OK, I am super sorry for this 2, nearly 3 week hiatus! I was really busy! Christmas and all, including gaming!

Yes! I finished Rise of the Tomb Raider in that week and I completed Blood Ties DLC. I then realised, a little too late when writing this chapter, I slightly altered some details on Lara's parents backgrounds and Croft Manor itself. But it's done and I'm sorry for that. I slipped in a few references to Blood Ties, if you took note on Lara's dialogue and the documents. I also learned that Amelia DeMornay Croft; studying Art History and became a well known artist, attended the same university: University of Oxford, as Richard Croft; obviously studying Archaeology. Plus, I made him die a year earlier than intended in the game. In this, he died in 2002, in-game, it was 2003. So really, I made him die at age 49 instead of 50. Sorry?

I was also surprised to see how run down and derelict Croft Manor was. Makes me wonder what happened to it and where the hell was Winston!? I admit, I'm an idiot!

Lastly, enjoy this chapter and I hope you all forgive me for the delay! I know you're all loving this story!

"I will look for you, I will find and I will kill you."

- Liam Neeson; Taken (2008)

Chapter 8: Taken

Fifty Minutes Later…

21:24…

(Scene: Croft Manor, Surrey, England/Samantha's POV)

Roth braked outside the large, black gates of Croft Manor. At the centre of the gates, was a large C, short for Croft in fancy, calligraphic style. He got out of his jeep to open them. He typed in a code on the keypad, so obviously the gates are automatic. As they opened, Roth was making his way back to the driver's seat. I had quick glance at Lara, she is still soundly asleep, damn! The rage-triggered transformation really drained her. In a selfish sense, I'm glad I triggered it for her, even if she didn't imprint on me, the result would've been the same. If Lara didn't turn, we'd all be dead and her head would probably be some prized trophy on a wall for that sick hunter.

The Naval veteran navigated through the driveway, so I peeked out the window. My jaw just dropped. Croft Manor is huge! Lara resided in that during her childhood!? That's unbelievable and cool! It must worth at least $50 million, in the US at least, I'm valuing it to be roughly £4 million, if not a bit more. This is insane, plus throw in the amount of money Lara has in her trust fund! She would be placed in the Top 100 World's Richest People and she refuses to touch it! My thoughts were broken when Roth opened the door, taking Lara out of the jeep, carrying her bridal style. I too stepped out, entering the manor behind Roth.

I looked around the hall, my god! Above the large stairs splitting left and right, was a large stone or mosaic design of the Croft's family Coat of Arms! I'm spechless! A part of me felt though, was Lara lonely in this place? Hearing nothing but the echoes of your own voice? My eyes caught two large paintings. Beautifully done I must say, there was a gold plate on the bottom, carved into it was their names. My eyes widened in surprise, they're her parents! Lord Richard and Lady Amelia Croft! Wow, I must say Lara really got most of her mother's genes, she looks like her physically, yet she has her father's eyes; sharp, intense and calculating, but capable of softness too. I would like to look around upstairs, but right now, I need to be with Lara.

Then, I jumped when someone coughed behind me. I turned around, seeing the butler of Croft Manor. That's Winston right?

"Forgive me for startling you Miss…" Oh boy, here come the formalities that he has not broken himself out of.

"Just call me Sam, or Samantha. I don't mind either, don't bother with my last name." I smiled sweetly at him. I'm not sure adept he is in Japanese.

"Alright then, Miss Samantha. Roth has Lara resting in the sitting room to your left. Would you like anything to drink?" I felt a bit awkward with him asking me that, when I can make it myself. That's if I can find the kitchen. Winston wants to be helpful though, and he has been doing this years, I'd end up getting lost in the manor, finding myself in a place I should not be in. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a secret room.

"Tea would be nice Winston." He did a slight bow and walked off. How has he managed to stay here for so long? Why did all the other servants leave? Beats me.

I turned left, to the sitting room. Lara would be relieved if she saw me as soon as she wakes up. I opened the double, solid oak doors, which led to the grand sitting room. It was beautifully decorated, I take it this would be the cosiest of all the other rooms. I wonder where the dining room is? I would very much love to see Lara's childhood bedroom, unless she changed it up as she got older. I sat down on the double couch across from Lara, watching her sleep. I do hope Croft Manor is a safe enough solitude for now. I also hope Roth removed the tracker, unless it was lost when Lara turned. I'm sure I did hear her clothes rip, the tracker was mostly likely slipped into her pocket. That's a relief, they won't be able to follow us anymore. Now, Lara was dressed in her pyjamas, wrapped in a warm blanket, head resting on the pillow.

