The Traitor and her Hybrid Husband

Chapter 2~Prisoner~

Octavia

“There’s an abandoned car waiting for you twenty miles out, near the border. I stashed some cash and supplies there. It’s not much, but it should be enough to get you out of the state. Once you get the supplies, run. As fast as you can. I made sure the patrol wouldn’t start until midnight. You don’t have time to waste.” he quietly instructed before walking away.

I took in a gulp of air, trying to concentrate. They were going to murder me. My ears rang as I tried to remember Adrain’s instructions. How could I trust him?! I bit my lip, drawing blood. I didn’t have a choice. I crept back to my room, looking around wildly. I need to pack. I grabbed clothes out of the closet and started throwing them onto the bed.

It wasn’t my first time on the run, but damn I was out of practice. I tossed a few pairs of clothes inside my bag and double checked the diaper bag I had planned to take to the hospital. I looked around at the mess I just made. This would be the first place they’d look for me. If anything looked out of place, they would immediately be on high alert.

I growled as I cleaned up. I was wasting time but this was necessary. They would look for me for a few hours before realizing I was gone. Finally satisfied with my work, I poked my head outside my door. I listened to the quiet sounds, hoping it would soothe my nerves. I closed the door and sighed. I can’t risk leaving through the hall and having someone spot me. My only other exit was the window. The knot in my stomach grew tighter.

I walked over to the window and peered outside. I was on the second floor but the large tree looked close enough. I’ve had experience making dangerous jumps but I was never pregnant before. My heart raced as I smoothed a hand over my stomach. I hoped my baby would forgive me for being so reckless. I pushed open the window and climbed onto the roof. The wind cooled my sweat covered forehead. I carefully pushed the window back into place, the soft click sealing my fate.

I stayed low, scooting my butt closer to the edge of the roof. The long tree limbs swayed as I studied them. After finding the perfect spot to grab, I held my breath and jumped. I cried out as the rough bark tore into my palms. I swung my legs then kicked off the tree, landing with a soft thud. I gave my belly a pat then ran. I couldn’t help but to think of the irony of everything. I was forced to leave my childhood home because my family committed treason and now the roles are reversed.

My breathing became labored, my lungs screaming for air. I’ve only managed ten or eleven miles before I had to stop. I gasped, my legs burning. Damn it! I used to be faster! I’ve gotten too comfortable here. My baby kicked, reminding me that I didn’t have time to be resentful. Angelic bells chimed off in the distance. This meant Melissa had a successful birth. I listened to the tolling, praying that it would stop after two rings. When the third thunk of the bell sounded off, I urged my body forward. Three rings meant she had given birth to a boy.

The wind whipped past me as I neared the edge of the territory. I could see the broken down vehicle Adrain described off in the distance. I drank in heavy breaths as I slowed down. The car was very run down and rusted; it was freaking ancient! Would it even start?! I choked back my panic and tried to think. I just needed to put distance between myself and the clan. This had to work.

I yanked the rusty door open with a loud creak. I plopped down in the driver’s seat, annoyed that I didn’t have room between my stomach and the steering wheel. I grabbed the bag from the passenger seat and looked through it. I scoffed. There was only two hundred dollars and a few packs of blood. I transferred my new supplies to my bags. I’ve survived on less, I shouldn’t be ungrateful.

I ran my hands under the seat, letting out an excited squeal when I located the keys. I placed them in the ignition and sent up a silent prayer, hoping the car would start. The car came to life with sputtering pops. I pushed my foot down on the gas pedal, leaving Acheron behind. I drove for just a few hours before the car started to jerk. It skidded to a slow stop. Damn it, out of gas.

I closed my eyes as I sighed. Don’t cry, I chided myself. It was time to move. I grabbed my bags and ditched the car. Another sharp pain ripped through me, making me keel over. The contractions haven’t stopped. I was starting to think my child would be born sooner than expected. I needed shelter. I studied my surroundings and the road that disappeared in the dark night. Do I follow the road or take my chances in the forest?

My feet moved forward before my mind came to a conclusion. The forest it is. I ran, only stopping to let my contractions pass. I had no idea where I was going or where this forest led. The deeper I went, the darker it got. I stopped to catch my breath, then groaned. Warm liquid crept through my sweats, confirming my suspicions. My water just broke. I was going to give birth alone in this forest.

I continued forward as my pace changed to a brisk stride. Twigs snapped off in the distance, stopping me in my tracks. The noise was two or three miles behind me. I swallowed another moan as my next contraction hit me, swiftly taking away my breath. I bolted forward, ignoring my pain. I needed to hide. I rushed forward in the darkness. Everything was on fire as I pushed my body to its limits. The sun was starting to set, making the already dark forest darker.

I’ve been running for hours and covered dozens of miles. I could still hear something or someone following me, but whatever it was was keeping its distance. Goddess, what was I supposed to do? I needed a break. I needed some blood. A sharp cry fell from my mouth as another contraction attacked my body. I gulped down air as I leaned against a tree, trying to ease some pain. The urge to push was strong and painful.

I listened to the sounds of the woods over my rampant heart beat. I haven’t heard my purser for a few miles now. I sighed heavily. This might be my only chance to do this. With shaky hands, I rummaged through my bag and laid down one of the small blankets I had packed. My teeth clattered as I pulled down my soaked sweatpants. I sat on top of my blanket then chugged down a bag of blood. I tore up my shirt and stuffed the pieces into my mouth to stifle my cries.

