Page 62 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"

Oh shit!

The voice, cold and mocking, sent chills down Wren's spine. She knew that voice and had hoped never to hear it again. Slowly, she turned to face the speaker.

A group of men emerged from the shadows, their leader a tall, imposing figure with a cruel smile. Wren's breath caught in her throat as she recognized him—the vampire who had branded her, who had sold her to Articus.

"Looks like our little runaway has decided to return to us," the vampire said, his fangs glinting in the fading light. "How thoughtful of you to save us the trouble of hunting you down."

Wren's mind raced, searching for an escape route. But she was surrounded, outnumbered. Fear clawed at her throat, threatening to overwhelm her.

No, not again. Please, not again.

"You're mistaken," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm not running away. I'm just... taking a walk."

The vampire's laugh was cold and mirthless. "Oh, my dear. Did you really think you could escape us so easily? You belong to us. Always have, always will."

As rough hands grabbed her arms, Wren's thoughts turned to Articus. Despite everything, a part of her longed for his protection, for the safety of his arms.

Bitterness welled up inside her, warring with fear and despair. She'd trusted Articus, loved him, and he'd betrayed her. Or had she betrayed him and herself by leaving him?

But as the vampires began to drag her away, one thought crystallized in Wren's mind, pushing aside all others. She had to protect her unborn child, no matter the cost. Her hand moved to her stomach, a silent promise to the tiny life within.

I'll keep you safe. Somehow, some way, I'll find a way out of this. For both of us.

With that thought, Wren allowed herself to be led away into the gathering darkness, her future uncertain but her resolve unshaken. Whatever came next, she would face it with the strength of a mother protecting her child. It was all she had left to hold onto.

They won’t hurt you.

Chapter 20 - Articus

The cold mountain wind whipped through the yard as Articus walked Fannar to his car, the gravel crunching beneath their feet. Fannar’s icy gray eyes, nearly as pale as the snow-dusted landscape behind him, lingered on Articus with a subtle flicker of concern before he extended a firm handshake.

"Remember, Articus," Fannar said, his voice as cold and clear as a mountain stream, "Logic must prevail over emotion. It's the only way to ensure the best outcome for all involved."

Articus nodded, his jaw tight. "I understand. Thank you for your counsel, Fannar."

The Frost Peaks Alpha regarded him with those icy gray eyes. "You're welcome. And Articus... tread carefully."

With that cryptic warning, Fannar slid into his car, the engine purring to life. Articus watched as the vehicle disappeared down the winding driveway, leaving him alone with his thoughts. His mind immediately drifted back to Wren.

What am I doing?

The question echoed in his mind as he turned back toward the mansion.

Am I making the right decision?

His feet carried him along the familiar path, but his mind was miles away. The weight of leadership had never felt heavier on his shoulders. He'd always prided himself on being a fair and just Alpha, on making decisions that benefited his pack as a whole. But now, faced with this impossible situation, he felt lost.

I can't keep her trapped in a life she doesn't want.

His heart ached at the idea of letting Wren go. Images of Wren flashed through his mind—her smile, the fire in her eyes when she challenged him, the softness in her touch. In such a short time, she'd become an integral part of his life, filling a void he hadn't even realized was there.

It would tear him apart, but he’d do it—because he cared more about her happiness than his own desires.

He had always prided himself on his ability to stay in control, but with Wren, that control slipped more often than he liked. Every instinct told him to keep her close, to protect her, but another part of him, the part that cared for her beyond the bond, wanted to give her the freedom he felt she craved.

Maybe I'm being selfish.

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