Oh shit! What are we going to do about college and lectures!? We can't go back there in case the hunters come for us! They have been tracking us, specifically Lara. I don't think they've been tracking us for long. I'm not sure, but at this stage, fairly likely they know where we live and study. Going back will put the entire college in danger and chances will increase significantly, that the college will learn Lara's secret. Last thing I can imagine, is they hand Lara over to the military where they will use her like a biological weapon! Or send her to a science laboratory to be 'studied'.

I guess we'll have to risk missing out on some lectures until Roth figures out how to get these guys off our backs. Then the last issue: what do when our classmates start questioning us for our absence. We can at least, catch up on our notes since all our lecturers put them up on Blackboard. I can see why Lara resorts to making up a believable white lie. How is it I get thrown into crazy shit!? My parents will definitely be not learning about this! I will take this to my grave!

I looked up, hearing the door opened, revealing Roth. He was armed with two pistols, both holstered underneath his arms. Hopefully he may not have to use them, I do know there's a surrogate father-daughter relationship between him and Lara. He was there for her when her biological father wasn't. Roth will choose any means to protect Lara. The Naval Veteran took a seat next to me. He glanced at Lara, who is still sleeping.

"She looks peaceful." I said, to break the silence. Roth nodded in agreement.

"Aye. Poor lass wasn't expecting any of this to happen. All she wanted was a quiet life in her three years of college." His reply got me thinking.

"Would… things have turned out differently had Lara and I not met?",

"I think… even if you and Lara didn't become roommates, Destiny will find another way to make you lassies run into each other." He chuckled. I can certainly agree to that. A million different scenarios played in my head, if Lara and I hadn't met, Destiny or Fate, whatever, will just find another way to screw up our lives and meet. Winston entered the sitting room, with my tea on a silver serving tray. Fancy. The old butler set the tray on the coffee table. The coffee isn't mine, so I'm guessing it's Roth's.

"Thank you Winston." Smiled Roth, "Is the security set?",

"The CCTV cameras are all switched on and anything that is alarm triggered is set. You're really not taking any chances are you?" Winston said worryingly as he noted Roth's firearms.

"I made a promise to Richard I will keep his daughter safe and safe I will. If I could, I'd be dragging her with me on the Naval ships, whenever I'm assigned for duty. Sit with us Winston." He gestured to the free chair. The butler just smiled and took the single chair positioned at an angle. He then leaned over and pulled out… my eyes widened. Is that a shotgun!? I'm not going to even bother asking Roth where he gets his firearms. I hope they're legal to use. Well, tell that to the hunters who were using AK-47s; well some of them.

"Courtesy of Roth Miss Samantha." He said casually, "He is not the only one who will give his life to protecting the last heir of Croft Manor." Note to myself, never underestimate anyone, regardless of their age.

"Sam," Roth called out. I turned to him, "I know you and Lara are in a relationship, but tell me this and honestly. Has Lara imprinted?",

"Yes. It happened after I found out her secret." Roth loosened a little.

"Just be careful who you hang out with. Lara will get very possessive of you and protective." I rolled my eyes,

"Saw that first hand. It wasn't pleasant."

I shivered at the thought it. It was scary to see how possessive Lara was of me! I know she would never treat me like a piece of property; it's more like: I'm her's and not to be shared with anyone. She reacted very badly to Clark. At The Nine Bells, she slammed her beer bottle on the table, but smashing it in the progress. It wasn't just Clark, it was any male. I thank Lord she hasn't snarled at any women. Her eyes were scanning a room, left and right looking for unfortunate admirers to come near me, only to be met by the guard dog. No pun intended there. She didn't mind the others, like she was OK with them, once they didn't try anything funny.

Not to mention, the way she walked up boldly to the borderline drunk guy, being so direct with him! When he didn't take her warnings and he pushed her, that was the last straw. Lara held no restraint in giving him a fine right hook to his face. I'm sure he's still feeling it right now, as something tells me, she decided not to control her werewolf strength. My saviour was lucky not be spending a night in a cell. Imprinting, is not to be underestimated, nor its effects.

