Page 21 of Rescued By the Vampire Rogue

"Remember to take breaks for water," a witch reminded me, her voice gentle. "We wouldn't want you getting dehydrated."

"Of course," I agreed with a tight smile, my patience wearing thin. "Thank you for looking out for me."

"Anything for you, Ivy," she replied, and I couldn't help but feel a small twinge of gratitude. They were here for me, after all, even if their presence could be stifling at times.

Flipping the page of my book, an unfamiliar sound caught my attention. Glancing down, I saw a small, round metal orb that had landed beside my chair.

Before I could react, all hell broke loose. A blinding light exploded from the orb, sending an excruciating pain through my brain. I couldn't see, but the sound of what seemed like a shotgun rang in my ears. I tried to drop to the ground, but strong arms wrapped around me instead. Arms that I didn't recognize.

"Kael!" I screamed, desperate for his help. Yet the witches who were supposed to protect me remained absent. Even with my enhanced strength and speed, I couldn't shake off the attacker.

"Relax," a gentle voice murmured in my ear. "You're safe now."

Thrown off by the words, I insisted, "I don't need rescuing."

Kael's roar of fury echoed from inside the house.

As my vision started to return, I realized that the wind rushing around me was my captor jumping over the roof of Kael's house. This stranger had managed to infiltrate our heavily guarded estate, and now held me captive despite my best efforts to break free.

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice shaking. "And why did you take me?"

"Answers will come later," the stranger replied cryptically. "For now, focus on calming yourself and protecting your child."

"Release me," I snarled, my thoughts racing. How had this happened? Why hadn't the witches come to my aid?

"Please don't struggle," the stranger pleaded. "I'm not here to hurt you. But I can't let you go back to him, either."

"Back to Kael?" I asked, confusion and fear swirling inside me. "Why?"

"Because you deserve better," the stranger whispered, his voice filled with a strange mix of determination and sadness. "I promise, I'll explain everything as soon as we're safe."

The world rushed by in a blur, the wind whipping my hair and tearing at my clothes. My abductor's hold was surprisingly gentle as we soared through the air, making sure I wasn't hurt. As I blinked away the pain in my eyes, Kael's blood worked its magic, healing the damage to my retinas.

By the time my vision cleared, we had left Kael's estate behind and were running faster than I could register. The landscape changed from lush gardens to a cityscape, and soon, we were entering a building that looked like something straight out of an FBI movie. Fancy holding cells lined the walls, and interrogation rooms visible through glass partitions.

My abductor moved swiftly through the large room, finally stopping before what appeared to be a comfortable holding cell. He released me and pressed a button on the wall.

"Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the plush chair in the corner.

"I don't want to sit," I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. "I want answers."

"Of course," he acknowledged, his tone still infuriatingly calm. "But first, allow me to make sure you're comfortable."

"Comfortable?" I scoffed. "You've kidnapped me and torn me away from my home, from Kael. How do you expect me to be comfortable?"

"Your well-being is important to me," he insisted, folding his hands in front of him. "Despite how it may seem, I'm not your enemy."

"Then who are you?" I asked while trying to stuff down my panic. I was vulnerable here. More so because of how pregnant I was.. "Why did you take me from Kael if you're not my enemy?"

"Because sometimes, even those who claim to love us can be our greatest threat," he answered cryptically, his eyes serious. "I took you because I believe there's a better life for you and your child outside of Kael's world."

"Kael loves me," I argued, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "He's been nothing but protective and caring since we met."

"Please, Ivy," the man said calmly, his hands raised non-threateningly. "My name is Cade, and I apologize for how abrupt this has all been. Kael's protection of you has been nearly impenetrable. If it wasn't for your brief moments in the sun, I might never have had a chance to reach you."

"Take me back!" I demanded, desperation creeping into my voice. I couldn't bear to be separated from Kael, especially with our child on the way. There was no telling what he would do to find me.

"Listen to me, Ivy," Cade implored, holding my gaze with his earnest eyes. "You may not believe me now, but as soon as the vampire glamor wears off, you'll see things more clearly. We can help you deliver your baby safely, and then assist you in finding a new life."

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