Taken

ZORA

"I can't believe you are actually getting married." Courtney said with a smile.

We both stared through the window overlooking the pool where Lucas and my twins were. 

I had moved in with Courtney six years ago after she saved me on the road, only to find out I was pregnant.

Alpha Ryker ruined my life thrice, but I like to think of my babies as a blessing. They're the only perfect thing in my life.

I've not been able to shift since I left, and neither have I felt my wolf. It was as if she disappeared after saving me. 

I met Lucas three years after I arrived at Courtney's restaurant. My kids are my everything and he didn't mind that I was a single mom.

"He said he wants to be father to my kids." I told Courtney, my head on her shoulder. 

"That's great!" She squealed, "The kids like him too, so that's a plus."

"I don't know." I sighed, "I really don't know. "

"Don't you love him? Doesn't he make you happy?" Courtney asked, her forehead creasing in worry.

"No, no. He's my dream man, of course. I'm happy with him." I admitted, Lucas has always been there, he's patient and thoughtful, especially when it came to my children. He treats them like his own.

"Oh..." Courtney sighed, "I guess you're just nervous."

I nod against her shoulder. I've never told my story to Courtney, how the stranger I slept with in a drunken state wasn't only the pack's Alpha but also my mate. How I'd been labeled cursed.

The only thing she knew about my real identity was that I was a wolf.

"Maybe." I agreed, pushing back my worries. Lucas is going to accept me as his wife, and nothing would go wrong. We'd live happily after ever, and that's the only way I can avenge myself. Be happy. 

"You'll be fine." Courtney squeezed my hand assuredly, "You'll get the happiness you deserve. "

***

It was finally my wedding day, I sat in front of a mirror in my room, staring at my reflection. 

"The color of your eyes changed." Courtney appeared behind me, her eyes filled with awe.

 I blinked, and my eye color returned back to normal. I've been experiencing the changes. Ever since I'd agreed to marry Lucas but I didn't have the time to think about it.

I groaned into my arms excitedly, "I can't believe this is happening. I'm building a family."

My heart fluttered in my chest. I'd managed to build a normal life, I owned an exclusive restaurant and passed for a human.

"You're not talking about your eyes!" Courtney screeched, "Does it mean something is wrong?"

"My eyes?" I questioned, staring back at the mirror, "They look pretty normal. "

She tilted her head, "I could have sworn I saw a tint of red."

 "It's not even possible." I added quickly, I didn't want her worrying about me, knowing fully well that whenever my emotions are all over the place, my eyes changes color. At least, that's what I have noticed so far. 

"Anyways." She shook her head as if dismissing the image, "Scott is on his way to the church. Let's get you ready."

"Sure." I nodded at her, beaming with happiness.

I could hear the soft music playing from the church. We'd booked a hotel room closer to the church and our reception to lessen the stress of moving around. 

"Wooow." Courtney gasped, tears glistening in her eyes as I swirled in my wedding gown.

"Mummy!!" My twins, Leah and Tyler, squealed in excitement.

"You look beautiful, mum." Leah beamed.

Tyler scoffed in response, "Do you mean she hasn't always been beautiful?"

Leah looked like she was going to argue. Instead, she bared her teeth at him and handed me my bouquet of flowers.

"So mum.." Tyler stared at me with a serious expression, "Does this mean Scott will be our father? We won't be bullied in school for not having a dad?"

I squatted to his level and cupped his face, "I promise, no one will ever have to bully you. Scott will always be your father."

"What about our real father?" Leah chirped in, her eyes wide with curiosity. 

I swallowed, I hadn't expected this question, so I had no idea how to reply. 

"He's dead." Courtney replied quickly, "Now we don't want Mummy to cry on her big day, do we?"

The twins shook their head in response. 

I flashed her a grateful smile. I hope never to cross paths with Ryker because heaven knows the day I do, I'm going to kill him.

"Let's go, Mummy." Leah smiled, "Let's get you married to Daddy."

I nodded, took in a deep breath and followed them out to the church where Lucas was already waiting. 

My heart fluttered in excitement, who needs a fated mate when I have my perfect man.

The double doors into the church opened to welcome me as I walked down the aisle to my husband. The only one who has been with me through thick and thin.

As Leah and Tyler escorted me down the hall to the altar, the feeling of contentment and satisfaction settled over me like a blanket.

I smiled at Lucas He was breathtakingly handsome.

Leah handed me to Lucas, who collected my hand with a smile as we turned around to face the priest.

"Do you, Lucas Davis, take this young woman to be your wife, be with her through thick and thin till death do you apart?"

"I do." He replied, smiling at me. His eyes were so full of love that I felt safe.

"Do you, Zora Hendrix, take this young man to be your husband, be with him through thick and thin till death do you apart?"

I squeezed his hands, letting all my love pour through. 

"Yes." I was about to say but was interrupted by the double doors bursting open.

The scent hit me first, cedarwood with a mix of rum spice. 

My wolf stirred.

My heart beat erratically in my chest, not from fear. I was angry.

He found me.

He just couldn't let me happy!! That bastard!

Just like that, my happiness, my hope, went down the drain, instead rage, fury, anger resurfaced.

He let out a deep guttural growl.

"Oh my gawd!" Lucas cursed under his breath.

I threw a furtive glance at my babies in worry, my eyes welled appreciatively. Courtney had her arm around my kids protectively. 

I turned on my heels, glaring at the man by the door, staring at me weirdly.

He held my gaze as he spoke, "I believe her answer is no." He growled. 

"Ryker." I said curtly, "What do you want?"

I searched the church frantically for exits. I needed Courtney to get my children out of here before I go full rage on the life destroyer standing by the door.

I found one.

I pointed at the door and snarled to Courtney, "Leave."

She ran toward the exit wordlessly, taking my children with her.

I walked down the aisle towards him slowly, to the one who ruined my life to begin with.

Of all nightmares, I didn't expect to face him again. 

"What. Do. You. Want?" I repeated, narrowing my eyes at him.

His eyes flickered to Lucas, who still stood at the altar watching me with a confused expression.

Ryker's gaze hardened, "Take her." He ordered.

That was the last thing I heard and saw.

Someone hit me on the neck, and everything went black.