Chapter 40 A Narrow Escape from Death

Seraphina's Perspective:

I was leading my pack down another trail, eyes peeled for any sign of Lucas. Halfway through, Silas hit me up, saying they found some traces of him and told me to get my butt over there ASAP.

Knowing where Lucas might be, I didn't waste a second and floored it to catch up.

"Stella, Mr. Everhart just called," the werewolf in the back seat said, hanging up with a serious look.

"What did he say? Did they get the kids?" I asked, my anxiety spiking.

"They got the kids, but the kidnapper's making a run for it down Ridge Road with your son. Mr. Everhart's got a tracker on their car and is chasing them down. He'll get your son back, no doubt!" the werewolf assured me.

Hearing this, my hands shook on the wheel, making the car swerve and scaring the crap out of everyone inside. My heart was pounding like crazy.

The thought of Lucas alone with that kidnapper sent chills down my spine. I was barely holding it together, my vision blurring.

"Watch out!" The werewolf next to me said, trying to keep me calm. "I found a shortcut. We can catch up to them first."

I didn't hesitate, slammed the gas pedal, and the car shot forward like a bat outta hell.

Lucas, Hang in there! Mom's coming to get you!!

I tore out of the forest path and hit the intersection just in time to see a gray van speeding away.

"That's the one!" the werewolf behind me yelled.

Hearing that, I zeroed in and gunned it, chasing after the van!

Lucas's Perspective:

I had been crammed in the trunk for what felt like forever before I dared to open my eyes. The tight, stuffy, dark space was making me feel claustrophobic.

But I knew Silas wouldn't leave me hanging. After spending time with him, I knew he was a stand-up guy and a responsible werewolf King!

And maybe he had already told my mom, and they were hot on our trail.

Thinking about that calmed my racing heart a bit.

"Cecilia, you're so clever. If it weren't for your quick thinking, I might not have made it," Oliver said.

I was stunned.

What did that thug mean by that? Was Cecilia in on this kidnapping?

"Idiot, you have the nerve to say that! If it weren't for—"

Cecilia's voice cut in, cursing without a hint of fear, even though she was supposedly a hostage.

They were definitely in on it together!

Listening to their conversation, I felt my blood run cold, fear creeping through every inch of me. I was terrified!

Cecilia was pure evil, not only plotting this whole thing but also pretending to be all sweet in front of Silas and Alex to win them over. 

These two were stone-cold. If they found out I overheard their dirty little secret, they'd probably off me! What the heck do I do now?

The fear of dying was messing with my head, and I couldn't think straight. Tears started streaming down my face.

Then, I remembered something Mom taught me: "If you ever get stuck in a trunk, don't freak out! There's a button on the side; press it, and the trunk pops open!"

I took a few deep breaths to calm down and started feeling around the side of the trunk.

After a bit, my fingers found a raised spot. Just as I was about to get excited, I heard Cecilia's voice again. "After all, who would fight over money with a dead person?"

Oh crap! Cecilia was gonna kill me!

I panicked and hit the button just as a gunshot went off.

Seraphina's Perspective:

I kept my eyes glued to the speeding car ahead, my palms sweaty on the wheel.

Lucas was still in there. If I rammed them, he could get hurt. How do I stop them without risking Lucas?

Just as I was freaking out, a gunshot rang out from the car ahead, and it started swerving.

We were all caught off guard. The next second, the car crashed into the guardrail and stopped, smoke billowing out. Then, a small figure tumbled out of the trunk, lying still on the ground.

I instantly recognized Lucas, slammed on the brakes, and bolted out of the car.

I was shaking as I rushed to Lucas, seeing his eyes closed, and started crying in fear. "Ambulance! Call an ambulance!" I yelled, holding Lucas.

The werewolves around me either called for help or ran to the car to check on the others.

"My baby!" I cried, holding Lucas, sobbing and trembling. "Mom's here. Open your eyes and look at me. I'm so sorry! I'm late."

"Lucas, please open your eyes and look at me, my baby!" I held him tightly, shaking him gently.

No matter how much I called, Lucas didn't respond. Just when I thought I was losing him forever, his long eyelashes fluttered.

"Lucas?" I was overjoyed, not sure if I was seeing things.

"Mom," the next second, Lucas slowly opened his eyes and smiled at me through his tears. "I missed you so much."

"Oh my God!" I cried tears of joy, hugging him tightly, crying in relief!

The others pulled the kidnapper's body and the unconscious Cecilia from the car. Ambulances and police cars showed up with sirens blaring, the crowd buzzing, but none of it mattered to me.

My arms tightened around Lucas. Overwhelmed with emotions for getting him back, I wanted to embed him within my own flesh.