Chapter 151
Ethan
I only stop long enough to tie up the guards I fought, swipe their uniforms and pick up Linda. I can’t stop picturing Jane being loaded into the back of that van, the ruthless way Anita fought her, the frightened cries of my pups. The images play over and over again in my mind, driving me half mad with fear, fury and self loathing.
I’m so angry with myself for letting Jane come along on this trip. This is precisely why I shouldn’t have given in to my wolf. I never should have split us up either, but I didn’t know what else to do given the gate situation. Goddess, I hope she’s alright. I’ll do anything, give anything, for her and the pups to be home safe again.
As usual my prayers are met only with silence, but I can only hope the Goddess is too busy looking after my family to respond at the moment. I don’t know how I’m going to get them back: I have no idea where they’re being kept in the palace, but for once I might actually be able to track them in this rain soaked kingdom.
“I can’t believe this.” Linda is muttering next to me. “What are we going to do?”
“We’re going to keep our wits about us.” I answer tersely, passing her one of the uniforms. “It’s a good thing we had these disguises, Simon doesn’t allow she wolves to work as guards.”
“Bigot.” Linda grumbles, pulling on the livery. “How Eric turned out so well when that monster raised him, I’ll never know.”
I have plenty of thoughts about this, but I wisely keep them to myself. However her words do remind me of our second objective, and I try to make my tone gentle as I say, “We’ll try to find him while we’re inside, but I hope you’ll forgive me for insisting Jane and the pups have to come first.”
Linda stiffens slightly. “Of course they do, but I hope you’ll forgive me if I don’t jump for joy over the idea of leaving my mate behind.”
“I know, I’m sorry.” I profess, “I just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page.”
“It’s okay.” She sighs, looking truly forlorn. “For all I know he’s not even alive.”
“You would feel it if he wasn’t.” I assure her, “It’ll be alright. You’ll see.”
“How can you be so sure of that?” Linda blinks up at me, seeming very vulnerable indeed. “How do you hold onto hope so tightly? Doesn’t it ever seem like it’s all too much?”
“I have to.” I shrug honestly. “I have to hold onto hope… the alternative means losing everyone I love, and I won’t accept that.”
“Okay.” Linda nods, straightening her shoulders. “So what’s the plan?”
Sneaking into the palace is the easy part. We spent all day watching the guards posted at the gates, so we know their schedules and routines, we know how they screen visitors and interact with one another. When their shift changes for the evening, we slip into the employee entrance, walking in as if we belong. The chaos of this afternoon has died down now, and even though the palace is still on high alert, the guards I fought are still safely tied up in a decommissioned public restroom, so no one knows that their uniforms have been stolen.
One downside of Aimon having such a massive home is that securing it requires too many soldiers to possibly count. Unlike my modest penthouse, where I know every single sentry employed by name, the guards here don’t seem to notice strangers are in their midst. This fact inspires a rush of optimism, if there are too many watch dogs to even know each other, I guarantee Aimon won’t know the men in his employ either. Of course this is also a big problem. It made getting inside easy, but it’s going to make getting back out with Jane, Eric and the pups almost impossible.
I pick up Anita’s scent first, and my wolf immediately demands to be let out so he can find and destroy her. I’m sorely tempted to let him, but I know attacking the trafficker will risk exposing us. I wave Linda on behind me, following her trail and trying to figure out how to sneak without looking suspicious. Her scent leads us to the East Wing, and soon Linda and I are huddled outside a door, pretending to stand watch while really eavesdropping on the phone call happening inside.
“The King is thrilled.” Anita is saying, “He actually tripled my reward when I brought him the mother with the pups, and promised a bonus if the scheme successfully puts an end to Blackwell.”
It takes all my willpower to remain silent, and all my attention to ensure I don’t accidentally growl and give myself away. Linda is looking at me with genuine worry, but Anita is still talking. “I’m tempted to ask him to let me take the pups when he’s done with them. He only needs them to lure Ethan, and after he’s dead there won’t be any danger selling them elsewhere. Those kids could fetch a high price at market.”
There’s a pause as the person on the other end of the phone says something, then Anita scoffs, “No, the omega bitch couldn’t even beat me with the element of surprise, and the King is going to be too busy breeding her to let her out of his sight. I guess he’d rather start all over again than rely on his failure of a son. He hasn’t let him out of the dungeon since I turned up.”
I feel all the blood rush from my face as Anita reveals Aimon’s plans for my mate. I’m relieved to know she’s alive, but horrified to imagine what Aimon will do to her. I glance at Linda, and see her looking equally shocked. I don’t know if it’s for the same reason, or because we now know what has become of Eric. Either way, I’ve heard enough – we know that Anita is alone now, and if anyone knows where Jane is, it’s her.
I gesture for Linda to stay close, and push my way inside the room. Anita is facing away from the door, and she doesn’t sense my presence until it’s too late. I pounce on her from behind, not feeling a single shred of guilt for the unfair tactic. Linda snatches up Anita’s cell phone when it clatters to the floor, hitting the red “end” button on the call as I slam my hand over Anita’s mouth before she can make a sound. I circle my other hand around her throat, squeezing her airway closed and relishing her panicked response.
