Bella's POV

I almost fell on top of the wounded man. It was still night before dawn. The man moaned in pain slightly. He must be one of the warriors who fought in the war. Before I disappeared from my pack, I thought of my father, and I wished to find him. I'm near the battlefield now. The weather was cold but not as bad as Jasper made everyone believe. I put my arms around me. The night was chilly. I needed to find a safe place to spend the rest of the night.

I looked at the warrior on the floor. He must have fought side by side with my father and brothers. They were all protecting our country. The least I could do was to help him. Moving him wouldn't be easy. The soldier was impressive. With massive hands and muscles. Even wounded on the floor, he looked threatening. I played with the ring on my left hand. It belonged to my mother.

My father told me how the ring worked, but he never wanted me to use it. He was always overprotective of me on that matter. I had already exposed myself when I used it to get away from Jasper. At least this is for a good cause. I kneeled closer to the soldier. Rubbing some of my blood on the ring, I wished for a sheltered place close by.

We appeared inside a cave. I rummaged inside my bag and grabbed a small blanket to put under his head. The light of dawn was shining through the cave's entrance. He was breathtakingly handsome, like a God. I found myself shuddering as I studied his face. I couldn't resist touching his perfectly defined features. When I touched his cheek, I felt like an electric current was coming from my hand. I retracted my hand instantly, but his eyes flew open. His golden eyes pierced through mine. They were cold and menacing, but they seemed to soften when he saw me.

"I won't hurt you," I said. "I will take care of you.!" He blinked a few times before his eyes closed again. I gathered some wood to make a small bonfire. The rest of the hours flew by as I spent them taking care of the handsome warrior. With the use of my ring. I gathered everything I needed to treat his wounds. If my father were here, he would've been appalled. I had used my ring so many times in one day, more than I had ever used it throughout my entire life.

"By the third day, the warrior seemed to be better. His wounds were starting to heal. The herbal medicine made him drowsy, though. I rarely saw him opening his eyes, but when he did, he would watch me intently, making me blush under his scrutinizing gaze. Sometimes, our eyes would lock, and I felt an increasing pull towards him. The electric tingles I felt every time I touched him were unsettling as well. He never fully woke up, though, and we were never able to have a conversation.

Later that day, I was going to gather some berries. I needed to take care of myself as well. The pregnancy was making me constantly nauseous. Sometimes, I had to force myself to eat something. I came to an abrupt stop when I saw the cave surrounded by warriors. My heart plummeted to my stomach. They didn't look friendly at all. They barged inside when they saw me. The tallest, meanest one looked at me threateningly.

"Search inside the cave." The burly and intimidating warrior said. He looked like he was their leader. The men scurried inside the cave, looking for something. They were dressed similarly to the wounded God inside the cave.

"Who are you, woman?" He asked icily. I retreated a few steps, fearing for my baby. I wetted my lips, feeling them dry. My mouth had probably been agape. Before I could say anything, profane exclamations were heard from inside the cave.

"Fuck! He's here, Dane!!" One of the soldiers yelled. The scary warrior named Dane almost pushed me when he ran inside. They were here for him. They sound happy to have found him. I saw Dane's cold demeanor change when he heard that the wounded God was here.

"Do not leave that woman out of your sight!" He growled. I fidgeted nervously. Who were these men? They all looked dangerous and powerful. I was sure they would harm me. I was tempted to use my ring, but one of the warriors grabbed my arm. "Do not attempt anything. You don't want to make him mad." He warned menacingly.

One of the men came back and dragged me forcefully inside the cave. My hands moved instinctively to my abdomen. We stopped near that Dane guy who was staring worriedly at the wounded warrior.

"Who did this to him?" His voice was laced with a dangerous edge. "Speak woman, if you value your life!" He snarled. He was clenching his fists. I could feel his anger rolling out in waves. Where were they when this happened to him if he was so important to them?

Usually, I would have something smart to say, but I didn't want to make this beast angrier. "I found him unconscious, and I brought him here." Before I even finished, I realized my big mistake. His eyes went wide, and then he sneered.

"Do you want me to believe that a fragile woman like you carried him to this cave? Who else helped you?." He stepped closer to me, trapping me between him and the cave's wall. "Look for her accomplices. Find them!" Roared Dane. He stepped back, making me release the breath I didn't know I was holding.

"There's no accomplices! I didn't do this to your... friend. You have to believe me!" I said frustratedly. He punched the wall above my head, making me flinch. He literally made a small dent in the solid rock. How strong were these people?

