MARKED BY MY STEPBROTHER

Chapter Twenty Three

Sophie’s POV

The safe house was a small cabin buried deep in the northern woods, far from Silverpine Ridge. We arrived just as the sun rose, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges. I hadn’t slept. Every mile away from Damon felt like another piece of my heart being torn out.

The rebel elder, whose name I learned was Marcus Kane, helped me inside. Three other wolves, two women and one young man, were already waiting with supplies: baby formula, clothes, medical kits, and weapons. You name it. Seemed like they already knew i was coming.

“You’re safe here for now,” Marcus said, his voice sounded like someone who was user to grumbling but he seemed kind anyway. “Victor’s forces are in confusion after the fighting. So I guess we just bought ourselves some time.”

I sat on the worn couch, Lucas nestled against my chest. He was feeding hungrily, his tiny hand fisting my shirt. The golden glow around him had dimmed, but I could still feel the power that was sleeping inside him.

“What happens now?” I asked quietly.

“Damon is still there. I can feel him through the bond, and he’s hurt.”

Marcus sighed. “We have allies inside the compound. But Victor has locked down the main facility. Seraphina is pushing for a full ritual to bind the child’s power to her. We need to strike again before they regroup.”

I looked down at Lucas. He had Damon’s silver eyes and my dark hair. Innocent, yet already at the center of a war. Would never have believed that my child would be born into such circumstances. Not that he was complaining anyway, but it wasn't far. It just limited the chances he had for surviving.

“I’m not leaving without Damon,” I said, my mind totally made up. “We escape together or not at all.”

One of the women, a brunette named Lena, smiled softly. “The mating bond is strong in you two. We can use that. If we can get close enough, you might be able to reach him.”

I nodded in agreement .For the first time since this nightmare began, I didn’t feel completely helpless.

Damon’s POV

The deepest cell was pitch black except for a single orange bulb that couldn't seem to stay lit at a time. It kept going on and off. Silver cuffs kept me chained to the wall, burning my wrists and ankles. Every breath I made hurt. No doubt Victor wanted to make sure that I paid for defying him. What some father a son should be proud of, huh?

But the pain was nothing compared to the emptiness I felt without Sophie and Lucas.

I reached through the mating bond again, pushing everything I had left. A faint warmth answered , Sophie. She was safe. She had Lucas and I felt relieved, followed quickly by how proud I was of her. My mate was stronger than any of them realized.

The cell door opened and my father stepped inside, limping worse than before. Seraphina followed, looking exquisite despite the chaos.

“You’ve caused quite the mess, son,” Victor said, crouching in front of me. “Half the pack is questioning my leadership because of you.”

“Good,” I said, and forced a bloody smile. “Maybe they’ll finally see what a pathetic tyrant you are.”

Seraphina inclined her head. “Your mate and child are gone for now, but we’ll find them. The girl’s power calls to me. She can’t hide forever.”

I pushed against the chains, and warned her, “If you touch them, I will hunt you both to the ends of the earth.”

Victor got to his feet. “You still don’t understand. This was never about you. Sophie is the key. Her bloodline combined with ours will create Alphas strong enough to rule everything. You were simply the tool to get her pregnant.”

He turned to leave, then paused. “We’ll give you one more chance. Help us bring her back willingly, and you can stay by her side as her breeder. Refuse, and we’ll find another Alpha to do the job while you watch.”

I spat blood at his feet. “Go to hell.”

Victor’s laugh was cold. “You first.”

They left me in darkness again.

Hours passed. Or maybe days, it was hard to tell. The silver made me weak, but the mating bond kept me conscious. I could feel Sophie reaching for me, her love and fear pouring through like a lifeline.

Then I heard it.

A soft scratching at the vent near the floor. It was another note.

Midnight tomorrow. East loading dock. We’re coming for you. Hold on. - The Resistance

I smiled amidst the pain.

They thought they had broken me but they had only made me more dangerous.

Sophie’s POV

Night had fallen again over the safe house. Lucas was sleeping soundly in a makeshift bassinet. I stood on the small porch, staring into the dark forest, reaching through the bond as hard as I could.

Damon, we’re coming.

A faint pulse answered came back to me in emotions of determination, love, and a promise of violence.

Marcus stepped outside to join me. “We move at dawn. A small team will infiltrate the compound while the rest creates a distraction. Are you ready?”

I turned to him and said, “I’ve never been more ready.”

And that was the truth.

Lena approached, carrying a small bag. “We have suppressants to hide your scent and some weapons tuned for silver resistance. But Sophie, your power is our greatest weapon now. Can you control it?”

“I’m learning,” I said. “For Damon and Lucas, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Marcus nodded. “Then get some rest. Tomorrow we bring your mate home.”

As I lay down beside Lucas later that night, I whispered a promise into the darkness.

“We’re coming, Damon. Just hold on a little longer.”

Through the bond, I felt his response, strong and clear, and filled with fire.

I am waiting.

The war for our family was finally in play.