"I'm glad you came into her life Samantha. Lara has always been shy and introverted, you helped her to come out of her shell. She needed someone who is her polar opposite.",

"Kind of, but Lara has become a little more confident in herself." I stopped to sip my tea. No wonder Lara loves Winston making her tea! This is the best beverage ever! I saw some books along the shelf, Lara will be another while sleeping, but this is good for her. I got up and stared at the vast collection of books. Mostly History, but there is some English literature there too.

My eye caught the collection of Shakespeare plays and his sonnets. Didn't take the Crofts to have scholar sides to them, maybe Lara's mother liked English. I pulled out the comedy The Merchant of Venice. No, not the definition of a comedy you are thinking of, in Shakespeare's terms, it means there is a happy ending. Taking the book with me and remembering where it goes, I sat down and began reading it.

Two Hours Later…

23:24…

My head shot up from behind the book I was reading when I heard Lara groan. Oh good! She's waking up! I put the book down on the table, walking over to her. She definitely needed that rest, though the colour on her face hasn't fully returned but Lara looks a little more energised than she was before. After she reverted back from her werewolf form, she could hardly stand, let alone keep herself conscious. She was just so exhausted. I knelt down by Lara, brushing a small strand of her brown hair off her face.

"Sam?" She said groggily. Lara's still a bit dreary, but she's coming to her senses now.

"Hey sweetie. Have a nice nap?",

"Best one ever." Lara answered blandly. "What happened?" Before I could answer, Roth came out of nowhere.

"Lara! You're awake!",

"Hello to you too Roth." Lara sat up, removing the blanket covering her. She knew she was back home at Croft Manor. "Mind telling me what happened? Last thing I remembered: we were attacked by this militia group and Sam you were close to being…" Lara paused, her face going pale. Oh no. Roth had a grim look on his face. I filled her in on the rest of the details.

"When I was about to be raped, you turned. You attacked the hunters causing them to flee.",

"I attacked you and Roth? Didn't I?" There was pain, hurt and guilt behind girlfriend's voice. Roth and I looked at each other, wondering how we will explain this. Lara jumped to the conclusion she did, on the verge of entering a state of panic. "Oh my god! I did attack the both you!",

"Well, you didn't exactly. You never attacked us… merely threatened us werewolf style." Lara looked at myself and Roth, expecting to find any signs of injury inflicted by her.

"Your turn was rage-triggered and Sam managed to get through to you." Roth finished. Lara hummed at his statement, thinking about what he said almost.

"Funnily, I found myself… deep inside my conscience, surrounded by darkness. Then, a light broke through, I heard Sam's voice." I looked at Sam, "You were calling me and all I did was pull myself towards that light."

As cheesy as it sounds, but if that is what Lara saw then… I really don't know what to make of it! It sounds like Lara's conscience is pulled into the shadows in her Underworld form. Yes, I named that werewolf form, after the werewolves in the film Underworld. Without thinking, I began to yawn.

"You're tired Sam. I'll lead you to one of the guest rooms." Still in her PJs, Lara got up, bringing me to the door and opened it. I followed Lara as she led me up the staircase, turning right. It's almost second nature to her, she knows how to perfectly navigate herself around the manor. I thought she would've forgotten, yet I guess you can't really forget home. After turning left, then stopping suddenly, Lara opened a single door, revealing the large guest room. Well that's more than I bargained for, quite the size for just a guest room. My parents would pay Lara a large sum of money just to spend a few days here. Lara could make more money by making this place a B&B! Then pay extra to get a tour of the manor and get a history lesson by none other than Lady Lara Croft herself or by the last remaining staff member of Croft Manor: Winston the Bulter.

"Thanks Lara. Much appreciated.",

"You're welcome." Lara gave me a small smile. "I'll have Winston bring you a set of sleepwear and… I'll wake you for breakfast." I cocked my head then,

"You're not going to bed?",

"I slept long enough. I have plenty of energy now." I tensed a little, after what happened and everything that happened, I'm scared to be alone.

"Lara, could you stay with me? Please?" Sensing I was a little scared, Lara just replied with:

"Sure."