“Where are they?” I snarl in her ear, stilling her struggles without any effort whatsoever. Apparently she’s only strong compared to sweet little omegas, next to me she might as well be a helpless pup. I feel a surge of righteous pleasure at this fact, and give her a vicious shake when she doesn’t immediately answer. “Tell me now and maybe I’ll let you live.”
This is an outright lie – I have no intention of letting this woman live and I don’t feel a damn bit of remorse about taking her life. She stole my children, she’s responsible for the enslavement and abuse of Goddess knows how many others… and she laid her hands on my mate. As far as I’m concerned every subsequent breath she takes is a gift she doesn’t deserve. I loosen my grip on her throat only enough to let her
“Fourth floor, north wing.” Anita chokes out, her feet kicking in the air.
“Are you telling the truth?” I demand, putting all my Alpha authority into the command. “Don’t even think about lying to me!”
“It’s true.” She wheezes, her pupils dilated in panic, “The second door on the left from the main stairs.” I listen to the tenor of her tremulous words. They ring with honesty, and now there’s only one question left to answer. “And Eric – you said he was in the dungeons, do you know where?”
She shakes her head frantically, and all at once her usefulness to us ceases. “If you were smarter you would have held out.” I inform her ruthlessly. “Now I have no reason to keep you alive.”
Anita’s eyes snap to their widest point yet, and she begins sputtering, begging despite the fact that she’s almost out of air. I growl and squeeze her throat with my full strength, crushing her larynx and crumpling the bones in her spine. The fragile column becomes like jelly in my hand as her head lolls over my fingers. Her life winks out very quickly then, and I wish I’d had the time to truly make her suffer.
I drop Anita’s body like a sack of bricks, and Linda and I leave as swiftly as we came. About halfway to the north wing I pick up Jane and the pups’ scents, and from then on I don’t need to abide Anita’s directions. I follow their trail to the exact door she described, but it sets off alarm bells in my mind that no guards are posted out front. Is Aimon really so over confident? Surely he knows Jane will be determined to escape. I pause to listen through the wood and ensure we aren’t about to head into a trap, my heart leaping in my chest when I hear the lyrical notes of Jane’s voice, and five beautifully beating hearts.
They’re right on the other side of that door!
#Chpater 152 – Escape
Jane
After our meeting with Aimon, I came back to the room with the pups and immediately began trying to figure out a way to escape. I think they were a little disappointed and if I’m honest, I am too. I wish I were able to simply hold them tight and give them all the love and nurturing they’ve been missing these last few weeks. But that will have to wait until we’re safe. Then I can lavish my affection on them, and pry the more difficult details about their ordeal from their lips. I’m afraid of what they might tell me, but I know we have to have that talk in order to heal.
After scouring the room from top to bottom, I’m beginning to feel very nervous. I can’t find anything that might help us break free. There are sheets I could tie into ropes once night falls, but we’re too high up and it feels terribly risky with such young pups. The best weapon I came across were some particularly spikey stilettos in the wardrobe – there aren’t even razors in the bathroom.
I even searched the walls, bookcases and floorboards in case there might be some sort of secret passageways leading out of the room, despite how much of a longshot that idea was. I’m at a loss, and it’s becoming harder and harder to keep my fear at bay. I was sick as soon as we got back to the room, and I’m not sure if it was because of Aimon’s plans for us… or the baby I might be carrying.
I know Ethan is out there somewhere and probably knows that I’ve been taken by now, but the idea of him coming here after us frightens me more than trying to escape on our own. If he does he’ll be playing right into Aimon’s hands, but what other choice does he have? I have to find a way to free us before… my thoughts come to a screeching halt when the door handle jiggles, and the next thing I know, Ethan’s scent is wafting towards me through the wood. He’s here!
Time seems to slow down as I watch the scene unfold. It takes Ethan less than a minute to pick the locks, but it seems like everything is moving in slow motion. The door swings inward, and Ethan appears dressed in a guard’s uniform. He looks so powerful framed in the doorway, and then the pups are whirling around, following my stunned gaze. Thankfully Ethan puts a finger to his lips before they can cry out, but I’ll never forget the joy on their young faces. A moment ago they were drawn and pale, but now they light up like the sun itself. “Daddy!” Ryder, Riley, Parker and Paisley whisper shout, taking off across the room as Ethan and Linda slip inside.
Ethan pulls all four of the children into his strong arms, hugging them so tightly I can see they’re struggling to breathe. Still, no one complains. They’re all crying, including Ethan, and though I know the situation is urgent, I can’t bear to steal this moment from them.
“I’m so happy to see you, I’m so sorry it took so long!” He’s murmuring, smothering them in kisses. “Are you alright? let me look at you.” Ethan seems to be having the same problem I did – wanting to make sure they’re all unharmed, but unwilling to release them from his arms. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He says over and over again. “We’ve been trying so hard to find you.” I realize now how much Ethan was shielding me from his feelings, swallowing his own fear and guilt to take care of me.
