The Push That Saved (Part 1)

Thea’s POV

“This can’t be fucking real!” Aurora stared at Graves, her face as pale as mine, shock written all over it. Fear gripped my heart like iron claws, squeezing until I thought it might explode. I’d thought Kane’s betrayal and kidnapping was the worst moment of my life, but Graves’s sick plan made me realize that the real nightmare was just beginning.

He’d just called Sebastian right in front of us, forcing him to choose between Aurora and me. Only one person would leave alive. What kind of twisted psycho death game was this?

The walls seemed to close in around me. Fear raced through my body, making my thoughts jumbled and chaotic.

“What’s wrong, Thea? Cat got your tongue?” Graves’s cold smile cut straight into my heart.

I turned away, unable to meet his gaze. My mind was blank, my throat too dry to speak. This was the fifth time I’d faced death threats, but Graves’s crazed eyes told me I might not escape this time.

I forced myself to calm down, refusing to accept that thought. I had Leo and the baby in my belly who needed me. I had to survive for them.

“Worried your ex-husband will choose your sister instead of you?” he taunted sharply.

“She’s not my fucking sister!” I snarled, finding some courage to fight back.

He let out a cold laugh.

“Doesn’t matter. This game will be fun. I can’t wait to see the great Alpha Ashworth break down – no matter who he chooses, someone will die because of his decision. That kind of guilt will slowly devour his soul.” With that, he turned and left, the metal door slamming shut behind him.

“What are we going to do?” Aurora asked, her voice trembling with fear.

I didn’t answer her. Because Graves was right – Sebastian would never choose me. Aurora had always been the one in his heart. Even though we’d been married for seven years and I’d given him an heir, in a life-or-death situation, he would save her without hesitation. I’d already witnessed that at Derek’s funeral; I didn’t need another reminder.

I had to save myself. Seraphina and Maximus were surely looking for me, but they might not make it in time. If I waited for Sebastian to choose, I was as good as dead.

I began struggling, trying to break free from my restraints. I couldn’t flip the chair backward like I did during the last kidnapping because I was carrying a pup now – I couldn’t risk hurting him or her. My only option was to try slipping out of the ropes.

I carefully examined the room – good, no surveillance cameras. These guys clearly thought two unarmed women couldn’t escape, and that overconfidence was our opportunity.

The more I twisted my arms, the deeper the ropes cut into my skin. Sharp pain made me clench my jaw, but I didn’t stop. Every second was crucial now.

“What are you doing?” Aurora asked with confusion, that condescending tone instantly pissing me off.

“What does it look like?” I replied coldly. “Trying to find a way out of here.”

“Why bother? Sebastian will come save us.” Her tone was full of confidence.

I looked at her like she was an idiot. “Did those shift-blocking drugs fry your brain? Who do you think Sebastian will choose? I have Leo and the baby in my belly to protect. I’m not sitting here waiting for Sebastian to play God with my fate, all because your precious daddy and Sebastian were too fucking stupid to finish off their enemies, leaving them with opportunities to strike back!”

She stared at me in shock, like I’d grown a second head.

“How dare you talk about my father and Sebastian that way!”

“Fortunately, I don’t give a shit about your feelings,” I shot back mercilessly. “Now shut up or help think of a plan.”

She glared at me furiously but thankfully kept quiet. I focused again on untying the ropes, but as time passed, my hope dwindled. My wrists were raw and bleeding, each attempt driving the ropes deeper into my skin.

Finally, I had to face reality. “I have a plan, but I need your help,” I reluctantly admitted, even though everything inside me resisted.

“Oh? Now you need me?” She raised an eyebrow sarcastically. “Weren’t you just telling me to shut up and saying you don’t care what I think?”

I fought back the urge to snap at her. This wasn’t the time for arguments; both our lives were hanging by a thread.

“Are you going to help or not?” I asked bluntly.

She stared at me silently, as if assessing my sincerity. The feeling of being scrutinized made me uncomfortable, but I had no choice.

“What do you want me to do?” she finally asked.