Claimed by the Alpha I Hate – Episode 46
Daisy’s grandfather left the mansion after refusing a permanent guard. He accepted one escort to the edge of the residential quarter, then continued toward his cabin alone.
Mila watched from a parked vehicle and sent Lucien the route. Guilt flickered only when she remembered the old man defending Eastwind during the invasion.
Scott waited where the road narrowed between trees. He stepped into view wearing the remnants of his old Alpha coat.
Daisy’s grandfather reached instinctively for a weapon. “You have nerve coming back.”
“Eastwind is still mine,” Scott said. “Nolan stole it while my people betrayed me.”
“You ran before Blackwood crossed the square.” The old Beta’s contempt struck harder than fear.
Vampires emerged behind him. The fight was brief but costly; Daisy’s grandfather wounded two before Scott struck him from behind.
At the mansion, Daisy dropped Vera’s journal. Pain moved through the family bond she had never recognized until that moment.
Nolan entered as red light flashed around her. “What happened?”
“Grandpa.” Daisy knew without evidence that he was in danger.
Elias checked the patrol link. The escort had returned as ordered, and the cabin route had gone silent.
Nolan mobilized a search team. Daisy fastened Vera’s pendant and joined them before anyone could suggest she remain behind.
They found blood near the road and a broken weapon marked with her grandfather’s scent. No body remained.
A message had been carved into a tree: Daisy was to come to the abandoned chapel alone before midnight.
Nolan tore the bark away. “No.”
“They’ll kill him.” Daisy’s power responded to terror, making the air tremble.
“They need you alive. That gives us time.” Nolan refused to exchange one hostage for another without a plan.
Daisy accused him of treating her grandfather as an acceptable risk. The words wounded them both, but fear left no room for fairness.
Nolan gripped her shoulders. “I am not losing him. I am not losing you. Trust me long enough to save both.”
Daisy looked at the blood on the road and forced herself to nod. Midnight approached, and whoever betrayed them knew enough about her movements to keep doing damage.