I thought about that for a moment. If I found her in time before Henry, there might be a chance to save her.
“That’s fine,” I said, sounding reluctant.
“Excellent,” Henry’s grin grew wider, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction. “We make a great team, don’t we?”
As I stormed out of the room, my mind raced with thoughts of Carmen—her radiant smile, the warmth of her touch, the intoxicating scent that clung to her skin. I couldn’t bear the thought of her being subjected to Henry's twisted desires, and I vowed to do everything in my power to protect her.
I closed the door behind me, leaving Henry’s oppressive presence behind. I needed to find Carmen, and fast. Time was running out, and failure was not an option.
“Keep it together, Tyler,” I muttered under my breath, trying to shake off the crushing weight of fear and anxiety.
The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery orange glow over El Paso as I stepped out into the dry air. My heart raced with turmoil, torn between the weight of Henry's orders and my love for Carmen. I already felt sick thinking about how I had rejected her twice before, and now I was expected to carry out yet another betrayal, which I wasn’t going to do.
She probably hated me, but I couldn’t blame her. I had no idea how she would receive me now.
“Fuck you, Henry,” I muttered under my breath, my knuckles white as I gripped my car door. I thought I had everything settled and perfect, but I had no idea that Henry was still lusting after Carmen.
I slid into the driver’s seat and took a moment to steady myself. Taking a deep breath, I dialed Jaxon and Axel, my voice gruff with urgency. “Guys, meet me at the car. It’s important.”
“Alright, we’re on our way,” Jaxon replied. They were doing security rounds in Henry’s mansion, where we primarily worked.
Within minutes, the car doors opened, and my packmates climbed into the vehicle, their expressions tense as they sensed my agitation. As we set off, I cast a sidelong glance at Jaxon, whose hazel eyes flashed with intensity, and Axel, whose icy blue gaze was sharp and calculating.
“Update us,” said Jaxon.
“Listen up,” I began, my voice strained. “We need to find Carmen. Henry’s ordered us to bring her back.”
Jaxon’s brow furrowed, anger simmering within him. “Why the hell would he want her back?”
“Doesn’t matter,” I snapped, my grip tightening on the steering wheel.
“So you’re going to do it?”
“No, we’re going to warn her. I would never hand her over to him. What the fuck?”
“And if Henry finds out?” asked Axel. “He’s fully expecting us to bring her back.”
“We’ll figure that out when we get there,” I said, contemplating what I’d do after betraying Henry. I could never show my face again at the compound or see my family. Carmen hated me, so there was no chance of ever getting back with her. I was willing to risk my whole life in order to save her.
“We need to be smart about this. If Henry findsout we’re going against his orders, we won’t be able to protect Carmen or ourselves,” said Jaxon.
“Then we’ll just have to make sure he doesn’t find out," I replied, keeping my eyes locked on the road ahead.
As we sped through the streets heading to the airport - I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that whatever happened would change her life forever. But for Carmen, I was willing to face them head-on. I wouldn’t let my love for her be overshadowed by fear of a tyrant. And if that meant defying Henry and risking everything, so be it.
chapter 17
. . .
Carmen
My engorged belly floated like a balloon in the warm water as I lounged in the large bathtub, surrounded by Griffin and Talon. The weight of my seven-month pregnancy pressed down on me, making every movement an effort, but the bath made it easier.
“Can’t wait for our baby to be born,” Talon murmured, gently rubbing my swollen stomach. His fingers left trails of warmth across my sensitive skin. I smiled, remembering the moment I’d seen the positive pregnancy test, feeling a surge of love for the alphas and our unborn child.
“Same. I love you both,” I whispered.
“We love you too, Carmen,” Talon replied, his voice filled with tenderness as his hands began exploring my pussy underwater.