Clara groaned, slowly opening her eyes to total darkness. Even in the darkness, she knew she wasn't home. "Where the hell am I?" she whispered. "Where's Dimitri?"

She sat up, glancing around. Then, remembering the bus driver's abrupt stop and subsequent blackout, she gasped. Why had she blacked out? She had no idea.

She was about to get out of bed when the door opened, and she winced as light flooded the room.

"You're finally awake," a deep voice said, the door closing behind him and plunging them back into darkness.

"Where am I? Who are you? And where is Dimitri? I swear to the moon goddess, if you've hurt him…" The man chuckled, cutting her off.

"Gosh, you remind me so much of your father. I always knew you'd be like him," he said. He flipped on the light, and Clara's eyes instantly fell on the scar on his face. "You've grown so beautiful."

Her throat felt dry. She could only stare as he approached.

"You seem to be doing well. Healthy, at least. I have something to thank those wolves for," he added, sitting on the bed beside her. Clara frowned.

"Why am I here?" she asked. He tilted his head.

"I took you. I knew you knew I was looking for you. That pathetic wolf thought he could outsmart me, using you as bait? I knew wolves were stupid, but not that stupid," he boasted smugly.

"You know I'm a wolf, right?" she asked. He nodded.

"Yes, but you're not like them. You're special. You have your father's blood," he explained. Clara rolled her eyes. "Where's Dimitri? I need to know he's okay."

He folded his arms. "I let him go. He took care of you. But that doesn't mean I'll let him go next time. I have plans for him and his brother, and I can't wait to execute them." Her eyes widened. Plans for Dimitri and Damon?

"What plans?" she demanded. He stared at her for a moment before chuckling.

"So you can tell them? Ladybug, even if you tell them, they can't stop what's coming. You can't imagine the effort this project has taken. Once the Alpha King and his son are gone, every other wolf and supernatural being will be insignificant."

"Why am I here if you want to kill my kind?" she asked. He sighed.

"How many times must I tell you? You're different. You're not just a wolf, but a human. You can choose. I'm sure I can find a witch to block your wolf senses permanently. Then you'll be 'normal.'"

"I am a wolf. That's normal for me. If you can't accept that, kill me now. Because I'll never let you hurt my husband or my kind," she sneered. He fell silent, his gaze dropping to her stomach. Her breath hitched. She covered her stomach, and he laughed.

"Oh, I already know you're pregnant. I've been watching you both. It would be smart to kill the child, eradicate that monster's bloodline…"

"You wouldn't dare! Over my dead body…"

"Calm down, ladybug. I'm not a monster. I'm trying to free the world from monsters, not become one. You can raise your child as a human, lead a normal life. I promise you, whatever you feel for that monster will fade with time. Your mate bond will be severed…"

"You don't understand wolf feelings. I'll never move on from Damon. I'll always love and stand by him. Leave him alone," she said. He chuckled.

"Well, there's nothing you can do, ladybug. The plan is in motion. Soon, they'll all die, and humans won't live in fear anymore."

"But what do wolves have to do with humans? We've always kept our distance, never crossed boundaries…"

"You know so little about your husband. He's the devil incarnate. He kills for pleasure. Do you know how many humans he and others like him have killed?" Her frown deepened.

It was true; she didn't know much of Damon's past. She'd never wanted to judge him by it.

"He's changed, he…"

"I don't care, Clara. I'm not God, I don't forgive easily. This is my duty. Do you know how many humans are looking to me, to the organization? It took a mountain of effort to get you here."

"I never asked you to bring me here! I want to be with Damon, with my husband!" she screamed, frustrated. She couldn't read him, and it bothered her.

"Why are you doing this to me? Why?" she whispered, tears falling. Her emotions were a mess. His eyes softened. He sighed, moving closer and hugging her tightly. She was too weak to push him away, and honestly, she didn't want to. Despite everything, she felt comfortable, knowing he was trying to protect her.

"Because your father's dying wish was for you to join the organization, to lead as you're destined to. And I'm going to fulfill that wish, no matter how long it takes."