chapter 11

The sky outside went from light to dark. After nearly a full day of flying, they finally reached their destination—a remote little town in the Supernatural Neutral Zone.

Daisy didn't fully relax until she stepped outside and breathed in the fresh air.

"Daisy, I used fake IDs for the tickets. He'll never be able to find us now," Daniel said as he pulled her into his arms. His smile was so gentle. "You don't have to be scared of him anymore."

Daisy smiled and nodded, then walked hand in hand with him back to the apartment he'd prepared in advance.

"It's pretty remote out here, but the place has everything we need." Daniel noticed how she kept glancing nervously toward the window, so he reached out and stroked her hair. "Daisy, I promise you, I'm going to do everything I can to keep you safe this time."

Daisy leaned into his embrace and breathed in his comforting scent. All the beautiful memories she had with Daniel came flooding back, and her voice broke as she said, "Daniel, I'm so glad I have you."

She'd fallen for him at first sight back at the Human Academy. Unlike werewolves—who were domineering, fierce, and aggressive—Daniel was a gentle, considerate human man. He was exactly what she'd always wanted in a partner.

Her heart had raced every time she saw him, and she'd finally worked up the courage to pursue him.

Maybe Daniel had noticed her from the start too, because they got together pretty quickly. Daisy had been quietly thrilled about it for weeks.

But it didn't last long. Not long after that, Silas—that demon—barged into her life.

He'd taken everything precious from her and forced her to be an obedient, docile plaything.

But now, finally, she'd escaped.

Daniel held her tighter. "Daisy, I swear to you, nothing like that will ever happen again."

Daisy closed her eyes and nodded through her tears. "Daniel, once I get rid of the baby, we can start over."

"Okay." Daniel looked at her with so much sympathy and gently cupped her face. "Don't be scared. I'll be right here with you the whole time."

That whole night, Daisy couldn't shake the feeling that none of this was real. She lay there in the unfamiliar surroundings and barely slept at all.

The moment dawn broke, she pulled Daniel out of bed and headed straight for the medical center.

The Supernatural Neutral Zone existed outside both werewolf and human territories, and since it was close to the neutral border, the medical center wasn't far. They only had to drive for a few minutes before they arrived.

The second Daisy got out of the car, she spotted a man in a black suit standing near the hospital entrance. Her heart jumped, and she instinctively wanted to hide.

"Daisy, it's okay. That's not him." Daniel took her hand and pulled her into his arms, speaking gently. "This is the medical center. The laws here protect every pregnant woman's safety and privacy. He won't show up here."

That helped Daisy relax a little, but when she sat down across from the doctor, her anxiety came rushing back.

The doctor explained that the potion was completely ready, but they still needed to run another thorough examination and complete a full diagnostic workup before they could schedule the abortion. The whole process would take at least ten days.

Daisy felt like she couldn't wait that long. She was terrified something would go wrong if they dragged this out, but there was nothing she could do about it.

So she went back to the apartment with Daniel.

He could tell her mind was somewhere else, and he spoke softly, "Daisy, you're worrying over nothing. A hot bath will make you feel so much better."

Daisy nodded and headed into the bathroom alone.

But when she saw the brand-new set of pajamas and underwear laid out on the counter, her face flushed with embarrassment. She walked closer and stared at the bra, which looked a size too small. Her expression turned complicated.

That size used to fit her perfectly. But after six months of forceful, crazed sex with Silas, combined with the hormones from the pregnancy, her breasts had grown fuller and rounder—like they'd been lavished with constant attention.

She soaked in the tub absentmindedly, then put on the pajamas and walked out. Daniel was busy organizing some of her things.

"Daniel." Daisy wrapped her arms around him from behind, her voice uncertain. "Will you think less of me?"

"Daisy, I could never think less of you." Daniel turned around and held her close, his voice soft and steady.

"You didn't do anything wrong. He's the one who's a tyrannical monster. Don't punish yourself for someone else's mistakes. Daisy, love doesn't come with judgment. I love you, so the only thing I hate is how powerless I was to protect you."

Tears filled Daisy's eyes, and she laced her fingers through his. They held each other like two small animals huddling together for warmth.

"Daniel," Daisy whispered. "From now on, let's just live a good life together."

She wanted to let all those dark memories blow away in the wind.

She told herself she'd forget Silas completely, but that night she had a terrible nightmare.

In the dream, Silas transformed into a vicious, terrifying gray wolf. He opened his massive jaws wide, like he wanted to swallow her whole.

Daisy jolted awake and pressed her hand against her stomach. All she could do was silently pray that everything would go smoothly.