The Claim

What Have You Done?

The next few weeks were somewhat calmer. Jensen had told Eloise all that had been talked about at the meeting and Eloise had to be honest, it had scared her knowing that if this war didn't end, that the other families could also get involved.

She knew Elijah wasn't going to give up, but she was hopeful that maybe now that the other Dons were aware of the reason why they were at war, that Elijah would step back and at least stop the ambushes on Jensen's men. And even though they had to a certain extent, there were still a few happening here and there.

Ever since the meeting, Eloise had stayed at the estate, not leaving for anything. Whatever she needed, someone would get it for her, even the more personal things. It had been a request from Jensen, just to keep her safe, and she had agreed to it because of all the chaos that was ruling the town at that point.

But it had been a lot quieter than before and Eloise was driving herself crazy after staying at the estate for so long. She had talked to Jensen about it and he had agreed to let her go to the local bookstore to pick up a few new books. This was something she wanted to do herself, since she didn't know which books she wanted. Once she had the books, she would stay at the estate and not leave again, at least until she needed new books. That was the compromise she and Jensen had come up with, and she was okay with it.

Eloise was leaving the small bookstore with Misha and David, after buying a few books that would last her for a while, and making their way back to the SUV, when they heard cars speeding down the street. They all turned to see the cars, thinking that maybe it was just some kids drag racing, when Misha recognized one of the drivers.

Misha yelled at her to run and Eloise didn't need to be told twice. Dropping the bag that carried her new books, she took off sprinting towards the SUV, Misha and David right behind her and Alex motioning and screaming at her to go faster.

A few feet away from the SUV, one of the black town cars that was racing towards them cut them off, forcing Eloise, Misha and David to stop. David told her to run back through the alley. They ran as fast as they could but before they got to the other end, the other car cut them off as well. They were surrounded.

Eloise heard David ask Misha what now, and Misha saying that they couldn't shoot their way out of it, because of her. Elijah's men quickly surrounded them and threw Alex inside the circle next to them, having grabbed him from the SUV. The three men surrounded her, making sure that neither of Elijah's men had a clean shot at her.

She knew what was happening and what their fate would be, so she decided to take a chance.

- "I know what you want. And if you let my men go, I will go with you without a fight." - Eloise spoke, taking a step forward from behind Misha and David, both men grabbing her arms trying to stop her, but she simply looked back at them and shook her head.

- "We have orders to bring you with us and to kill them. So, either way, you're coming with us."

- "You might be able to do that, but unless I have your word that no harm comes to my men, I'll take this pretty little knife and plunge it in my chest." - She told them, showing the knife she had stolen from Jensen before she left as a precaution, hearing Misha asking her not to do it.

- "You wouldn't."

- "Do you really want to test that theory? I grew up surrounded by men like you. And I know the value of your word. Just let my men go, unharmed, and you will be able to tell Elijah you succeeded where others have failed. Can you imagine how much goodwill that will buy you with Elijah?"

The man she was talking to took a moment to think, and Eloise knew he was weighing the pros and cons of the decision he had to make. If he allowed Jensen's men to go, he could present to Elijah the one thing he has wanted for the last few months. But, if he allows Eloise to kill herself, then all the things that Elijah has planned for her are the exact same things that Elijah will do to him.