Winston shortly arrive with my PJs, I ran to the bathroom to change. Once I came out, I got into the bed with Lara. Damn! This is the cosiest bed I've got into! I felt Lara placing a protective arm around my waist. I let the soothing warmth of Lara's body and heart beat lull me sleep. I feel safer now.

"Goodnight sweetie.",

"Night Sam." I dozed off in an instant.

(Lara's POV)

All I did was spend listening to Sam's rhythmic breathing for several hours. Soon enough, my own eyes grew heavy. Laying my head into the crook of my girlfriend's neck, I closed my eyes and sleep took over me.

Next Day…

Morning…

10:05…

6th December 2010…

(Scene: Croft Manor, Surrey, England/Lara's POV)

I was slowly coming out of the land of sleep. So much for staying up, but I probably needed another rest. That rage-induced transformation really knocked my energy levels down a few pegs, or a lot. This is the first time I ever felt that drained. My vision was still hazy, I could just about see a figure standing at the doorway, which was a bit fuzzy at the moment. The figure had a familiar scent though. Is that… oh shit! I leaped out of the bed, startling Sam, which caused me to become tangled up in the bedsheets. Once I got out, I fell over, landing on the floor. Very hard. Honestly, I feel more sorry for the floor than myself!

I could hear Roth laughing his heart out. Sam was probably going red with embarrassment and awkwardness. You just had to ask me to stay didn't you Sam? I let out a growl as I pulled myself up, definitely awake now. Roth was still doubled over. Now who's acting like a kid?

"Aren't you two a bit young to have sex?" We froze. Too forward!

"Roth!" Myself and Sam yelled at the same time. He's not going to live this down. Isn't he? All he did was walk off casually after that to leave myself and Sam to change into our clothes, then come down for breakfast. Sam looked at me, a little bit flustered.

"Didn't think Roth was capable of such talk.",

"You be surprised what he is capable of." I replied, really wanting to kill him now. I saw Winston let our clothes outside the door, at least he respects our privacy. I grabbed my clothes, as well as Sam's. I tossed hers on the bed as I strode off into the bathroom.

After fifteen minutes, including a quick shower, I came out fully dressed in my dark brown cargo pants, a navy tank top and my favourite pair of boots. Roth strikes again, got them for me in my final year of secondary school for my birthday, while I was in the throes of choosing a college for my course that I knew, I wanted to do. Mother and father put aside money for me to use so I can afford an education in either of their respective universities; University of Cambridge and Oxford, but I went against them and chose University College London. I didn't want to use the money, I wanted to forge my own path, even if that meant taking the hard, high road. I still went with it.

Sam walked off into the bathroom to change, so I decided to wait for her in case, and I'm sure it's possible, gets lost in my own home, just looking for the grand staircase. I heard Sam stepping into the shower, hopefully she won't be too long, otherwise Roth will yell at me, or place a high frequency alarm outside the room to agitate my enhanced hearing. Trust me, he done that once because I couldn't get out of bed! I never forgave him for that incident. I didn't talk to him for a day, until, like Sam would do, gave me some Jaffa Cakes and tea. Another several minutes passed, my girlfriend opened the door, dried and dressed.

"About time." I teased, "Come on. Don't want to keep Roth waiting." We exited the bedroom. I led Sam back the same path we took last night. The staircase was then in view.

"Lara, sweetie." I turned my head,

"Yeah?",

"Remember when you said you'll have disappear in the fourteenth of December?" I stopped, facing Sam. Why is she bringing this up?

"Correct. Why do you ask?",

"You told me a couple of days back, you and Roth found a way to create a suppressant for your Full Moon turns.",

"Where are you coming at?" I asked,

"Why don't you make the suppressant and use that night as a test run? See if it really works!" Sam said, with some hope in her voice. I groaned, how did I forget about it!? Sam is right! Winston said there's loads of Wolfsbane in the greenhouse, maybe I can use that night to see if father is correct. He never got a chance to prove it. For a smart intellect like me, I'm acting like a bloody dumb ass and Sam isn't being a total, stereotypical ditsy American girl. She has a point. I'll speak to Roth and Winston about it later. Right now, the Werewolf Hunters are being a needle in my backside at the moment. For all of us really. They're threatening our safety.

Sam's eyes widened when she realised something and began patting her pockets. Front and back. Her hand then reached into the right back pocket, she pulled it out, revealing a very special item of mine. I smiled as she handed it to me.