"Oh, I know you didn't do this to my...brother. It'd take more than a weak woman to bring him down. He was clearly ambushed. Someone else helped you, and I will make you talk one way or another." What does that even mean? How did I get involved in all of this? I was just trying to help. My breaths started to quicken. His look was murderous. I was in danger. I needed to make him understand he was wrong to judge me.

"That is not how it happened! You're horribly mistaken..!" I kept arguing but they all ignored me. He started barking orders to the werewolf warriors. Some of them brought a stretcher I didn't know they had.

"Seize her!" He ordered like I hadn't been threatened since the very beginning. "You will be treated as a suspect until my brother wakes up. You better be telling the truth. Otherwise, we will not show you mercy!" My heart sank. 2 soldiers restrained me and forcibly tied my hands. I was beginning to regret having helped Dane's brother. I stared at him on the floor. Oblivious to everything that was going on. If he were awake, he would tell them, but even though he was healing, the herbs and lack of proper food weakened him.

I saw them pull him out on the stretcher. He was too big for it, his legs were dangling. I was unceremoniously thrown in the back of one of their cars once we made it down the mountain. Dane had gotten impatient at my low pace and had thrown me over his shoulder when we were descending. All I could think of was my child. I can't reveal my identity to them. They would send me straight to Jasper. I prayed to the Goddess that Dane's brother woke up. Only he could save me now.

Bella's POV

I slept with one eye open. I didn't trust any of these people. At least they didn't hurt me physically, but they were starving me instead. My stomach was growling. I needed to eat something urgently. I caressed my stomach, promising my child I would find something to eat as soon as I could. The door of the cell opened with a squeaky sound, making me jump to my feet. In came Dane with a cup of steaming coffee, smelling like the heavens. The coffee, not him. My stomach growled. I was famished. I could almost taste the bitter yet smooth flavor of the coffee on my tongue.

He stood right in front of me. I had to throw my head back to lock eyes with him. Goddess that coffee smelled so good. For a minute, I thought he was going to hand it to me. He just smirked. I felt the need to kick him in the shins if he weren't this stupidly tall. He doesn't look anything like his brother, though. Even their hair color is different. Dane's hair is sandy blond, and his handsome brother has dark, wavy locks falling on his forehead. I shook my head. This was not the time for that.

Dane pointed at me with one finger, like I was some sort of misbehaving kid. "Do yourself a favor and start talking. You don't look good at all." I rolled my eyes at him. I was tired of repeating myself. What would it take for him to believe me? I forced myself to repeat it again.

"I'm tired of repeating myself, and you won't believe me. I found him lying on the ground, and then I..." He didn't even blink. He definitely didn't believe me, and he'll never do. They will just starve me to death or leave me in prison forever. I couldn't trust his brother to wake up and help me. He probably doesn't even remember me. He was badly wounded, and who knows when he will wake up. I will probably be dead by then. I can't use my ring either. They would hunt me down to the end of the world.

Dane's semblance changed. His brow furrowed. Someone was mind-linking him. He let his coffee cup drop and turned on his heel darting towards the exit. What a waste of coffee. The guard locked me up again. A few minutes passed. I don't even understand why they apprehended me. The most sensible thing to do was to thank me for helping Dane's brother. Instead, they were treating me as a conspirator. Just exactly, who is this supposed brother of Dane?

I can't stay here any longer. I will not leave my fate and my child's at the hands of these lunatics. I always had the utmost respect for warriors because my father and brothers were warriors themselves, but these warriors are nothing like my family. My family would never target innocent civilian women. I needed to escape now.

I had been hearing a lot of noise coming from outside for a while. It was building up with every second that passed. Could it be that the warrior has woken up? My heart started thudding. There was no way to know if he would jump to the same conclusion as the rest of them. My plan to escape wasn't the best, but I was going to try or die trying. It was now or never. I dropped to the floor, clutching my abdomen, screaming in pain.

"What's wrong with you, woman?" The warrior hit the cell's bars with a baton. He furrowed his brow in annoyance.

"Help me, please! It hurts!!" I gave it my all to my impromptu performance. I heard his keys hitting the bars noisily. He was opening the cell.

"Don't you dare die on me, woman. He's awakened, and if you had anything to do with his attack, he would want to be the one who finishes you." I found strength in those words and putting into practice everything I learned from my brothers, I grabbed him by the wrist, stealing his baton. I hit him right in the face. He was barely trying to react when I already had him in a chokehold. He was desperately trying to pull the button off of his neck, but soon he passed out.

