LOST IN HIS ARMS

CHAPTER FIVE — SANCTUARY IN THE PINES

Eloras

I didn’t know what I expected when he said he’d take me somewhere safe, but it wasn’t that.

The road narrowed, winding through towering pine trees. Darkness pressed in around the car, broken only by the headlights reflecting off the jagged bark. The sharp scent of pine mingled with the faint metallic tang of the car. I pressed my hands to my knees, unsure where to put them, and avoided looking at him. He had this…presence, strong and magnetic, and I felt unbearably small beside it.

The past few days had been serious torture for me, like I was riding on a rollercoaster and had no way to get off.

“When you hit your head, Miss Elora, it affected the part of your brain called the hippocampus which caused this memory loss," the doctor told me after the CT scan. “But don't worry, I'm very sure your memory is going to miss you and come running back in time.

Don't worry, ahhh, why shouldn't I worry?

My hand found it's way to my neck and I began fondling with my necklace. That was the only connection between me and my senses because I felt like I was drowning and sinking with no way of escape.

“Are you alright?” Jared asked, jolting me back to my present, his voice calm but firm. The edge of concern made my chest tighten. I nodded, unsure if it was for his sake or my own.

He had told me to call him Jared and I shouldn't worry about anything.

“I'm going to take care of you, you'll be safe with me. You'll be with me until the police are able to locate your family, okay? They've sent out a missing person report and, hopefully, we'll get positive news," he had assured me, and now here I was being taken to his house after I was discharged from the hospital.

The car turned onto a private drive lined with more pines. Then—I froze.

The estate sprawled across the mountainside, a modern marvel of glass, steel, and stone. Minimalist, cold, yet sleek surfaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed glimpses of the interior—open spaces, high ceilings, tasteful decor, and the faintest flicker of warmth from a fireplace.

It was…intimidating. And beautiful.

I swallowed, fingers fidgeting with the edge of my sleeve. Every instinct told me to be wary, but my heart thudded in a strange rhythm I didn’t understand.

“This is…your home?” I asked quietly, my voice trembling slightly.

“Yes,” he said simply, eyes on the road as he guided the car up the long driveway. “It’s private. You’ll be safe here.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. The thought of being safe…protected…felt both comforting and terrifying.

When he opened the car door, a wave of cool mountain air hit me. I shivered, instinctively wrapping my arms around myself.

From the doorway of the estate appeared a woman in her fifties, tall, poised, with silver-streaked hair tied neatly at the nape of her neck. She walked with authority, yet there was a warmth in her gaze that immediately put me slightly at ease.

“This is Ava,” Jared said, nodding toward her. “She runs the house and keeps everything in order. You’ll see her often.”

Ava’s eyes flicked over me, assessing but kind. “Welcome. You’re safe here,” she said in a calm, reassuring voice. “I’ll make sure you’re comfortable, and if you need anything, let me know. Understand?”

I nodded, feeling a bit more grounded. Her presence made the place feel less intimidating, more human.

Ava led me into a guest suite, spacious and bright, yet warm. Large windows framed the mountains outside, commanding in its elegance. Lights glimmered softly, highlighting the sharp edges of the setting sun, turning the pines golden. I couldn’t stop staring.

“This will be your room,” Ava said, smiling gently. “There’s food, fresh linens, and everything you might need. Jared will check on you, but I’ll make sure you’re comfortable.”

I nodded, shy, feeling slightly overwhelmed. The room was enormous, elegant, with a soft bed, neat desk, and a small reading nook by the window. I moved slowly, almost afraid to touch anything.I just kept holding dear to my necklace, that was the only thing that made sense to me.

“You don’t need to worry,” Ava said, her voice calm. “Everything here is safe. Take your time. If you need anything, I’m here.”

Her kindness was grounding. I realized I had been holding my breath, and I let it out slowly.

JARED'S POV

Ava has been with me longer than anyone else. She knows the house better than I do, and I trust her completely. She’ll help her settle in without me hovering over every movement. That’s the point—she needs guidance, not smothering.

And yet…watching her interact with Elora, I notice the way Elora flinches slightly, shyly painting her every movement. She’s cautious, fragile, and I can’t stop feeling protective.

I just couldn't be responsible for anyone,I couldn't, it was too much a risk. I failed the people that I swore to protect, my Grace and Lily, and God knows I wasn't capable of protecting anyone again.

I promised to keep her safe, which I will but at the same time, with all of my being,I kept hoping, seriously hoping that I'd wake up from this nightmare.