Chapter Thirty-FiveArabella’s POV"Why are you in my room, Margaret?" I questioned, my gaze fixed on her as I quietly shut the door behind me."You were looking for me," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty."I need to talk to you about something," I stated firmly."Of course, dear. What is it?" Margaret responded, attempting to maintain her composure."Why did you conduct experiments on Leo?" I confronted her, catching her off guard. She swiftly concealed any surprise she may have felt. "I am only giving you the opportunity to explain because of everything you’ve done for my family.""Arabella, what nonsense are you..." Margaret began, attempting to dismiss my accusation."No!" I interrupted, "I know I am not speaking nonsense, and so do you. So, I will ask you once more. What did you do to Leo?"I watched as Margaret's smile faded, replaced by frustration. Her lip twitched, and her fingers clenched tightly against her skin as she crossed her arms defensively."She spoke w
Arabella’s POV"You can't expect me to just sit back and let you interrogate that woman. Arabella, I love you like a sister, but you've known her your whole life and had no idea what she was up to.""You're right, I didn't. But it's not because we were oblivious. It's because people like her are skilled at manipulating situations and deceiving others. Everyone here saw her as a kind-hearted widow. My parents took her in when her husband passed away. They welcomed her into their inner circle because they trusted her. We all did, and my parents lost their lives because of her. That's why I promise you, I won't go easy on her.""I'm putting my trust in you, Bels. I want my brother back, and I want that woman to pay for the role she played in hurting him and those other kids," Susie declared, her determination shining through. I nodded in silent understanding, and together we made our way towards the interrogation room.This was the first time, since becoming Alpha, that I found myself in
Arabella’s POVAs Margret sat there, her wrists bound with silver, I couldn’t help but wonder what my father would have done in this situation. Had she been someone we hadn’t known, it would have been easier. Or at least I think it would have.‘Do whatever it takes to keep you, and this pack safe.’ Those words once again flittering through my mind.Leo may not be a part of my pack officially, but once this was over, I’d make sure he was. Along with Susie and Sara should they agree.Margaret appeared surprisingly composed, but that composure wouldn’t last long. No longer would she view me as a fragile, innocent woman once this is over. No, if she survives, she’d fear me.My gaze shifted towards Susie, who meticulously fastened chains to the base of Margaret's chair. A sense of satisfaction radiated from her once she completed the task.A knock came from the door before it swung open. The guard from earlier wheeled in a tray of instruments covered with a white cloth. Thanking him, he tu
Leo’s POVBy the time everyone was out and on their way to safety, I knew it was time to make myself scarce. But before that could happen, I needed to check if Arabella had gotten my message.As I rushed up the stairs that led to the observation room, my heart pounded in my chest. Reaching the doorway, I wasted no time in running to the computer I’d used to send the message. I must have refreshed the page at least five times, but still nothing.I double-checked the email I had sent it to, but it was correct. So she should have had it by now. Fear seeped into me as I began to think of the worst possible outcome.‘She’s probably preparing for the psychos, she will get it. Now let’s go.’ Shadow was convinced everything would be fine, but I knew different. I knew something wasn’t right.When a notification popped up, I knew my fears were about to become a reality.‘Target obtained, threat neutralised and on way back to base.’My entire body began to heat up as Shadow’s anger bled into me.
Arabella’s POVIt was when my head banged against something hard, that I regained consciousness. Everything was dark and fuzzy for a moment, before the faces of two men lit up. That’s when I realised the next thing. We were in a moving vehicle, a van.My wrists were tied behind my back, tightly bounding me to something on the vans inner panel. But thankfully, it wasn’t anything silver.As I tried to quickly and quietly loosen the coarse rope, my mind flooded back to the last thing I remembered. My heart hammered in my chest as flashes of being in wolf form entered my mind. The last thing I needed, was to be restrained with men… naked.Trapped and unable to break free from my restraints, I focused my attention on the sounds permeating the confined space of the van. A soft, rhythmic snore emanated from one of the men, indicating his obliviousness to the fact I was now awake. Meanwhile, the other man remained engrossed in the glow of his mobile phone, his eyes fixated on whatever content
Leo’s POVShadow's ears pricked up, detecting the distant rumble of the approaching van long before it came into view. My heart pounded in my chest, and with every breath, I struggled to draw in air, my lungs laboring as fear of what could happen, began to sink in. Yet, amidst this overwhelming dread, my concern was not for my own safety. I was willing to put my life on the line and die tonight, just as long as Arabella could live to see another day. And for once, Shadow wholeheartedly agreed.As the van made its turn, Shadow sprang into motion. We had rehearsed our strategy repeatedly, and despite its uncertainties, it was the best we could come up with to minimise any risk of our mate, becoming harmed.Shadow swiftly scaled the vehicle, positioning himself over the central hatch. As it swung open, he lunged at the man emerging, his teeth and claws tearing into him. The man's tactical gear might have been bulletproof, but it offered no protection against Shadow's ferocious attack.Th
Arabella’s POV“You do not know how glad I am to see you.” Leo’s forehead rested on mine as he whispered. “I’m sorry Arabella. I’m sorry for everything that I’ve put you through, for everything my family, has put you through. I love you, Arabella. I love you, and I’m never letting you go again.” Tears streamed down my face as I listened to his heartfelt words.I knew I loved him, and he me, but to hear him confess his feelings, even after I gave him up to the council, had my heart swelling."I love you too, Leo," I whispered, my voice choking as I tried to hold myself together. "I'm sorry too, for everything. But we'll get through this together, won't we?"“I promise you we will.” Leo lifted my head back up to face him, before placing a gentle kiss on my lips. “We have to go, there will more of them arriving any minute.” But as those words left him, what looked like lots of red dots, covered the pair of us.“Leo…”“Stay with me.” His eyes bore into mine before he stepped to my side, t
Arabella’s POVI thought I’d been dreaming. Until I woke up.Opening my eyes, I found Leo’s staring back at me. That alone bought me comfort. But to then feel the sparks that tingled my skin, as Leo's thumb traced soothing circles on my cheek, I’d missed it. The sensation sent shivers down my spine, reminding me of the comfort and security I had missed during our time apart."How are you feeling?" His voice was laced with concern as he spoke, his eyes filled with guilt.I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, despite the pain. "Like you melted my flesh," I replied, trying to lighten the mood.Leo's eyes widened in surprise, his worry momentarily replaced by a hint of amusement. "Well, I apologise for any unintended side effects," he replied with a sheepish grin.I couldn't help but smile back in the moment of silence that followed. “No worries," I replied, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I'd endure a thousand burns if it meant having you by my side."Leo's expression