I grabbed his keys quickly and my bag. They had left it with me after they had searched the contents. I locked the cell with the guard inside and threw the keys out of his reach. I grabbed the only cloak I had inside my bag and put it around my shoulders. With the hoodie, I covered my hair and most of my face. My jaw almost dropped when I saw the huge crowd gathered outside, and it seemed that more people continued to arrive. I sneaked past them, mixing with the crowd. It made it easier for me to pass inconspicuous. Soon, I was outside of that dreadful place.

I was going to have to use my ring again to gain distance from them. I couldn't shift to my wolf form while pregnant. I wished myself to be close to the nearest town. I needed food and a warm bed. Luckily, the warriors didn't take the little money I had inside my bag. It would be enough to stay in a hotel for a few days.

When I registered in the hotel, I didn't give them my real name. I was sure Jasper would be scouring the earth for me. The werewolf Parliament would never give him the rights of my father's pack without me. He is not a blood relative. He must be desperate. It gave me some kind of satisfaction imagining him losing control. My wolf has been quiet after everything that we went through. The death of my family, Jasper's betrayal, and then being kidnapped and imprisoned. Only the baby is keeping us from crumbling. I can't lose it. It would destroy me and my wolf.

I ordered room service before I took a most-needed bath. When I came out, the food was already there. Everything tasted so good. The pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh coffee, and delicious fruit. I hadn't been eating well for so many days. My heart squeezed. I prayed so much for a baby to now neglect my pregnancy. The Goddess knows it is not my fault. I'll do better now. Hopefully, Jasper and Dane won't find me here. I needed to try to look for my family first. If I don't find my brothers and my father, I will go to the Parliament to expose Jasper's betrayal of the mate bond and prevent him from taking over my pack. He could never have it.

I went straight to bed after I ate. I was exhausted. My head and my heart were still in turmoil, but when so many things were going on in my life, I couldn't even pick a problem to overthink about it. I fell asleep as soon as I placed my head on the pillow. I was safe for now. Tomorrow, I will search for my family.

Chad

My mouth felt parched. My head was going to explode, and the incessant beeping close by was making it worse. I opened my eyes, but the bright light in the room hurt my eyes. It took me a minute to adapt to the brightness. Where am I? I looked around, trying to recognize this place. It looked like I was in the pack's hospital. My wolf just woke me up. He's been complaining about Dane, nonstop. 'Dane, the idiot, he has imprisoned her, and you wouldn't wake up!' Said my wolf Cobalt with a snarl. No wonder my head throbs. He is utterly enraged. 'What are you talking about, Cobalt?'I asked. 'The fair woman who saved our lives, Dane imprisoned her! Do something!' The same anger started to build inside me as well.

'Dane, where the hell are you?! I'm awake! Report to me now!' I was still grudge, so the mind link went broadly to every member of Mountain's Peak pack. Great! In seconds, I was surrounded by doctors, and the buzzing of people outside was insane.

"How are you feeling, my King?" One of the doctors asked me. My head felt like a ton of bricks when I sat up. "Please, my King. You should be careful. Don't overexert yourself. You've been unconscious for so many days, out in the open." Days? I need to speak to Dane. I need to know what happened while I was unconscious. "Do you need something to eat now, King Chad?" The soft voice of the Dr. called me again.

"Later, but I will need in advance something stronger, like a bottle of scotch." I grabbed my head after I pulled off some of the needles in my arm. The Dr. gasped. "The throbbing on your head will subside in a few. Your body is still adapting to be conscious and moving again after a long time. We'll leave you for a bit while they bring your food and... scotch." She smiled softly.

As the doctors were leaving, Dane appeared by the door. He was agitated. "I told you already you can't go inside Alpha Terrence. The Lycan King will address his subjects once he is ready!" Dane growled.

"As a member of the council, I am entitled to see the Lycan King! I need to send a report affirming that he is in good health!" Said Terrence, not giving up.

"See? That's your problem there. You are an entitled prick." Said Dane, already losing his patience as he wrestled with the door trying to close it, but Terrance's protuberant belly was on the way.

"If you step one foot inside this room, Terrence, I'll throw you to the dungeons for a week!" I snarled. That seemed to discourage him. Dane entered, closing the door on Terrance's face.

