Clare

I don't know where I am or what happened. All I know is that I was upset and driving to Darcy's in Quebec when a car just slammed into me from the side. When I woke up the guys were discussing Eli and talking about "packs" so I knew they must have been werewolves. The first thing that came to mind was hunters.

When they saw that I was awake they started trying to pump me for information but I wouldn't talk so they beat me and went through the bag I had in the car. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw three million in there… The credit cards and the scent were what linked me to him, or so they say. I don't know what's going on here but I know now that Eli pushed me away to protect me and our baby from this. Too bad we walked right into a trap.

It's only been a few hours but it feels like it's been an eternity. I want to be at home, eating Eli's burnt steak in our cozy apartment but instead I'm in this cold, wet place with a dim bulb as my only beacon of light. I guess I'm going to die here… I'm going to die at some point in the immediate future, I know that for sure. The guys I've been seeing as big and fierce. Eli can't take them on. I think he should run and try to escape what's coming. I don't want him to get killed. Maybe if I'm lucky my death will be quick.

When I was giving up on life I felt something that I hadn't felt before. It was a flutter from inside. It must be the baby. My hands were chained but the chains were long enough for me to place my hands on my tummy.

"Little one mommy's here… for now mommy is here."

The door opened and one of the huge men came in. His eyes were glowing but not n a magnificent green like Eli's… this man's eyes glowed a sinister crimson.

"I thought we told you to shut the fuck up."

"You didn't say please…"

He ran over and punched me in the jaw. It hurt like hell and I wanted to cry but I decided not to give the bastard the satisfaction of my tears.

"Please…"

After the assault he left and I continued rubbing my tummy. I know it's weird but with the baby fluttering I feel a little less alone. This day went from sweet to totally sour. Something was telling me all the while that it wasn't Eli putting me out. I knew he had a reason I just couldn't name it. Now that I know it was this I wish he would have just been honest with me and let me make my own decision.

Eli

It feels like there's a fire burning inside me. I don't know how to soothe the flames. They have Clare… this is exactly what I wanted to avoid and I sent her right into the fucking lion's den by leaving her unprotected. I'm a fucking moron! I sat in Cece's living room pulling my hair and trying to hold back my tears. They have her and the baby… they have my family.

"Eli… son."

"Bullfrog I can't believe it. She's gone… The next time I see her we'll be dying! It wasn't supposed to be this way!"

"Son your mom has been out since she heard the news pulling some strings… we have a meeting to attend."

I wasn't in any shape to drive. I transported to Cece's… I hopped in the car with Bullfrog and we drove out into the woods until we reached a cabin. Now I'm no sorcerer but I know when something is heavily armed with magic.

We went into the house and it was like every horror story ever, all bunched up into one. There was a witch, a warlock, a manipulator, two covens of vampires, the rogue wolves and… three humans…four including my dad.

"What's going on here?"

"Eli…we know Clare's been taken and everybody is buzzing about the impending attack. Do you know what everybody here has in common?"

"No humanity?"

"Clare Edwards is a friend to everyone here and everyone's home is in jeopardy if… if the Alaskans take over."

"So?"

"So…with just us rogues…we'll surely lose the battle but with us all we have a chance."

"What's the plan?"

"Well…Adam has a plan."

"Okay… everybody out goal is to protect our land and mostly…get Clare back in one piece. So here's the plan. Vampires, Fiona, Declan, Holly J, Peter, Anya, Riley, Johnny, Jenna, Dylan, Winnie, Lucas and Jay, Alex and Manny the Sequoya trees in centerfold park are high enough for you to climb without the pack picking up your scent. It's going to be night so you can hide out in the trees and wait for the ground signal. Witch, Alli and Warlock, Zane… We're going to need to be stronger and shielded… If it's possible we need them to be vulnerable. Manipulator, Bianca…I've seen you make fire balls before so…it would be awesome if you could do that in this fight. I'm sure they will slice right through our opponents. This is what we can do to win the fight… But to get Clare back it's going to take something more. That's where Imogen comes in…"

"Me? What can I do?"

