The storm raged on as Amelie tore through the night, her breath coming in ragged gasps while the relentless rain lashed against her skin.
Her clothes clung to her soaked body, and her lungs burned from the desperate escape.
Behind her, the pack's mansion had long faded into the distance, yet the echoes of howls and pounding footsteps of the wolves never ceased.
The warriors were hunting her down, unyielding in their pursuit, no matter how many streets she crossed or alleyways she ducked into.
She had believed Alex when he told her she was free to leave. Foolishly, she had thought she could finally escape the mate bond that had brought her nothing but suffering.
But she never anticipated that he would send his warriors after her—to kill her.
The mark he had once placed on her had vanished, yet the searing pain in her chest remained, a cruel reminder of the love she had wasted on a monster.
Pressing herself against the cold stone wall of a narrow alley, Amelie peered through the gap between two buildings, her heart pounding violently. Heavy footsteps drew closer, accompanied by a sneering voice.
"Come out, Amelie. There's no use running. We'll tear you apart, so why don't you make it easy on yourself? If you surrender now, maybe we'll make it quick."
She bit her lip hard, pressing a trembling hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp.
"She's pregnant. Do you really think killing a woman with a child is the right move?" Another voice spoke, softer yet laced with sharpness.
Amelie's stomach clenched, and her hands instinctively cradled her belly. How did they know? How had Alex discovered her secret?
"The orders are clear," the first warrior snapped. "Kill both Amelie and the unborn brat."
A cold wave of terror crashed over her.
Alex wanted her dead. He wanted their child dead.
Had he always been this cruel? Or had she simply failed to see the monster behind his charming facade?
She couldn't afford to be caught.
Glancing around frantically, she forced her legs to move, creeping forward before breaking into a desperate sprint.
"There she is!"
One of the warriors shifted into his massive wolf form, his glowing eyes locked onto her.
With all the strength she had left, she bolted forward, her breath hitching when she spotted a lone car parked under the glowing street lights ahead. It was her only hope—her last chance at survival, the only way to protect her unborn child.
Two men stood beside it—one holding an umbrella, the other just stepping out of the vehicle.
She didn't hesitate nor did she think about anything else.
Throwing herself at the man who had just placed his foot on the wet pavement, she gripped onto him as though he were her last lifeline.
"Help me," Amelie whispered, her face covered in water droplets from the rain.
The man looked at her with an arched brow, not interested in helping her.
The desperate and breathless words tumbled from her lips. "Sleep with me." This was the only way she felt could save her and her unborn child.
His fingers tightked on her arms as she felt his body tense under her touch, his scent unfamiliar yet oddly soothing amidst the chaos surrounding her. The rain continued to pour as silence stretched between them.
It was a reckless gamble. But this was her only way to survive.
"Please, help me," she begged, her voice trembling as she finally dared to look up at him.
And then—she was lost.
His eyes were of violet hue. A color so rare and mesmerizing that, for a fleeting moment, she forgot why she had thrown herself into his arms. He was breathtakingly handsome, like a divine figure carved from the heavens themselves.
'Get yourself together!' She scolded herself. This was no time to admire a stranger. She needed his help, needed him to take her inside before the warriors found her.
Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined she would throw herself at a random man, begging him to take her in. But desperation had left her with no choice.
"Miss, you should—" the man holding the umbrella started, but he was silenced with a single glance from the violet-eyed stranger. The power in his gaze made the other man instantly step back, his mouth snapping shut.
Then, the deep, velvety voice of the man holding her filled the space between them.
"If you agree to sleep with me whenever I desire."
A shiver ran down her spine at his words. There was no hesitation in his tone, no trace of jest. He meant every single word.
"Sure," she forced a smile, though her heart pounded violently against her ribs. "I promise. I will do whatever you want. Please, let's go inside, Mister."
He studied her for a long moment before finally replying, "Call me Gabriel."
Before she could react, he swept her up in his arms, lifting her effortlessly in a bridal carry. Her breath hitched as her lips nearly brushed his cheek, the sudden proximity stealing whatever words she might have formed.
Then, the howls came.
She stiffened, her body trembling as she buried her face against Gabriel's chest, gripping his blazer tightly.
The warriors were here.
"Hey! Did you two see a woman run by here? She was all wet and—"
The familiar, cruel voice made her stomach twist. He was close—too close.
She clenched her fingers tighter into Gabriel's clothing, praying, hoping that they wouldn't recognize her.
"Is this woman—"
"You are mistaken," Gabriel interrupted, his voice smooth yet commanding.
"The woman in my arms is my mate."
Amelie's eyes widened in shock, her head jerking up as she locked eyes with him.
Why did he