I couldn’t help the swell of tears that fell down my face as I pushed with my contractions. I tried my best to stay as quiet as I could while my body felt like it was being ripped in half. After a few more attempts, I was depleted. I could barely stay awake, my whole body felt bogged down. I failed to steady my hands as I reached between my legs. I cried harder as I felt the top of my child's head almost to my entrance. I was so close.

The sound of branches snapping made me jump. I wildly looked around, catching glimpses of large figures lingering in the shadows. I pushed down again, unable to resist. A terrifying howl shook the small space. I cried as more howls filled the night. Of course, it had to be damned wolves. There were five… no, six of them. One by one the wolves made their appearance, their growls mimicking my cries from labor.

The wolves circled me, aiming vicious snaps and growls at me. I was totally defenseless. I carefully pulled the cloth out of my mouth and addressed them. “P-Please don’t hurt us. I-” I groaned as I bared down. My child clearly did not care that I was trying to negotiate our safety. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know I-I was on claimed territory.” I tried to explain once I caught my breath. The wolves continued to circle me, waiting.

Another howl rang out, making me shiver. The circle parted to make room for the newcomer. The wolf was bigger than all of them, its coat blacker than the night. It stood still as I pushed again. I couldn’t tell how much progress I’ve made. I was too scared that the wolves would kill me before I gave birth. The black wolf came closer, its growl made my chest rumble.

“P-Please.” I cried.

The wolf began to shift into its human form, morphing into a petite woman with light caramel skin and tight curly sandy brown hair. I stopped my ogling to push. This was f*****g torture! The woman cautiously approached me.

“What business do you have here?” she asked in a seductive voice.

“I-I’m running. My clan plans to murder me and my c-child.” I told her after I caught my breath.

“Why? Are you a criminal?” she demanded, her once sweet voice dark.

I shook my head as I screamed, pushing. I was positive that my child was going to tear me apart. “No!” I croaked. Making up her mind, the woman slowly crouched down and positioned herself near my legs.

“I have some experience with childbirth. I can help you, if you want.” she said with a tentative smile, forming a small dimple deep in her cheek. This whole thing was so bizarre but I knew I couldn’t do this alone, the pain was just too much. I frantically nodded my head as she scooted closer to examine me.

“Your baby is almost here, the head is already out.” She coached me. I followed her instructions to reposition my legs and pushed. I could barely stay upright, I wanted to give up. “Push!” the woman urged. I gathered all of my strength to give one final push. The cries of my child filled the forest. The woman worked quickly as she tore the cord and wiped my baby clean. Her smile was of genuine happiness as she wrapped my baby up and pushed the bundle into my arms. “It’s a boy.” she cooed.

Fear washed over my body as I stared down at my son. One of the other wolves huffed, making the woman stare off in the distance. “You are being followed. There are ten other vampires coming this way.” she informed me. The promise of doom hit me like a ton of bricks. I was in no condition to fight or to run.

I helplessly looked up at the woman, “My son is the rightful heir to my clan but they don’t want him. We have no protection. P-Please help us.”

She stared at me with avid interest, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Trouble.” she chuckled before signaling to her team to get into position. We waited in silence as my enemy approached us. I could smell blood. My clan members strolled into the clearing, stopping at the sound of the wolves growling their warnings. “You have wandered too far into this forest. Leave.” the woman ordered.

My clansmen looked undaunted. I recognized each one of them, all of them having pretended to be my allies. Chris sauntered forward, his leering gaze on me. “We don’t want any problems. Just hand the little b***h and her child over.” he said.

“If you value your lives, you will leave.” the woman warned, the other wolves growled in unison. Chris scoffed, his hate filled glare still on me.

Chris snapped his fingers, motioning for one of his lackeys to bring him a bag. He threw the bag in my direction. It landed with a soft thud at the wolves feet, the stench of blood stronger. The woman grabbed the bag and reached inside, pulling out a severed head.

I covered my mouth as a scream threatened to escape. The familiar face of Adrian stared off blankly, his blood dripping to the floor. “He died because of you!” Chris screamed. “You seduced him. You lured him into helping you runaway!” he continued.

I shook my head in denial. “I’ve done nothing! It was you who schemed to kill a woman and her unborn child! It was you who killed your own son! Is Steven being the clan leader this important?! Was Adrian’s death worth it? I have done nothing wrong!” I cried out. Chris hissed as my words echoed.

The woman stared down at Adrian’s decapitated head. “This was his son?” she growled.

“Yes.” I answered weakly. The wolves grew restless at my confirmation. The pack suddenly started to attack, effortlessly dropping their enemy. The air was charged with sounds of battle, my newborn’s crying added to the mix.

The vampire group was now down to four as Chris screamed their retreat. “This isn’t over. We will find you. One day you won’t have your dogs to protect you.” Chris threatened as he disappeared into the woods.

“Follow them.” the woman ordered her pack. The wolves dashed off to pursue their prey. My adrenaline crashed, the pain doubled across my body. I could barely see I was so light headed. My grip weakened as I held my son. The woman bent down to support me, her smile back in place. My thoughts swirled around, my mind unable to focus.

“Wha-at will hap-pen to us?” I slurred, fighting to keep my eyes open. The woman’s smile deepened. “You are my prisoner and I am taking you.” she said simply. Darkness crept in as the word prisoner floated around my mind.