I feel a rush of love so powerful that the room begins to spin, and as if he can sense my thoughts, Ethan looks up at me. Eyes shining, he offers me a brilliant smile. “What are you doing all the way over there?”
“Mommy has lotsa owies.” Paisley tells him, “We haves to be gentle with her.”
Ethan’s brow furrows, and he immediately lifts the pups into his arms, expertly juggling them as he crosses over to me. He sets them on the bed, close enough for either of us to reach at the first opportunity, but turns his attention to me. “How bad is it?” He murmurs, taking my face in his hands.
I grasp his wrists, offering up a watery smile. “I’m okay.” I insist, “But Aimon…”
“I know.” Ethan sighs, gingerly wrapping his arms around me and kissing my hair, “I’ve already taken care of Anita, she let slip what he’s planning.”
“We have to get out of here.” I whisper, reaching for the pups so they can join our hug. Four warm little bodies press into our sides, and for one blissful moment, our family is whole again. My heart is soaring. I wasn’t sure we would ever get to be together this way again, and if things weren’t so precarious I would probably be sobbing. My body is aching but I don’t care, I just want to stay wrapped up around Ethan and my babies forever.
“How are we going to get them out without being seen?” Linda frets, scanning the room. “If we had some sort of laundry cart or something maybe we could hide them underneath some blankets.”
“That’s a good idea.” Ethan praises, not releasing us. “If we go down to the service corridors we can switch out the guard uniforms for some servants clothes and pretend to be cleaning – even a garbage bin or something would work, as long as we can conceal Jane and the pups.”
“Do you think we can try to get Eric at the same time?” Linda questions eagerly.
Ethan frowns. “I think we might have to come back for him. We don’t even know where the dungeons are, or where he is within them.”
“Okay.” Linda nods, sounding disappointed.
“We’ll be right back, okay?” Ethan says, pulling away from me.
“Daddy, you’re leaving?” Ryder and Parker whisper in unison.
I’m also shaking my head, not wanting to let him out of my sight, “there must be another way!”
“I’ll be back so fast you’ll never know I left. I promise.” He murmurs, kissing me, then all four of the pups in turn. “I love you all.”
It worries me that he chose those last words, as if he’s preparing for the worst and wants to make sure he tells us while he can. “We love you too.” I reply, my voice catching in my throat. A small chorus of, “I love you.” and “I love you Daddy,” follows my own proclamation. Ethan and Linda slip back out the door, and I can only pray that this isn’t the last time I see them.
The waiting is horrible. I spend the entire time pacing back and forth, with the pups huddled on the bed watching me anxiously. “Is gonna be okay, Mommy.” Paisley chirps after a few minutes. “Daddy will fix its, you’ll see.”
“I know angel.” I try to smile, pausing my pacing only long enough, to give them another squeeze. “I’m sorry, Mommy’s just being impatient.”
“Patience is a virtue.” Riley announces saucily, repeating the same words she often hears from me.
I can’t help but chuckle, and appreciate the moment of levity, but after a few moments I’m back to pacing, unable to sit still while Ethan and Linda try to stage our rescue. Despite my nerves, They return within half an hour, wearing the colorful livery of the maids and footmen and carting a laundry trolley.
I feel like crying when they come back through the door, and my wolf keens with pure relief. “Come on.” Ethan encourages. “We have to hurry.” The pups and I gather around the cart, and Ethan sweeps me up into his arms before I can attempt to climb inside. He carefully places me in the empty trolley, tsking apologetically when I wince. “Sorry sweetheart, puppies incoming.”
One by one the quadruplets are deposited around me. “Cuddle close to Mommy, little ones.” Ethan advises. “You’re going to have to be very, very quiet.”
“That’s right. We can’t make a peep, no matter what.” I confirm, nodding to Linda as she stands poised to cover us up with a fluffy white duvet.
“I’ll see you on the other side.” Ethan promises, stroking my cheek one last time before helping Linda arrange the blanket.
The cart is rolling down the hall within minutes, and I can only hold my breath and pray that this works. We’re going to have to run as soon as we’re out. It will be a race to get out of the Southern Isles before Aimon can catch up to us, and I don’t have the faintest idea what that will mean for Eric. I know Ethan promised to go back for him with Linda, but go back when? Immediately, or after the pups and I are safely home?
I hear the ding of an elevator, and we pause for a minute before setting off again, the squeaky wheels rolling beneath us, jangling along as we move through the palace. I wish I could see outside, I wish I could ease the feeling of dread deep in my gut.
A whisper reaches my ears after what feels like an hour, “We’re going to load you into a service van, just sit tight.”
The trolley tips sideways as we’re propelled up a ramp, and another whisper floats through the blankets when we still. “We’re in the endgame now. Just a little longer.”
Just then a new but familiar sound reaches my ears, only it can’t be. It almost sounds like someone is… clapping? I know something is wrong when I hear Ethan curse, and then Aimon’s voice raises behind us. “Very nice, Ethan. Truly an impressive effort. You almost got away with it.”
My heart sinks, and that sense of dread blooms as I understand what’s happening. We’re caught.