"My jade necklace!" I exclaimed, "I thought I lost it!" I tied the necklace back around my neck. It feels good to have it on me again. My neck feels bare and naked without it.

"I managed to grab it, just before you started chasing myself and Roth.",

"Thank you." I whispered, as I clutched my jade. Our little moment was cut short when Roth's voice echoed the manor.

"Lara Croft and Samantha Nishimura! Get yer asses down here before your food goes cold!" We both giggled as we made our way to the kitchen.

(Scene: Kitchen, Croft Manor, Surrey, England/Lara's POV)

I pushed the door open, letting myself and Sam in. Roth's face was slightly scowling, due to the fact we kept our breakfast hanging. It quickly softened though, so we won't be suffering a lecture about punctuality. This is what you get for living with a Navy Officer. Winston was busying himself, brewing a pot of tea for the three of us. I really hope Winston is feeding himself and taking regular breaks, I worry for his wellbeing. Ironic since I forget to take care of my own sometimes, or a lot. Otherwise, I will make him take a holiday and let him so spend time with his family for a month or two. I could leave Croft Manor locked up for some time.

Sam and I sat down next to Roth at the kitchen table, just as Winston laid our breakfast in front of us and the pot of tea. I smiled softly at him.

"Thank you Winston." He bowed slightly,

"It's no problem Lady Croft." I tensed,

"Winston, how many times do I have to tell you? I'm not comfortable with that title. My first name is just fine.",

"If that is what you wish." Winston went about his own business, leaving myself and the other two as he had to attend the manor; making sure it's clean and all. Roth on the other hand was reading the newspaper, looking very concerned.

"What is wrong Roth?" I questioned. Wordlessly, he placed the paper down flat, showing the front page. I gasped, police are investigating the scene where we were attacked last night! Someone must've spotted something out of the ordinary; definitely half-eaten, mutilated bodies, torn limbs, decomposing internal organs and bullet casings! The caption on the front page read:

"What Is Going On!?" Everyone is confused, police can't comprehend who is able to rip limbs with ease. Police have linked it to Jake's case, since the cause of deaths are near enough the same, yet they aren't sure if it is really connected. They're calling it a freak accident. I leaned back into my seat, is this going to be another case gone cold or will the hunters send someone in to act as a detective? The organisation can do anything! Going back to the college is suicide. They were following me for weeks, so they know where I study and most likely planted a spy to pose as a secretary or lecturer. We have to get rid of them, even if it means I have to kill them all, but I won't feel bad about it. They attacked and threatened me, Roth and Sam. Damn it, one of their men nearly raped her! Bastard, horny dog!

"The case will go cold shortly. You won't have to worry about anything Lara." Roth said,

"It's not that." I told him, "The hunters are the real problem.",

"You're right." He sighed, "We will find a way to fight them. So far they managed to evade authorities. They may have powerful connections." It somewhat explains the firepower they have and the fact some of them were wearing kevlar and SWAT style armour. Whoever they are linked with, they do not exist to mess around, but possibly have some sick goal for this world. I imagine this organisation to be no better than Hitler and his Third Reich, Mussolini and his dreams of a Fascist Italy; recreate it to be like the ancient Roman Empire. I may not know their intentions, but it's something I wouldn't like.

Pushing the dark thoughts aside, I ate my breakfast and downing my tea, surprisingly without choking. Sam and Roth finished theirs not long after. I stood up, taking my plate to the sink to wash and dry it. Speak of the devil, Winston walks in that very moment.

"My word! Miss Croft let me attend to the dishes! That is not necessary!" I ignored him on purpose, as I continued scrubbing the plate to get all the food off. Once that was done, I began drying the plate, also smirking. I enjoy testing Winston's patience. "Lara! I know you heard me!" Sam and Roth were chuckling.

"Let it go Winston. This argument is futile." Roth told him,

"I would love to hear the things you taught her Mr Roth and what sort of influence you had on Lara. Some skills I predict that are not necessary for a Lady!" I have to intervene now, before things get heated.

"And I'm sure they will be very helpful Winston." He opened his mouth, only to pause to think of a counter statement, but nothing came. Sam laughed, Roth was chuckling and I was smirking with pride. If I couldn't beat Winston in a strategic game of Chess, I can beat him in a game of wits. Knowing he is defeated, he decided to tend to other parts of the manor. Winston walked off, muttering:

"That girl just had to inherit Lady Amelia's wits."

