Chapter eight-My hero!

Zebulunia POV

I dropped the phone on my lap. My heart pounded like it wanted to leap out of my chest. The driver’s eyes were unreadable-calm, almost too calm.

“Where… where are we going?" I asked, my voice trembling. 

No answer. 

“Sir? Please, tell me!” I shouted, gripping his seat.

Then I stopped, if I should interrupt his driving we might both die in an accident and that isn't a win at all.

Just then, another text came from Damon:

‘What are you talking about?’

I quickly replied:

‘A strange car took me, I think I have been kidnapped.’

Over a minute, Damon didn't reply, and panic tightened its grip around my chest. Had he left me to die? Did he really hate me that much?

But for some reason, a small spark of hope flickered inside me. He could still come, He would come. 

Suddenly, the driver slowed. Then, with a loud clunk, the engine died. 

My stomach dropped. I screamed, banging on the window for help, maybe someone would help.

But no one outside could see or hear me.

“what's happening?!” I yelled, “let me go!... someone please help me”

I grabbed the door handle and pulled it, but it was locked. My breathing came in short, ragged gasps. The driver didn’t move. Didn't even glance at me. It wasn't as if he had a captive inside his car.

“Help me!!! Someone help me!!”

“Fuck” I heard him mutter, I guess the car has broken down. Thank goodness. Maybe this would buy Damon enough time. I believe he will come. 

In no time, the car roared back to life without the driver stepping out.

The car lurched forward at a high speed, nearly throwing me off the seat.

My eyes darted to the driver's seat and froze, a gun lay next to him.

My heart clenched. I couldn't reach it, even if I did, I couldn't use it. I have never held a gun.

“Please…just let me go,” I whispered, hands clasped together as I prayed. 

The car veered off the main road, onto a narrow, dark part. Trees pressed close, their shower dancing over the windshield. My chest tightened, this place was isolated, too isolated. 

The car finally stopped 

The driver immediately stepped out and grabbed my arm after opening the door.

“Out,” He ordered, his voice was scary.

But I shook my head, struggling. “No! I won’t!”

He reached and slapped me sharply. Pain shot across my cheek. I stumbled, forced to step out. My heels sank slightly into the dirt. I looked around, it was bushy.

Another huge man, almost looking the same as the driver, emerged from nowhere. 

“You know the rules,” He said quietly to the driver, “our boss said…. No killing, no physical injury yet. So why slap her?”

The driver just signed.

My stomach churned. Their boss… whoever it was…had to be connected to Ethan. My instincts never lied.

They pushed me forward, 

“She looks really sexy, Boss would really enjoy this one” the other man said, his eyes burning on my body as he leaked his lower lips. I wanted to punch him right in the nose, I felt so disgusted.

Then a sudden roar of an engine cut through the quiet. The car stopped a little distance away from us. 

A sob of relief escaped me, immediately I recognised the car.

It was Damon's SUV.

The two men turned instantly, eyes sharp. 

“Move!!” One shouted. 

Damon emerges from the car like a mafia king, fist swinging, ready to fight.

No doubt, this guy is really hot. 

The first man ran to him and swung at him, but Damon was fast enough to dodge and land a solid kick to the man's stomach,  sending him stumbling back.

The second man lunged at Damon with a knife. Damon grabbed his arm, twisted it, and the knife clattered to the ground. Then he punched him in the chest, sending him sprawling. 

My chest heaved. I had never seen anyone fight like this. All my life, it had only been in movies and now it was real.

I trembled, terrified they might hurt him.

Damon slammed the first man into the dirt. Breathing hard, a small, triumphant smile curved his lips. My heart fluttered… he was still silly even while having a serious fight. 

He looks cute…

We were so lost staring that I didn't know when one of the men rose faster than expected and swung a heavy object at Damon’s. 

“No!!” I screamed out as I watched him fall to the ground. 

Oh this wasn't funny… all these are my fault,  I shouldn't have gotten married to anyone in the first place. 

The men turned toward me,eyes cold and cruel. They won't let me go this time.

I remembered something.

The gun. 

The one I had seen in the car. My fingers fumbled, and I quickly dashed back to the open car, grabbing it from the driver's seat.

Fuck! I don't know how to use this, I haven't held a gun before. 

“Please…” I whispered, clutching it tight, praying I could do something. Anything. 

They exchanged a glance, then laughed; low, cruel, menacing. 

“You're lucky. Our orders,”One said, “are just to bring you, unharmed or alive.”

My legs trembled. I couldn't escape and Damon was still on the ground. 

I raised the gun, hands shaking, barely able to hold it straight. “Stay back!” I shouted, my voice cracking. 

At first, they didn't move, then slowly, their eyes narrowed. 

“Careful girl,” One said, low and cautious. “We don’t want to hurt you….but we won’t hesitate if you try something stupid.”

I was sweating under the mask. I had to protect him. I had to act.

I kept my eyes on Damon. He lay on the ground, blood at the corner of his mouth, but alive. I prayed he would get up soon.

Suddenly, one of the men moved towards me.  I fired once. In the air. 

The sound crashed through the air like thunder.  They yelped and stumbled back. I hadn't aimed to kill, just to scare them. I would never kill anyone.

Damon rose, unnoticed by them. He looked weak, but determination burned in his eyes.  He ran towards one of the men and shivered him into a brick wall.

“Arrgggh!” The man screamed, crumbling to the ground. Maybe unconscious. 

Damon moved to the second man, raining blow after blow. I could barely breathe, the fight was brutal, but he held his own. He was unstoppable. 

For a moment, hope sparked inside me.

Damon stood over him, catching his breath. His eyes met mine again, giving me that his usual smirk.

My hero!

Then… the first man stirred. Eyes dark, murderous. He swung a heavy pipe.

WHAM!

Damon went down. Unconscious.

“No! Damon!” I screamed, running toward him. 

I dropped to my knees, tears streaming.  He didn't move. My hands shook violently. 

The gun in my hand felt heavier, more real. I had to act. I had to protect him.

The men moved closer, their faces cruel and amused. 

“Stay back!” I shouted more commanding this time, pointing the gun as best as I could. Directly at one.

A sudden surge of anger coursed through me as my finger trembled on the trigger. 

They laughed. One stepped forward, a shadow stretching over me.

I swallowed hard, prayed silently, and gritted my teeth. I had no choice. I had to protect him.

I pulled the trigger.