel comfortable leaving you." Jude's voice sounds odd. He sounds unsure for the first time. I turn to face him with my arms wrapped around my body. I swallow before looking into his eyes. He's asking me for permission, sort of. At least it seems as though his eyes are asking for my permission for him to stay. I nod my head slightly.

"Could you just stay outside the door?" He's made it clear that he intends to keep me, though I'm not quite sure why yet or what he plans to do with me, but I can only imagine one reason.

"I'd rather not. You don't seem stable." His voice is soft and low, nearly apologetic. "I could stare at the wall, if you'd rather. But I'd like to see you and make sure you're well."

His cadence and carefully chosen words leave me at his mercy.

I nod and slowly start to peel off the dirty clothes from my body. My fingers drift over my bare, swollen stomach. I can feel the little indents from the stretch marks on the lower half of my belly. I haven't thought much of them since they appeared. It's not as though anyone was going to see them. I look down and see that I now have several marks along the outside of my breasts also. They've swollen recently, but I hadn't realized they'd give me stretch marks as well. I put my insecurities behind me and drop the clothes in a dirty pile on the clean, white floor and walk forward with purpose. I keep my head down and avoid eye contact with Jude. I can hear him walking behind me, but he's at least giving me some distance.

I have to uncross my arms to open the door to the shower, but I hesitate. I don't like him watching me. It feels so wrong. If he senses my uneasiness, he doesn't show it. His large frame closes in on me as I step into the shower. I turn to stare at him; he's fully clothed, yet he doesn't stop outside of the stall. He reaches past me, making me take a small step back closer to the tiled wall as my hands grip my shoulders, allowing my forearms to cover my breasts. I watch as he turns the dials for the shower head and a spray of water comes down behind me, just missing my body. I back against the other side of the stall while he gauges the temperature of the water. I don't need him to do this, and the act itself is filling my head with more and more questions. I wish he would just leave me be, but I'm in no position to ask for anything. I should be grateful and ensure he has no reason to be upset with me.

After another short moment, I get my wish.

"I'll wait outside. I'll be listening though, so if you need anything, don't hesitate."

I don't reach his eyes even though I can feel his gaze on me. I only nod and whisper, "Thank you."

Perhaps it's the pain, perhaps it's gratitude…maybe it's the fear. I don't know why I don't feel more violated. It could be the sheer exhaustion.

As I hear the door close, my entire body feels heavier and sags. My legs are weak as I walk slowly into the spray of hot water and rest my forehead against the cold wall. I try to relax my shoulders under the spray, but my body seems to ache more and more as the time passes. The warmth is welcoming, but it's not enough to settle this uneasiness running through me. I stay there, under the spray, for a long time, just wishing the pain would go away. All of the pain.

I hesitantly reach for the bottle of soap sitting on the corner shelf. It's not mine. None of this is mine. I think he intended for me to use it, but I still hesitate. I feel so unsure and unsteady. I stand under the flowing streams staring at the bottle but decide not to use it. I don't want to make him or anyone else angry. He's been kind so far; I don't want to give him a reason to be upset. The water will be enough. I run my fingers through my hair to try to untangle the knots. I struggle for a few moments and then decide to just let the water run through it more before I try again.

I rub my belly as I feel the pressure of another contraction growing in my lower back. I lean forward and put my hands where I need them on my upper thighs and breathe through the pain. A low moan vibrates through my body as I sway with the contraction. The deep moan makes the pain seem somewhat bearable. I feel hot and exhausted, and I wish it would just stop. If only these contractions would let up for a little while. I just need a break so I can rest.

I don't even realize Jude's come into the bathroom until his voice is right behind me.