Taken (TordEdd) [Book 2 of Wanted]

Chapter 12

Tord was just about to set out his tenth search party of the current month when a knock came from behind him. He turned, seeing his two best pilots behind him. They had knocked on his open door.

"Red Leader, sir?" Pat greeted him. "Someone is here to see you about Edd."

Tord nearly leaped off his feet. He, of course, controlled himself and walked over to the two pilots. "Bring me to them, now."

The two pilots nodded, turning and leading Tord away. They led him to a small room in the Red Base. This room was a guest room where Tord held small manufacturing meetings with his trusted soldiers and, sometimes, a meet-and-greet with other army leaders when talking about their surrender. The two soldiers opened the door and Tord saw him.

His lover. Beaten and bruised.

Tord gasped with shock, staring at the weak brunette in a man's arms. He was tied with irritating and tight ropes, bounding his arms to his side and his legs together. He was gagged and hurting.

Tord was outraged.

He rushed towards his lover, but Edd was gone. His image glitched away, including the man's, beyond his eye and even his two pilots were in shock.

It had been a trick.

Tord quickly turned around. His pilots were suddenly knocked out by a large brick being smashed into the back of their heads. They collapsed to the ground, dropping their guns.

A strong man appeared, cuts and bruises written on his face and neck. He stared at Tord with a smile. "Red Leader..." he said with a huff. "Carla is here to see you. In private."

Tord tensed up, growling. "Well... Where is she? You already knocked out my two pilots when I could have just asked them to leave."

"Oh, but I don't like being seen by enemy soldiers," a feminine voice slurred out. Carla stepped out from behind the man, gently patting his shoulder. "Thank you, Rock. Close the door and wait outside. Don't let anyone in here."

Rock nodded, silent. He quickly turned and went out the door, closing it behind him.

Tord stared at Carla as she walked over the limp bodies of his pilots. "Now. We both have something we want. I have your little lover and you have my peace treaty to sign."

Tord growled. "I want him here, so I know he's okay. So I know this isn't a trick."

Carla sighed and rolled her eye. "Now, Tord, come on. You know me. I wouldn't lie like this, especially when it comes to an innocent person's life, like your lover. I promise, if you just sign my treaty, I'll have Rock go and get him and he'll come back."

"I saw him with that man!" Tord shouted. "With all those bruises and cuts. What did you do to him?" 

Carla hummed. "Well, it was the only way we could get him to talk. Otherwise, he'd be as silent as a grave."

Tord snarled, lunging at Carla and slamming her into the wall. "You ever hurt him again, I will have your head hanging on my wall," he growled.

"That's a very fine compliment," Carla said with a sly smirk. "But that won't be happening anytime soon. You won't know how, but the man who is with him can hear and see everything that's happening here. And every time you do something wrong, like this, he'll hurt your little Edd."

Tord gasped, quickly backing away. "I swear to you, Carla. When I find you and your base, I will get him and I will kill every one of your soldiers. You will be the best for last."

Carla giggled. "Oh, how sweet of you! I love being the best of the best, you know? Oh, Tord, you won't ever find us. And the longer you take on that peace treaty, the more Edd will get hurt. If you're really willing to never sign it, then expect to never see him again. Even if you do find a way to my base, your lover will be dead by the time you find him. My soldiers will spot you before you can even get close to the doors of that dungeon he is suffering in. Make your choice Tord. Surrender your army or lose your pregnant wife."