The Alpha's Second Chance

CHAPTER2

As we walked, Lucien's menacing words echoed in my mind, sending shivers down my spine. What did he mean by "the key to our survival"? What did he want from me? I attempted to squirm out of Ethan's hold as my fear turned to panic, but he only made it tighter. I was tormented by fragments of memories that held the promise of an unfulfilled future, passion, and intensity.

My heart ached, and a lump formed in my throat as I realized I had fallen for Ethan's charms once more.

Please, Ethan, I pleaded, my voice hardly audible above a whisper. "Explain the situation to me. What is Lucien requesting from me?

Though Ethan's expression stayed neutral, there was a glimmer of emotion in his eyes. "Ava, stay away from here. Not right now," he snarled, his voice urgent and low.

I attempted to remove his hand again, but my annoyance finally boiled over. Ethan pulled me in closer, his face just inches from mine, but his grip remained unwavering.

The car squeaked to a stop, and Ethan's head snapped up, his gaze locked on something in front of him. My heart skipped a beat when I followed his gaze and noticed a group of ominous figures obstructing our path.

Ethan yanked me into the footwell and growled, "Get down, Ava," as gunfire broke out all around us.

I curled into a ball, my heart pounding with fear, and my world went black. When I opened my eyes once more, Ethan's eyes were fixed intently on the road ahead as we quickly drove away from the chaos.

"What just happened?" My voice trembled as I asked.

Anger flared in Ethan's eyes, and his jaw tightened. "The men of Lucien. Ava, they're attempting to rob you of me."

As my mind raced with questions, Ethan's phone rang, and he answered curtly, "Yes, Lucien." Before I could ask him anything,

The exchange was short, but as soon as I heard Lucien's menacing voice on the other end of the line, my heart fell.

"What did he say?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

Ethan's grip tightened on the steering wheel, and his eyes narrowed. "You must be taken to a safe house by us. Right now."

When I realized I was stuck in a risky game and that Ethan was my only chance of surviving, my fear turned to dread.

The city gave way to rolling hills and thick forests as we drove. Though I didn't know where we were going, I knew I needed to keep Ethan talking.

"Please, Ethan," I said in a quiet voice. "Explain the situation to me. Why are the men of Lucien pursuing me?

Ethan sighed, and his eyes flickered. "Ava, you are not your typical woman. You're unique. And Lucien won't do anything to take advantage of your abilities."

A shiver went down my spine. "What presents? What topic are you discussing?"

With a clenched jaw, Ethan accelerated, sending the car hurtling down the narrow road. "Ava, we'll discuss it later. We must put our current attention toward keeping you safe."

I nodded, but a million questions sprang to mind. Which gifts did I have? And why did Lucien want to control me so badly?

The sun was setting, casting a golden glow around them as Ethan swerved off the main road and onto a dirt track.

We drove for what felt like hours, stopping occasionally to pull into a secluded cabin as the trees got closer together.

Ethan said, "Welcome to the safe house, Ava," as he opened the door after glancing around.

With trembling legs, I followed Ethan into the cabin as I stepped outside. The fire in the hearth was crackling, and it was cozy, but I knew I couldn't sit back and relax. Not just yet.

My heart thumping in my chest, I turned to Ethan as he locked the door behind us. "I need answers, Ethan. What is happening? What can you expect from me?

With his voice low and husky, Ethan stepped closer as his eyes softened. "I want to keep you safe, Ava.

I want to protect you from the men Lucien leads. And I wish to assist you in realizing your full potential."

A flutter went through my chest, and questions flew through my head. What capacity? What was it about me that Ethan knew that I didn't?

However, Ethan's phone rang again before I had a chance to ask any more questions, and he curtly replied, "Yes, Lucien."

This time, his expression darkened, and he turned to face me with intensely focused eyes. "Ava, we have to go. Right now."

The darkness outside seemed to be drawing in on us as we ran from the cabin. Tightening his hold on my hand, Ethan looked around him with a fearful and urgent mix of emotions.

"What's happening?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

With an urgent tone, Ethan said, "We have to get you to the next safe house." "The men of Lucien are drawing near. There is not much time left."

I nodded, my heart thumping with fear. The sound of rustling leaves beneath our feet filled the dense forest as we ran through it. Ethan stopped abruptly and c****d his head sideways.

"What is it?" My voice trembled as I asked.

Whispering, "Shh," he stared straight ahead at something. "Do you hear that?"

As I listened, I soon heard the sound of heavy, purposeful footsteps approaching closer and closer.