34

[Jade’s pov]

I groggily opened my eyes, my mind still clouded with sleep caused by some unknown puff of smoke. Blinking several times, I tried to make sense of my surroundings once again. It was an unfamiliar place, and I could faintly recall how I ended up there. My heart raced as I realised I was lying on a soft mattress, surrounded by every accessory a pregnant woman might have needed.

The room was warm and cosy, with gentle sunlight filtering through the curtains. I gently touched my belly, feeling a mix of confusion and wonder. Why was I brought there while being pregnant? How could that be? I searched my memories, but everything was a blur. What I did not understand was the possibility of knowing the name of that person who abducted me.

Next to the bed were various items I would need during pregnancy: prenatal vitamins, baby clothes, a pregnancy journal, and even a baby ultrasound picture. My head was spinning with questions, and my emotions were running high. Was I trapped there in the middle of nowhere? Where was Ragnar? Why hadn’t he found me yet?

With some effort, I managed to sit up, taking in my surroundings more closely. The walls were painted in soothing pastel colours, adorned with delicate paintings and baby-themed decorations. It was clear that this room was prepared with love and care. But by whom? Maybe that man who kidnapped me? But why would he do something like that for a prisoner?

Fear and uncertainty washed over me as I looked around for any clues to where I was or how I got here. The last thing I could remember was going to the gravestone pack with alpha Ragnar. Was I abducted? It seemed improbable, considering the nurturing environment I found myself in.

As I scanned the room, I noticed a handwritten note placed neatly on a nearby table. I reached for it with trembling hands, my eyes fixed on the words that might hold the key to this puzzling situation.

"To my beloved Jade," the note began, "I know this must be incredibly overwhelming for you. Please know that you and your child are safe. I found you yesterday, but you became unconscious in my arms last night, and that was when I saw you were pregnant, I couldn't leave you alone. You are in my home, and I will take care of you both until you accept me. Rest and know that you are cherished.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as relief mixed with gratitude washed over me. I might not remember who this person was, but his kindness touched my heart. At least for now, I was in a place of safety and care. As I lay back down on the mattress, a sense of trust began to develop, and I allowed myself to drift back to sleep, hoping that my memory would soon bring clarity to this mysterious chapter in my life.

As I lay there, my eyes heavy with exhaustion, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching the room. The door creaked open, and a man entered, catching me off guard. His presence was intimidating, and I instinctively pulled the blanket closer to my body, trying to make myself smaller.

The man was tall and rugged, with dark hair and piercing eyes. He wore a white shirt that was now stained with blood, which he was wiping off his hands with a cloth. Fear gnawed at me as I wondered who this person was and why he had blood on his hands.

"Jade, I see you're awake," he said in a deep voice that sent shivers down my spine. "I hope you're feeling better."

I nodded, unable to find my voice to respond. My heart pounded in my chest, and I tried to assess the situation. Was this the person who left the note? Why was there blood on his hands? A million questions flooded my mind, but I hesitated to ask.

Seeing my unease, he seemed to soften a bit. "I'm Kaldir," he introduced himself, taking a step closer. "I found you last night, unconscious in my arms. I couldn't just leave you without tending, especially after seeing that you are pregnant."

His words echoed the note I had found, and some of my anxiety subsided. He did seem genuinely concerned about my well-being, but the blood on his hands still worried me.

"Is everything alright?" I finally managed to ask, my voice trembling to divert the topic as the sight was making me nauseous.

Kaldir sighed, glancing down at his hands as if just realizing the blood. "I'm sorry you had to see that," he said, his tone heavy with regret. "I work as a veterinarian, and earlier, I had an emergency case with one of my horses. It got a little messy."

Relief washed over me as he explained, but I couldn't help but remain cautious. My memory might be hazy, but I still needed to be careful around a stranger, no matter how kind he appeared.

Kaldir seemed to sense my unease and stepped back, giving me some space. "I don't expect you to trust me right away," he said, his eyes sincere. "Take your time. Rest assured, I won't harm you or the baby. You're safe here."

Despite my uncertainty, his words were reassuring, and a part of me wanted to believe him. I glanced around the room, taking in the care he had put into preparing it for me. He must have spent considerable time and effort to make me feel comfortable.

As I looked back at Kaldir, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, at least for now. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice filled with gratitude and vulnerability.

He gave me a gentle smile, his eyes softening. "You're welcome, Jade. I'll let you rest. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We will talk in detail later on."

With that, Kaldir quietly left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My mind was still filled with uncertainty, but there was also a glimmer of hope that maybe he was someone who genuinely cared for my well-being and the well-being of the unborn child. I closed my eyes, allowing sleep to claim me once more, hoping that in time, all the missing pieces of my memory would fall into place.

Was he really my kidnapper?