Bloody Belle

Chapter 5: Taken in the Night

~ Even in the grave, all is not lost. ~  Edgar Allan Poe

(POV Adam)

I walked into the throne room of the Montagnes castle. It was late at night, and I had just made the tiring journey from the Desrosiers Estate in the country Beaute Cachee.

Bowing lowly, I took in the sight of Seron stretched out upon his kingly chair. "Master Seron," I greeted.

"What news have you brought me, Adam?" he asked lazily while picking at his nails.

It was time for my status report. I had to tell him all I had learned. "The land grant has been secured, and the operation is ready to start when you say."

"And the girl?"

I inwardly cringed, hoping he would not ask about her. Taking a deep breath, I forced the burning lie out, "Sir, with all due respect, I do not think she is the one we need." I did not think she was the one for him and his intended use. She was my mate and I had to protect her, even though she would never know of me.

"No?" Seron questioned, looking up for the first time since I entered the room. I quickly shook my head, afraid that if I spoke he would see straight through my lie.

He stood from his lounging and stalked towards me. When I could feel the warmth of his breath against my cheek he hissed, "What is she to you?" I looked down, submitting to his harsh glare, but not answering. "If she is of no value to you, then you should have no problem bringing her to me."

When I made no move to leave he reminded, "Remember what their kingdom has taken from us. Our pack is gone, all killed at her family's orders. You think she is not the one? She is the chink in the armor, their weakness." His eyes narrowed, "She will do perfectly. Bring her to me."

He turned and took the few steps up to his throne, where he leaned back on the large dark-wooded chair. "Now go," he waved me off, "I grow impatient."

I bowed again before taking my leave.

I was at the door when he stopped me. "Take her in the night." he ordered menacingly, "Let her siblings find her bed cold in the morning." Without saying another word, I exited the room.

***

(POV Belle)

I had been dreaming of playing in the forest with a small boy when a large thump woke me. Thinking I had imagined it, I went to the window and looked out. Not a single plant moved outside on the lawn below. I turned away from the window. Maybe I had imagined it?

I scanned the room with a sinking feeling that I was being watched. Just like outside, nothing seemed out of place. I was about to get back into bed, and put the whole thing off as being a midnight scare, when a shadow slithered across the floor. I whirled around. Nothing else in the room should be able to move except me.

Suddenly a hand covered my mouth, preventing me from letting out the scream that bubbled in my throat. I was then hauled back into a very large, and very warm chest.

I thrashed wildly in the unknown intruder's grip, trying desperately to get free. Running low on options, I tried to lash out with my limbs and strike him, but he quickly bound my wrists tightly together so I wouldn't be able to hit him.

He dragged my thrashing body to the now opened window.

No, no, no, no, NO!!!! I dug my heels into the wooden floors. I did not want to be kidnapped! My fight against the intruder increased tenfold. I was not going down without a fight.

My fight to be freed did not faze the intruder in the least. He just flung my body up and over his shoulder as if I weighed nothing. Air rushed in my ears and my scream was lost to the wind as the intruder jumped from my second story window. I clamped my eyes shut, praying to come out of this unharmed.

The loud thump of his boots landing signaled that we had hit the ground.

I dragged in a ragged breath and let out an ear-splitting scream. Hitting my fists against the intruder's back, I continued to yell out, "LET GO OF ME!! NOW!! PUT ME DOWN!!!"

The intruder complied to my wishes and set me on my feet. For a second, I thought he was letting me go. I was greatly mistaken. He then quickly pressed his hand to my mouth, silencing my screams. I tried to flinch back away from him, but he gripped my arm and held me in place.

He shook me a little as I twisted my head back and forth, trying unsuccessfully to get free while still screaming into his large palm. "Beauty," he whispered pleadingly.

I stopped struggling. Beauty?

He slowly removed his hand when I stood still from shock and trying to catch a glimpse of his hidden face in the darkness. Suddenly, his head shot to the left, and he shoved me back into the coverage of the forest.

Torch light signaled their arrival before their pounding foot steps did. Two large royal guards came rushing around the corner of the manor, obviously having heard my screams. Feeling hopeful, I let out another scream for help... or tried to.

The intruder closed his hand over my mouth before I could even utter a squeak. His other arm quickly latched around my shoulders to keep me still. My struggle was futile.

The guards drew near our place hidden among the trees. As they passed by, the light from their torches cast a dim glow over us, and I caught a brief glimpse of the intruder's face. The guards deemed that there was no sign of a struggle or the cause of the screams, and carried on their way around the opposite side of the manor.

We were plunged back into darkness.

After several agonizingly long minutes, the intruder considered it safe, and released me. I whipped around to face him.

Every instinct was telling me to run, but my mind thought different. He would just catch me. Besides, I knew who he was now. I whispered into the shadows, "Lord Chanteloup?"

**************

A/N

Dun Dun DUNNN!!!

It seems poor Belle and Adam just can't catch a break... poor things really...

Oh well... Just remember, IT'S ALL FOR THE PLOT! ;)

Chapter Song: Hold Me Now by Red

~Alexis :3