Clara: “I… I thought you were asleep?” Dimitri questioned. I scoffed.

“I know you think I’m stupid, but I’m not. I’ve suspected you since we met. You claimed you were exposing Aurora, but you were always near me. You were watching me, weren't you? Waiting to take me away for your plan?” I asked. He frowned.

“Clara…”

“Start talking, Dimitri. What are you planning? Why bring me here? And who was on the phone?” I interrupted, staring sharply at him.

“Calm down. I’ll tell you everything after you rest. Today has been hectic, and I don’t want it affecting the baby,” he said. I scoffed.

“You’re already affecting the baby by bringing me here. Talk, Dimitri,” I insisted. He sighed.

“Okay, let’s go to the living room so you can sit down,” he said. I nodded and walked past him.

I always knew something was up when he volunteered to take me from the pack. Why did I go with him? I was curious. Why would he kidnap me?

I sat on the couch; Dimitri sat opposite me. His silence was infuriating.

“Can’t you speak?” I asked, my irritation evident. He chuckled.

“Calm down, peaches. I’ll talk when you stop frowning and glaring,” he said. My frown deepened.

“Start talking before I attack you. I’m about to lose my temper,” I said, glaring. His smile remained.

“Are you calm? I’ll only talk if you are,” he said. I sighed.

“Fine, I’m calm. Tell me,” I said. He nodded, his playful smile vanishing.

“Damon is in trouble, Clara,” he began. I frowned.

“What kind of trouble?” I asked.

“There have been unusual killings in the supernatural world for years. Werewolves, witches, vampires, lycans—any supernatural being—are being killed,” he said. I furrowed my eyebrows.

“I didn’t know lycans or vampires existed,” I said. He scoffed.

“Oh, they exist. We’ve maintained a peaceful barrier for years. We didn’t venture into their territories, and vice versa. Witches sometimes interact with werewolves,” he explained. I frowned.

“What does this have to do with Damon?” I asked.

“I’m getting there. These killings have been going on for over five years. Guess who everyone suspects?” he asked. My frown deepened.

“Damon,” I said softly. He nodded.

“Because of his reputation, he’s the prime suspect. If all these species attack him, he won’t survive. Even werewolves will join the fight. I’ve been investigating for five years, trying to find out who’s doing this and why they’re framing Damon. They copied his killing style perfectly. I almost believed it, but I know Damon. He doesn’t strike unless challenged or angered,” he explained. I nodded, absorbing this information.

“So, have you found out who’s doing this?” I asked. He nodded.

“Yes, humans,” he said. I froze, then chuckled.

“You’re serious? Humans? How could they kill powerful beings like lycans and survive?” I asked, confused and disbelieving.

“I didn’t believe it at first, but these humans are powerful. They have the tools and resources to take us down. They’re hunters, centuries old. The knowledge of killing beings like us has been passed down for generations. My ancestors fought them, and many died. They are powerful, Clara,” he said. I frowned.

“So what do we do? How do we stop them and prove Damon’s innocence?” I asked. His eyes darkened as he stared intently at me.

“You,” he said simply. We were silent for a moment. I scoffed.

“Me? How?” I asked.

“You don’t have to do anything. I’ll use you as bait,” he revealed. I was even more confused.

“What are you saying?” I asked.

“The leader of these human hunters is your uncle. He’s been searching for you, and that’s why you’re the key. I’ll use you to lure him out, then we’ll kill him. Once the head is gone, the rest will follow.”