"Nicely played Lara." Said Sam,

"Why thank you. Now, I like to show you where I used to kill time in my humble abode.",

"Your bedroom?" She guessed,

"The library." I corrected, "Now follow me or you'll get lost.",

"I'll stay here to read the paper in peace." Roth joked. Both of us just rolled our eyes, but left the veteran to do his own thing. I noticed Roth has his firearms on him, a bit far fetched, but in the light of our current situation, it's necessary. Thankfully Roth has a full gun license and all his weapons are legal under UK Law.

I led Sam up the stairs, turning right of the grand hall. We walked down a corridor, heading straight on leads to father's study, going left before leads to one of the entrances to the library. As we silently walked, sow thing seemed to have caught Sam's eye. I stopped, turning towards her, only to see what she was looking at, in awe. It was a replica of the full armour set, including the weapons; sword and shield, belonging to Sir Lancelot (also spelled Launcelot); one of the most famous and well-respected of the seven knights, protecting and picked by King Arthur. His father was named Galahad and was the lover of Queen Guinevere.

Ah yes, I was seven when I took the sword from the set to play with it. Let's say I got quite a scolding from mother and a long lecture from dad, after I nearly took his leg off him. I was never allowed near the statue again. Fond, but fun memories. Mother and father learned also, not to keep weapons on display in the Manor, real or not real; I could be trusted being near them. Roth did learn that the hard way. He still never forgave me for it.

"Who wore this armour?" Sam questioned,

"Sir Lancelot, but I won't bore you with the details. We're nearing the library." Walking away, we went another few stepsbefore stopping once more. To our right I noted, was the Servant's Passage, still creeps me out. It's fine once Winston is accompanying me. I put my hand on the door handle and pushed it down.

"After you." I slagged,

"You're such a Lady." Sam countered. She entered the library, I followed behind her, only to see her priceless reaction. Her jaw dropped, staring at the massive size of the room and the volume of books present, all covering various areas of history, interpretations and translations. The vast knowledge in this library could rival UCL's. Sam looked at me.

"You stayed here for hours on end, doing nothing but… reading!?" Surprised? What do you expect from a nerd/bookworm?

"Pretty much. When you don't have many… or no friends, books is what I turned to." I explained,

"You mentioned you were homeschooled.",

"Yeah. Because of my curse, you see why my parents wouldn't let me go to school… well boarding school for that matter. Once Roth entered the picture, he let me attend Secondary School. Still didn't fit in though.",

"I see. Must've been hard, with the lack of friends." Sam sympathised. All I did was shrug,

"I got used to it. In fact, I just spent time preparing myself for a life of eternal lonesome. Before my first turn though, I remember being invited to a party once.",

"What happened?" Sam sounded curious,

"I ran away, getting lost in the process because… of my interests, I couldn't relate to the other girls and they harshly teased me for my 'tomboyish' attitude. Something which both my mother and father encouraged. I wanted to be different, break the rules of Ladyship. Be an exception to society. I didn't want my aristocratic background to define me." I admitted, rubbing my arm. That action gives me a sense of security. That party was the worst day of my life. I was what? Six? It was a year after I celebrated my fifth birthday.

My parents and the servants secretly set up an Egyptian themed Treasure Hunt. To be fair, I was obsessed with Ancient Egypt; learning all the districts and hieroglyphs. Best day of my life. "I sprinted far from the house, not knowing where I ended up. I cried because I was lost. Of course, being the daughter of a Lord and Lady, my absence did not go unnoticed and a police officer found me, brought me back to the manor. The event also sparked that introvert quality in me."

Sam stared at me sympathetically. She can comfort me all she wants, give me as many Jaffa Cakes and tea, but for this sort of thing, the damage has already been done. It's not that I lost my trust in people, I feared I would be unmercifully teased and poked fun at because I'm not like other girls. I wasn't into makeup, completely blind towards boys (and girls) flirting with me, I detested dresses with a vengeance; constantly complained to mother and father how impractical they were! My sports interests were… out of the normal, despite the fact I met other girls doing them. Who on Earth likes Rock Climbing? Travelling? Hiking? Shooting? Then I'm boring people to death with my knowledge of History, learning topics beyond what is taught in Secondary education. As a whole, as other people described me to be: socially awkward, nerdy, introvert, shy.

