Reyna’s POV
I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the moonlight filtering through the curtains. My thoughts were a tangled mess, replaying every word and glance Stephanie had exchanged earlier. Who was Sarah? And why had Steph looked so startled when she saw me?
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Something wasn’t right, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that Steph was hiding something big. But what could it be? We had always been close, so why would she keep secrets now? My chest tightened as doubt crept in. Maybe I was overthinking it… or maybe not.
I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was late, and exhaustion pulled at me, but my mind refused to rest. I stood and began preparing for bed, hoping sleep might offer some clarity. Slipping into my nightgown, I walked over to the vanity to brush my hair. As I stared at my reflection, I couldn’t help but notice how weary I looked. Tonight had been a whirlwind of revelations and emotions, and it was taking its toll.
Just as I set the brush down, a faint noise broke the silence. My heart jumped, and I froze, listening intently. The sound came again a soft rustling, like fabric brushing against wood. It was coming from the window.
I turned slowly, my pulse quickening. “Stephanie?” I called out, hoping it was her. Maybe she wanted to explain herself. Maybe I was wrong about her.
But no one answered.
The noise shifted, this time from the door. I spun around, my eyes darting between the window and the door. What is going on?
“Stephanie, is that you?” I called again, my voice trembling slightly.
Still no answer.
A sinking feeling settled in my stomach, and I instinctively stepped back toward the center of the room. Then it hit me a faint, acrid scent in the air. My nose wrinkled as I caught the distinct smell of wolf’s bane. Oh no. My breath hitched as fear coursed through me. Someone was here, and they weren’t friendly.
Before I could react, the door creaked open. My heart pounded in my chest as two large, armed men stepped into the room, their faces obscured by shadows. My voice caught in my throat as I stumbled back, panic surging through me.
“Who-who are you?” I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.
One of the men chuckled darkly. “You don’t need to know who we are,” he said, his tone cold and menacing.
I swallowed hard, glancing around the room for something anything that I could use as a weapon. My gaze landed on a decorative vase near the bed, but before I could reach for it, the second man moved closer, blocking my path.
“Stay back!” I shouted, my voice breaking slightly as I tried to put on a brave front.
The first man smirked. “We don’t have time for this,” he said, nodding to his companion.
Before I could process what was happening, a third figure appeared from the shadows. He moved swiftly, and before I could scream, he clamped a cloth over my nose and mouth. The pungent scent of wolf’s bane overwhelmed me, and I struggled against his grip, kicking and thrashing with all the strength I had.
“No-let me go!” I tried to yell, but the words came out muffled and weak.
My vision blurred as the toxins took effect. My head grew heavy, my limbs numb. The room spun around me, and I felt myself sinking, my struggles growing weaker by the second.
The last thing I heard was the faint laughter of one of the men as darkness swallowed me whole.
___
Diane’s POV
The chill of the night air was invigorating as I stood by the gate, my heart pounding with anticipation. The faint hum of the van’s engine grew louder, and a wicked grin spread across my face when I saw them approach. Through the dim headlights, I spotted Reyna’s limp body, draped over one of the men’s shoulders. Finally.
As they stepped out, I approached briskly. “Did anyone see you?” I asked, my voice sharp but laced with satisfaction.
“No one, Alpha Damon’s guards ensured the perimeter was clear,” one of them replied confidently.
“Good.” I glanced at Reyna, her unconscious form a reminder of my victory. “Get her in the van. We’re wasting time.”
The men nodded and loaded her into the vehicle with practiced ease. I climbed in, seating myself comfortably while they secured Reyna in the back. The van roared to life, and we sped off into the night, leaving the pack’s territory behind.
—
Alpha Damon’s estate loomed in the darkness, a fortress of stone and power. As the van pulled into the driveway, I stepped out first, surveying the area. Two of Damon’s men immediately approached, taking Reyna from the van and carrying her inside.
“She goes to one of the spare rooms,” I instructed curtly. “Lock the door and make sure she’s secure.”
They nodded without a word, disappearing into the house with her. Satisfied, I adjusted my coat and headed toward Damon’s office.
—
The scent of expensive whiskey filled the air as I entered. Damon was seated behind his massive mahogany desk, the dim light casting shadows across his chiseled features. He looked up as I stepped in, his lips curling into a sly smile.
“Diane,” he greeted, raising his glass. “You’ve outdone yourself.”
I smirked, taking a seat across from him. “I told you I’d deliver, didn’t I?”
He leaned back in his chair, studying me with a mix of admiration and amusement. “Indeed. The girl is here, and with her in my possession, the tide turns in my favor.”
“Good,” I said, my tone cold. “Now it’s time for you to hold up your end of the bargain.”
Damon’s smile widened. “Oh? And what is it that you want, Diane?”
I leaned forward, my eyes burning with determination. “I want Marcus, Jake, and John to pay. They’ve taken everything from me-my status, my influence, my dignity. I want them to suffer, to feel the weight of their mistakes.”
Damon swirled the whiskey in his glass, his expression contemplative. “Consider it done,” he said finally, setting the glass down with a decisive thud.
A wave of satisfaction washed over me, but I kept my composure. “Good. Because once they realize Reyna is gone, they’ll come for her. And when they do, I want them crushed.”
Damon nodded, a dark gleam in his eyes. “War is inevitable now, Diane. But don’t worry-I’ve been preparing for this moment. Jake and John won’t know what hit them.”
I allowed myself a small smile, standing up. “I’ll leave the battle plans to you. Right now, I need rest. Tomorrow will be the beginning of the end for them.”
Damon stood as well, extending a hand. “You’ve proven your loyalty, Diane. I’ll make sure you’re rewarded when all this is over.”
I shook his hand, the weight of victory settling over me. As I turned to leave, a sinister thought crossed my mind. Let them come. Let them try to take her back. They’ll find only ruin waiting for them.
—
I walked down the dimly lit corridor, my heels clicking against the polished floor. The tension of the night had evaporated, replaced by a sense of triumph. Reyna was no longer a threat, and soon, neither would Marcus, Jake, or John be.
When I reached the guest room where Reyna was being held, I paused outside the door. The faint sound of her breathing was audible through the thick wood. A part of me wanted to go in, to see her vulnerable and helpless, but I resisted. There would be time for that later.
For now, I needed to gather my strength. Tomorrow, the real game would begin, and I intended to play to win. As I made my way to the guest quarters prepared for me, I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction.
They thought they could undermine me, strip me of my power. They thought wrong.