"You can find her. Once you do Fiona and Declan should be able to get her and protect her for the duration of the fight.

"Then us wolves…Cece, Eli, me, Drew, KC, Fitz will fight on the ground."

"Well what about us? Why are we even here? For a fucking snack?"

"No. Jane, Mia and Wesley… you're archers and damn good ones. You could really do some damage with arrows laced with wolf's bane. We need you in the air."

"Well now I feel left out."

"Bullfrog we have something important for you to do. Cece, you should tell him."

"Papa, if we don't make it… when we cue you, you have to run with Clare."

The room got silent as everyone started to realize the person to their left or right might not make it past that night. Their pack is big and strong and the hunters don't make it better. Compared to their group we still don't have many at all but hopefully we can at least wound them enough to slow down the takeover so that Clare can run with my dad and so that other packs or rogues will have a chance to prepare and finish them off.

The first person to speak up and break the ice was of course Fiona Coyne…

"This is so like the last few episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Everybody turned to look at Fiona for her off-beat comment but she didn't seem to care. This has to at least keep Clare safe. Surviving this thing would be awesome too but right now she and the baby are my main priority.

Clare

"How'd a nice girl like you end up with a mutt?"

"How'd a woman like you end up with such a thick beard? Your five o clock shadow is showing."

She hit me again.

"What do you know about your boyfriend?"

"What do you know about your girlfriend? I mean with a mug likes yours I'm sure no guys would have you…surely you are the man in the relationship!"

She hit me again.

"I'm getting sick and tired of playing these games with you little girl."

"Then don't fuck with me. I'll never talk, no matter what you do to me so you may as well kill me!"

"In due time precious."

"Tell me hunter…"

"How'd you know I was human?"

"I've learned differentiate in this place… What made you become a murderer? Aren't you supposed to be protecting the humans? I guess people do crazy shit when they are whoring themselves out for smack from wolves."

She hit me with the butt of a rifle. It hurt and it knocked me down.

"You listen to me you mouthy little bitch. What I do for fun is none of your damn business but I will tell you this… when we do kill your boyfriend and take his head as a souvenir… I'm going to make you watch me cut this mutt of out you and skewer it just like its daddy before I skin you alive."

"If you're wrong and it's the other way around…you better run because I'll come for you."

She looked threatened before hitting me again. This time it almost knocked me out. She left and slammed the door. I groaned to myself in pain. I hope I do get the chance to seek revenge on this bitch. She's been riding my ass for two hours. I'm glad she finally gave up.

I wish I was with Eli right now. This is usually the night we watch a movie. It was his turn to pick. I guess you never know how much something means to you until you're stuck in some damp, musty torture room with bad light and concrete floors.

Just when I thought my torture was done a bigger guy came into the room. He was taller and wider than the rest of them but his eyes had the same glowing crimson color. He was wearing a suit, though this doesn't seem like the type of place you'd wear a suit in.

"Clare Edwards… how are you being treated?"

"Oh the service is great and the people are friendly. What do you want?"

"Just answer one question…where is the fucking amulet?"

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Oh you know… the one your boyfriend has. The Big red jewel, very shiny. Maybe you've dusted it a few times."

"I don't know about any fucking amulet! Even if I did…"

"I know I know…you wouldn't tell me. It's a shame really. A pretty girl like you has to die. You'd make a lovely alpha female."

"Not interested."

"Oh that's right…you're bonded to your rogue. I'll just leave you now."

He turned off the lights and closed the door. I envisioned a happy place.

Eli

"Eli I know this is alot to take in but I need to talk to you."

"What is it Cece?"

"You remember when you were eighteen and I gave to a box. I told you to put it somewhere safe…somewhere nobody could ever get to it?"

"Yes."

"I need you to find that box."

"Cece why? What was in it?"

"The key to us winning this battle."

Yet another jammed packed chapter I know I know…Thanks for reading and please review… Suggestions, comments, questions and all that jazz are welcomed!