"Roth said he was thankfully that you and I befriended each other.",

"Which did turn into something more." I joked, "I'm glad you did enter my life, you brightened it up, helped me out of shell a little. You didn't run away when you figured out I am a werewolf." Sam placed her hand on me.

"I told you already Lara; believe me, I was freaked out about it. I couldn't believe the Supernatural was closer than I thought. As I told you before: I'm not afraid of you, it's only the beast inside you.",

"You really have no idea how much that means to me." I told her. Sam then noted a ladder, leading to an upper floor.

"What's with the ladder?" She asked me,

"The moveable ones? That's to get to the other books placed there." I shuddered, recalling a memory. I was accompanying father in the library, he asked me to get a book from up there. Bad luck seemed to be on my side, as I took quite a tumble. Busted my shoulder, I dislocated it. Doctors told me no intensive movement, including restrictions on my love for climbing trees. Sometimes I still feel the odd twitch of agitation from it.

"I'm not surprised the Crofts put one in. Is your family known for being bookworms?" I smiled awkwardly and Sam took that as an instant yes. Change the subject! Before I know, she'll be interviewing me! "Come on, I'll give you a tour around the rest of the manor." We turned on our heels, heading for the door.

Just as I placed my hand on the door handle, a piece of cloth covered in what smelled like Chloroform, was placed over myself and Sam! The cloth covered our mouths and noses, it happened so fast! We couldn't scream for Roth as our voices were muffled. I grew lightheaded, the chemical took effect as it entered my system. My whole world was going dark. Too weak to fight, I let it take me.

Two Hours Later…

12:10…

I felt someone shaking my shoulder, hearing a voice, a panicked voice no doubt. It sounded far away, but I could recognise it. Roth. I groaned, slowly pulling myself up, I officially hate Chloroform. I opened my eyes, he was standing over me, Winston looking sick with concern and worry. I sat up, a bit too quickly. I got a little dizzy.

"Easy lass. Not too quick." He soothed, "Winston and I grew worried when neither you or Sam left the library." My senses jolted when upon hearing Sam's name.

"Sam! Where is she!?" I was met with sad eyes by both of them. No! Oh no! Please no!

"Sam wasn't here, by the time we reached the library. When we opened the door, we just saw you unconscious." I was quick to find the problem. I clenched my fists, standing up. The hunters are truly playing with fire now.

"They took her!",

"Lara?" Said Roth in a worrying tone, more for me really.

"THE FUCKING BASTARDS TOOK HER!" I yelled, filling the room. "I'M GOING TO TEAR THEM APART!",

"You don't even know where she is!" Roth countered, trying to get me to come back to my senses. "And no! You can't track her down like a blood hound. They used something to cover their scent." This angered me further.

"FUCK!" I vented my anger by tossing several rows of books off their shelves. Winston winced at my anger, Roth stood there, unshaken but sad, wishing he could do something to help me.

"I promise you Lara. We will find Sam and end this madness." Roth promised and I know he'll keep it.

Same Time…

(Scene: Unknown Location, England/Samantha's POV)

I woke up. I absolutely hate my fucking life. I knew the hunters were on us again. God! How did they know where to find Croft Manor? Where we were at the time! I coughed a little, Chloroform is not fun, especially inhaling it. Shortly, I realised I couldn't move my arms. I was tied to a chair! Where the hell am I? I really hope Lara isn't having a mental breakdown at the moment. Last thing I need is a little rampage in Underworld form.

Also, as if this hostage situation couldn't be any more cheesy, I was being illuminated under a single large light, that was flickering. Then, the door opened. A man and two other soldiers, hunters for that matter, walked in. I recognised the man, he was there when they first attacked us.

"Good afternoon Miss Nishimura." Of course, they somehow managed to figure out my name. No doubt they hacked into our college files.

"Please spare me the pleasantries." I deadpanned. The older man chuckled.

"At least allow me to introduce myself." All I did was roll my eyes. "My name is Lieutenant Jenkins and you are going to help us lure out your werewolf lover." My face fell. I'm fucked!

Sam's held hostage, Lara is pissed. The hunters have literally signed their death warrants. It's up to Lara, Roth and Winston to save Sam. But can they find her first?