HELEN

The trees whipped past us as Zander pressed the gas pedal, going way over the 55 speed limit. I glanced at the speedometer, watching as the needle passed 101.

As much as I wanted to nag at Zander that he was driving too fast, I couldn't help but want him to drive even faster.

My daughter was probably scared and alone! Sure she was superhuman but she was still my little girl and I can't imagine her being hurt.

I shuddered thinking about the night she turned. The way her bones broke and twisted. I shuddered again.

Zander clutched the steering wheel and I eyed him. The way his muscles rippled under his shirt made me feel things I haven't in a long time. I always try not to think about my late husband but I still can't help but feel as if I'm cheating on him but of course I knew it was crazy to think that because he was de-...gone.

Zander made me feel beautiful, he made me feel more alive. He made me...feel. The way he would look at me when he didn't think I wouldn't notice or the way he said my name as if it was the most precious thing in the world.

It was crazy to say and to even think, not to mention I've only known him for just a few days, I just knew I was in love with him.

Zander and the four cars, that were following us, stopped towards the edge of the road before they went off road and straight into the Forrest. When we were deep enough, Zander parked and used some leaves and branches to camouflage the car. Nathan and the others doing the same to their cars. They then took out aerosol cans and sprayed themselves from head to toe. It didn't take a genius to guess that they were masking their scent.

As much as Zander wanted to leave me behind, I couldn't do it. I couldn't stay behind while my child was kidnapped by a psycho guy who has already killed her in a past life.

Past life. I still couldn't wrap my mind around that fact. I don't like to think about it.

I clutched the gun in my hand, liking the weight I felt. I'm glad I got the gun, having it around made me feel a lot safer.

Zander took my hand, leading me through the overgrown trees and vegetation that surrounded the forrest. "Helen, I know your daughter is in there and I know you think you have to do anything to protect her and will do anything and I admire that but if I ask you to run, please run."

I stopped walking and waited as soon as everyone was out of earshot but of course it wouldn't have mattered because they all have superhuman hearing. Once they were cleared, I frowned at him. "You can't ask me to do that. You don't understand the heartache I feel thinking my own child is in danger. I'm her mother. I'm supposed to make sure she's protected and when I saw all that blood I-" I choked on a sob with tears streaming down my face.

Zander crashed to me his chest and I accepted it, wanting to feel his warmth.

"Listen, I know that we've only known each other for a few days and things work differently in the human world than they do in ours, but I just wanted to tell you that I love you and since I love you, I love anything that has to do with you. Ariana might not be my daughter but I still consider her one and I will give up my life to save you and her."

My heart swelled in my chest hearing him say that. Then I did something that caught him and me by surprise. I kissed him.

It was short, sweet but a desperate kiss. Never have I ever wanted to kiss someone so bad.

Zanders eyes were wild and darkened with lust. "What was that!" He said excitedly.

"That was for being a great man. And I trust completely that you would do anything for me and my daughter and so, I trust you. If you want me to run, I will." I smiled and hugged him one more time before we were off into the Forrest.

"Now, let's go get my daughter back."

***

We waited for 20 minutes, hiding behind a cover of trees. In those 20 minutes, I had sighed for about the billionth time. "What are we waiting for again?" I didn't mean to complain but my legs were cramping.

"We're just waiting for Roderick to show his face before we attack." I nodded my head and prayed that ass would show his face.

I noticed every werewolf close to me flinching. I didn't think anything of it until they did it again.

"Okay, will someone please tell me what's happening?" I feared the worst.

Zander grabbed my hand, probably feeling my fear.

"It's Alex, he's being beaten by that asshole. Nathan's mind-linking him but he can't because of the wolfsbane that was probably injected into his blood." Zander growled.

"What about Ariana? Is she okay? Is he hurting her?" The questions flew out of my mouth.

"She's fine. She's talking to Roderick now and I don't think so, she seems to be standing too far away from him. I'm sure he has her locked up while taunting her from behind the bars." He rolled his eyes and concentrated on something. Probably the conversation.

Zander told me how Roderick was explaining what he had done so far and what his intentions are for Alex and Ariana.

The guy was a sick bastard.

Finally after waiting for about 5 more minutes, Roderick showed himself. I thought I would see a 70 year old man but he seemed to be about my age maybe a couple years older.

I guess stealing an Alphas power really did make you immortal.

We emerged from the tree line, finally showing ourselves. Anthony, Nathan's oldest son, shifted into his massive wolf and let out a howl so loud, I had to cover my ears.

Jen and her mate Nate were right behind him, ready to attack.

Roderick had maybe 10 wolves with him and I could see the panic on his face when he noticed us.

Another howl, equally as powerful was heard from the other side of the Forrest.

Nathan chuckled and smirked.

I wondered why until I saw about 20 or so wolves spilling out of the woods, surrounding the entire place.

Everyone had shifted, except for Zander and Roderick. There was a lot of growling and snarling before the first wolf attacked.

"Stay close to me." I followed Zander who avoided the fight. Roderick watched us, probably knowing we were on a mission to find Alex and Ari.

He glanced at the building behind him and ran into it making my heart lurch in my chest. What's stopping him from killing her now.

Zander and I ran into the building, expecting to find him holding both of them hostage but he was holding no one. In fact, no one was in the room except for just the three of us.

I fumbled to pull out my gun but Roderick beat me to it by already having one out, pointed at our heads.

He tricked us and I can't believe we fell for it.

He breathed deeply before smiling , showing us his perfect white teeth.

"Helen, it's finally nice to meet you." He gave me creepy look which made me shiver.

Zander growled but didn't move.

Roderick gave him a curious look. "Now, I remember you but I don't know which one you are? Nathan? Matt? Zander or the other one. Maybe one of the gays? Seriously remind me who you are."
(A/N: Please no one take offense for me writing gays! Roderick is an asshole who doesn't care about other people's feelings! 😕)

Zander clenched his jaw before telling him his name. "Zander." He said in a hate filled tone.

"Ah, the one that was in love with Jennifer."

Roderick smirked when he noticed the shocked look on my face. He was in love with Jennifer? He never told me this?

"Ah, I guess he never told you?" He took another deep breath. "Are you guys together?" He asked, laughing. "Man that has to sting, knowing that he's practically in love with you're daughter."

Okay, gross. Maybe Zander didn't tell me but this guy was making me mad.

"Where is my daughter?" I asked him ignoring his disgusting comment.

"She's safe. For now. I have them locked away in the building next to this one. Did you really think I would lead you right to them? Give me a little more credit than that! I wasn't born yesterday. I was expecting Alex to bring his whole pack. I'm not an idiot."

Just then I heard another howl ringing through the air.

I smirked, thinking it was another ally of ours but the look on Zander's face told me it was the exact opposite.

Roderick's face twisted into a cruel smile. "Ah, that's what I was waiting for, now when everyone of your pack members are dead, I'm going to kill you then Zander, then Alex and lastly, I'm going to slowly kill Ariana. Saving the best for last."

The gun in my hand suddenly had a mind of its own when it was pointed at Roderick's head.

Roderick didn't flinch in the slightest. He only laughed.

"You really think you're faster than me? Don't be stupid Helen. You know I have a faster trigger finger than you do. Put the gun on the floor if you don't want me to kill him where he stands." He moved the gun towards Zander's head.

His threat sobered me up and I immediately tossed the gun aside.

I turned my head towards the door when I heard multiple growls. I was afraid one of us was hurt.

"Now, where was I." Roderick asked, feigning confusion. "Oh, that's right."

BANG

The bullet soared through the air, catching me by surprise.

"Zander." I whispered before hitting the floor.