B1)A Wanted Love

18) Kidnapping!

Tiara-

Tiara kept calm when Sebastian told them Salome had disappeared. She wanted to cry and scream but kept her emotions close.

Sebastian left soon after to chase after whoever took Salome. Tiara knows Sebastian will bring her little girl home.

"I'm glad you're calm," Margaret said.

Tiara looked at her. "I'm screaming on the inside."

Margaret smiled. "I've never seen Drake so furious. I'm worried about what he's about to do."

Tiara rubs her belly.

Drake hasn't been home since finding out about Salome. He's been at the war room planning a war.

Can the situation get any worse?

She closes her eyes and leans back against the rocking chair. She stares out the window. There isn't much to do but wait.

The hours went by, and Tiara dozed off. She woke up to Drake's voice. He was yelling and arguing with someone.

She stood and followed the voices. Drake and Sean were arguing outside.

"You can't start a war with the hunters!" Sean said. "Stop going on rampages? This situation isn't like in our childhood! You have a family to look after. A war will only put them in danger. I understand Salome is missing, and we will get her back. But a war will only bring more bloodshed. Not to mention, the other clans don't want war."

"The Elder is already planning a war," Drake said. "I am simply speeding up the processes. So fuck off, I know Clay send you."

Tiara intervene. "Stop it, both of you. You two are brothers, so shouldn't you be working together? Drake, you need to move past that Sean left. He left to start a family and did what he thought was right." She glared. "Sean, please tell Clay we can handle it; if we need help, Drake will ask for it. We don't want a war, but I'm sure you've seen how the hunters advance. They went through all that effort to get to a child. They kill innocent people, children or not." Tiara looks down. "I think we need to downsize the hunters."

Drake was looking at her with such approval.

"Still, if we can find another way around, we will do it," she added. "So please make amends. Isn't there something that keeps you two connected?"

The look they gave each other let Tiara know they do have a secret they share. She's curious. "What's the secret?"

"Secret," they both said.

Drake stepped back and sighed. "If I need help, I'll let you know."

Sean groaned. "Fine."

Tiara went back inside.

"Oh, Veronica?"

She was standing by the back door, looking at the sky. She looked sad and upset.

"Hey, it's not your fault," Tiara patted her head. "Salome will be back soon."

Veronica's bottom lip quivered. She turned and hugged her; she was trembling. The poor thing, she must feel awful.

Later that night, Tiara couldn't leave Veronica alone. They slept together in Salome's bedroom.

Drake checked on them before going back to work. She wishes he could come to bed.

At around midnight or so, Tiara woke up to a commotion. Someone snatched Veronica from her arms. She sat up and tried to scream for help. Someone behind her covered her mouth—Tiara trash around, clawing and kicking.