CHAPTER 5

Sarah

My eyes fluttered open, greeted by the bright light from a window. Still woozy from the sedatives packed in my system, I tried to recollect the events of the past hour.

Then, like a cruel punch, the memories came flooding back—the argument, the push, the unbearable pain.

I struggled to sit up but my body protested against every movement. The door to the room swung open and the doctor walked in, closely followed by a woman.

"Ms Willow," his voice sounded cherry, a bit too cheery. "I'm Dr. Adian. I'm glad to see you awake. The sedatives are beginning to wear off. How are you feeling?"

"Better," I lied. Partially.

"That's good."

I watched as he whispered to the nurse. I sat perfectly still, like a statue, dredging to ask the question that plagued me. He pulled me out of my misery.

"Ms Willow, we have good and bad news. The good is you've sustained nothing major, just a slight concussion. And the bad news is we couldn't save your baby. The fall was fatal—"

His voice faded as he continued his chants.

Nothing mattered to me now.

My heart was hurting, felt like a hand was clenched over it tightly and refused to let up. I wanted to feel nothing but rage consumed my being.

I will never forgive him.

I wrapped my hands protectively around my belly. The ache below my pelvis was a reminder of what I had lost. I would never get a chance to hold my child in my hands.

Anger coursed through me like a raging river, crashing my every thought.

I needed to scream.

Every time I think he couldn't hurt me more, he proves me wrong. He has taken everything away from me—my family, my home and now, my child.

"Get out," I shouted, taking them by surprise. "I want to be left alone."

Dr Adrian's eyes widened. "Ms Wil—"

"Out! Now!" I yelled, cutting him short. "Take your words of comfort elsewhere."

The door shut gently behind them and I settled deeply into the hard bed.

"Argh," I screamed, punching the pillow with my fists. Tears of frustration spilled freely.

I had nothing to live for but I wasn't going to go down without a fight. Only one occupied my mind—make him suffer.

I'll make him pay for what he has done to me. Every pain he inflicted. Every tear I had shed for him.

Ryder was dead to me the moment I lost my child. I'll make him know what pain feels like.

A movement across the room caught my eye. someone was watching me, seated on the chair with their feet crossed. I squinted my eyes to catch a glimpse but it was useless.

"You look calm for someone who has just received terrible news," Lucas's sarcastic tone wasn't lost on me. he stood up and walked towards me. "You took quite a fall back there. You should be thankful I was nearby."

I wasn't in the mood to entertain guests but he drove me to the hospital after my fall. I could attempt to be cordial.

And if I wanted to bring Ryder down, I needed to be on his good side. I will use his hatred for Ryder to my advantage.

"I'm thankful." I smiled faintly to emphasize my point.

He chuckled. "You don't sound like it." He sat on the edge of the bed. "Well, I'm sorry for your loss and I know it's wrong timing but I've kept my end of the deal. Now, I'm here to collect what's owed to me."

"I'll not be your mistress."

"That's not for you to decide. You made a deal and now, nothing is keeping you from honouring it." His eyes rested on my stomach and slowly settled on my face. "You don't even know what I want."

I knew exactly what he wanted.

"I don't need a seer to know the game you're playing. You want to destroy Ryder and you plan on using me to do it."

His smile fell off his face. "Since we've established that fact, I also want you to be mine. You need someone to hold you when it gets cold."

My head was pounding like it had been trampled on by multiple feet. I knew I wanted to exact revenge on Ryder but I also knew I needed to play my cards right.

No man will make a fool of me ever again.

"I'll help you get to the Stormclaw pack, give you all the information you need and in return, you'll have everything I need at my disposal," I stated flatly, eyeing him to see his reaction. "And, I'll not warm your bed unless I choose to."

His face remained passive, giving nothing away.

He snorted. "You're in no position to make any demands."

"As a matter of fact, I am." I let my gaze stray to the closed door, the feeling of emptiness swept me like a wave. "I've nothing else to leave for. Nothing to keep me here, so you can do me a favour and end my misery permanently or you take my offer and let me help you bring your enemy down."

His face gave nothing away as he stood up and straightened his suit.

"You owe me a debt, Sarah."

"And I intend to pay but not with my body."

"You've pushed me into a corner and I don't appreciate it," he spoke softly, his fingertip stroking my hand lightly. "I had wanted more for us."

His hand fell away and he turned towards the door. I watched as he slowly made his way to the door, intrigued by how his pants clung tightly to his hamstrings with every step he took.

"My driver will be waiting outside whenever you are ready to leave." His gaze held mine and I flushed red with embarrassment. He had caught me checking him out. "See you at home, Sarah.

I nodded, too embarrassed to talk.

I felt alive, fueled with the desire to inflict so much pain on Ryder.

I was going to make him pay even if it is the last thing I do.