Elara's head throbbed as consciousness dragged her back. Soft sheets. Warm air that smelled of pine and something wild. Not her cramped apartment.
Her eyes flew open.
She was in a massive bedroom — high wooden beams, large windows overlooking dense forest bathed in early morning light, a stone fireplace crackling gently. The bed was enormous, piled with luxurious blankets. Moonlight-filtered curtains swayed in a breeze that carried birdsong and distant howls.
This wasn't home. This was a beautiful prison.
"Mia!" she gasped, bolting upright.
Her little sister lay beside her on the same bed, still asleep, breathing steadily. Mia's dark hair fanned across the pillow, her face peaceful as if she'd simply been carried here like a tired child.
Relief crashed through Elara, followed immediately by rage. Kai. That bastard had taken them both.
The door clicked open softly.
A teenage girl slipped in — maybe sixteen, with the same dark hair as Kai but softer features and bright, curious golden-flecked eyes. She carried a silver tray with two glasses of water and a plate of fresh fruit, bread, and what smelled like warm mielie pap with a side of eggs.
"Hi," the girl said quietly, offering a small smile. "I'm Lila. Kai's little sister. He asked me to check on you and bring water. You must be thirsty after… the journey."
Elara scooted protectively in front of Mia, who was starting to stir. "Where are we? What the hell did he do to us?"
Lila set the tray on the bedside table, unfazed by the hostility. "You're in the Nightshade Pack house. Safe. The Alpha — my brother — brought you both here last night during the blackout. He said it was necessary. For the baby."
Mia sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Elara? What's going on? Who is she?"
Elara ignored the question, glaring at Lila. "Tell your brother to let us go. Now."
Lila's gaze dropped to the untouched food.
"You should eat. The pup needs strength… and so do you. Kai's really worried."
"I'm not eating anything he provides," Elara snapped. Her stomach twisted — part hunger, part the ever-present sickness — but she crossed her arms. "We're not staying here."
Lila hesitated, then nodded and slipped out, closing the door with a soft click. The lock engaged from the outside.
Minutes later, heavy footsteps thundered down the hall.
The door burst open.
Kai filled the frame, eyes blazing gold, jaw clenched so tight a muscle ticked. He wore a black shirt stretched across his broad chest, looking every inch the ruthless Alpha. His scent — pine, rain, and raw power — hit Elara like a wave, stirring unwanted heat low in her belly despite everything.
Lila hovered behind him, whispering, "She refused the food, Kai. Completely."
Kai's gaze locked on Elara. Something dark and desperate flashed across his face — fear for her, for the pup, mixed with pure frustration. "You're starving yourself while our child grows inside you? While your human body fights to reject it?"
He strode across the room in three powerful steps. Elara tried to scramble back, but he was faster. One big hand gently but firmly caught her wrist, pulling her toward the edge of the bed.
Mia watched wide-eyed but stayed quiet, sensing the danger.
"Come," Kai growled, voice low and commanding. He didn't wait for agreement. He scooped Elara up effortlessly — one arm under her knees, the other supporting her back — and carried her straight into the attached luxurious bathroom. The space was all marble and wood, with a deep soaking tub and a wide counter.
He set her on the counter, caging her in with his body so she couldn't easily slip away. Grabbing a piece of soft bread from the tray Lila had left, he tore off a small bite.
"Eat," he ordered, holding it to her lips. His free hand cupped her jaw, thumb pressing lightly to part her mouth. "You will not endanger my pup — or yourself — out of stubbornness. Open."
Elara's heart hammered. She could feel the bond pulling at her, that same electric heat from their one night together, but she shoved it down. This man had kidnapped her and her sister. He had lied by omission. She didn't trust him for a second.
She clamped her lips shut tighter, turning her face away. "I'm not your anything. Let us go, or I swear I'll—"
Kai's eyes darkened. He leaned in closer, breath warm against her ear, voice rough with barely contained worry and dominance. "You're my fated mate, Elara. The Moon Goddess chose you for me — and now you carry my heir. Your human body can't handle a shifter pup without the claiming bite. Without becoming pack. It's killing you slowly. Eat. Or I'll make you."
He pressed the bread against her lips again, more insistent this time, his body heat surrounding her like a cage of muscle and primal need.
Elara's stomach growled traitorously. The sickness flared sharper, reminding her how weak she already felt.
But she still refused to open her mouth.
Outside the bathroom door, Lila waited anxiously, and Mia called out nervously, "Elara?"
The standoff hung heavy in the air — her defiance clashing against his desperate need to save her… and their unborn child.