" King Chad, it is good to see you awake." Said Dane, but he still had a look of concern on his face. 'Tell him to bring her.' Cobalt demanded. 'Easy Cobalt, I need him to tell me first what he knows.' Cobalt huffed annoyingly. He was overprotective of the mysterious woman already.

"How long was I out? How is everything around the pack?" I asked, feeling a little weary, I had never been unaware of what goes around me. My pack and country were my main priorities since I still hadn't found my mate. It's a matter that sometimes makes Cobalt feral.

"Well, after we won the war, we took our dead and the wounded back home as you ordered. That was five days ago. After the third day, when you never showed up, we started a search party." That long ago? I shuddered internally.

"I was ambushed on my way back after I separated from the 3 Alphas of the White Claw pack. I was attacked by 6 wolves, and I didn't recognize from what pack they were. They had the intention to kill me. I killed most of them, I was cornered near a cliff. The ground was loose, and I ended up falling to the bottom of the valley. Cobalt is strong. He gave me enough strength to run to the middle of the forest. It wasn't long after that that I fainted from exhaustion. If it wasn't for that woman, I would've been eaten by the beasts of the forests." Dane gulped suspiciously.

"Where is she, Dane? The woman that tended to my wounds and took care of me for days?" Dane went pale. I didn't like that at all. It seems Cobalt was right.

"Dane...! I know I didn't dream of her. I was barely conscious, but the few times I could open my eyes for fleeting seconds, she was always there. Pressing wet linens on my forehead. Cleaning my wounds, making me take sips of herbal teas. She saved my life, the life of your King. Where is she?!" I boomed.

"S... she is in one of the cells. We thought that she was at fault." He croaked. I never knew Dane's face could redden.

"She's what?!" I got up from the bed abruptly. I grunted when a sharp pain crossed through my abdomen. "Bring her here immediately, Dane! I can't believe this!" Even my wolf was outraged. I could feel his anger on behalf of my mysterious woman. My? Dane sprinted out of the room to fetch her. In all the years of knowing my friend and Beta, I had never seen him look so embarrassed.

I hope she can forgive us for her unjust treatment. I can't remember her features well, but I do remember the effort and dedication she took with my care. 'Throw him to the dungeons. Make Dane pay.' Cobalt, he is our Beta. He did it unknowingly. We will apologize to her, and we'll treat her as a guest of honor."' Cobalt wasn't fully convinced, but he settled for now.

Dane was taking longer than expected, and soon, Cobalt started complaining again. 'If he hurt her, I will take over your body and kill your beta.' Dane wouldn't. He has a soft spot for all women. He was raised by three of them. He wouldn't hurt her with a feather. I was about to argue with Cobalt when the door finally opened, revealing Dane alone. Cobalt snarled inside my head.

"Chad, she's gone. She knocked out her guard and escaped. I sent werewolves after her, but they couldn't find her. Which is weird because she has to cross the forest to get to the nearest town. She couldn't have done that in half a day, let alone an hour. The people I sent after her couldn't even trace her scent. I am sorry, I thought I was doing the right thing. If I had known, she would've been treated accordingly."

"Dane, I had always trusted your judgment. Of all the times you could've messed up, it had to be this time. If Cobalt kills you, don't blame me. He is pissed. I'd suggest you just step outside for a bit before he takes over and follows through." Dane stepped back.

"I will find her, Cobalt. I give you my word. She couldn't have gone so far. She is a little thing, and she doesn't know the forest as well as we do." Cobalt was not talking to him.

"A little thing that managed to knock out a trained warrior. You're not making sense, Dane. What did you tell her that made her run away? Forget it, don't answer that. She probably was scared to death, imprisoned in a strange pack. She was ready to risk it all when she decided to attack a warrior. She felt that she was in a life-or-death situation!" I felt sick, and Cobalt was ready to shift.

"I'll go search for her with you, Dane. Maybe if she sees me, she won't run again." 'Yes, let's go look for her, but no Dane.' Said Cobalt. I glanced towards Dane. He was on top of Cobalt's shit list for sure. 'We're taking Dane. He knows her.' Cobalt huffed again.

"Are you sure you should be traveling right now, Chad? It's almost going to be night. We should wait until tomorrow. You have still not recovered completely. Remember, we still don't know who was behind the attack. Now that you're awake, your wolf and you can heal faster. Tomorrow we should go to the nearest town." He was my Beta for a reason. He was always looking after my best interests. He was right. Tomorrow, I will feel better, and I will search under every single stone for her. The Lycan king will personally go fetch her.