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"You are going back with us to our home now. It is called Naturiah. The home of Changelings or Shape-shifters. There you will see a whole lot of us who can take any form that is their nature; cat, wolf, rat, leopard, mountain lion, deer, tiger, Et cetera." He paused.

Then, "If my ring is in the wrong hands, this non-changeling world is no longer safe for you because they will come for you. They will torture you in ways you have never imagined before, it will be a bad way to go." He stated firmly.

Ismena wanted NOT to believe him desperately, but she found herself believing his frightening words. Because, even though it's turning out to be that she doesn't know a mountain lot about this man, she does know a few things; he doesn't joke or jest.

"So, are you saying that I am your c-c-captive b-because I am in danger?"

"You are my captive because you stole and pawned something important to me, and I plan to hold you captive till I have it back. You have no choice in the matter." He informed her swiftly, crossing his arms. "I merely told you what you might see as a benefit while you are in my custody."

"No..." She was shaking her head vigorously, "No, no, I don't—"

His head snapped up all of a sudden, his nose flared, "What is that smell?"

Before the words were out of his mouth completely, the sound of gunshots rang out in the air. Several of them. They are being shot at.

They are under attack.

All hell broke loose.

CHAPTER 16. WHO IS THIS MAN...? WHAT IS THIS MAN...?

They are under attack.

The door opened and Degar stuck his head in, "We are under—"

"I know." Wolfariane's other halves already stretched out and prowled inside him, waiting for action. In long strides, he began walking out of the room, sparing Ismena a glance, "Do you have a backdoor here?"

Fear gripped Ismena badly, she was barely aware of anything else since she heard those shots that wouldn't stop. She stared into space, her body trembling.

When he didn't get an answer, Wolfariane turned, walked back to her and shook her firmly, "Snap out if it, Female. This is not a time to break down, do you hear me!?" He asked authoritatively in a calm tone that is in contrast with the loud commotions of theirenvironment.

"Yes, y-yes..." Ismena was trying her best to get herself under control, but it was proving so hard. Her ears are ringing. I'm going to die today.

"Look at me, Ismena." His hand palmed her cheek, lifted it up so her brown-eyes will have no other choice than to meet his.

She looked into that deep blue eyes on a face that screamed powerful...dangerous, and a deep feeling of safety filled her. This man can protect her. He can keep her safe.

"Listen to me and do everything I ask you to do. No matter what you see, do not faint on me. Keep it in until we are safe, do you hear me?" He asked tranquilly.

She bobbed her head once.

"Good," he let go of her cheek, "Do you have a backdoor here?" He repeated.

"Yes. Two d-doors to the l-left."

"Good." He turned to the leopard Alpha, "Degar, go and block fire from the front while I go through the back with her. They wouldn't attack unless they already know the layout of the house, so some of them will be waiting there too."

He was already walking out of the door again with Ismena trailing closely behind him, when he stopped in front of Degar and spared the leopard Alpha a glance, "Be careful. If the bullets are silver, it'll kill you as you already know. Do not shift unless you have no choice."

"I know. Be safe too, Alpha King."

Wolfariane inclined his head before they all walked out of her bedroom, and everywhere burst into action.

Degar produced two guns—one from his back pocket, and the other from his shoe,—and began firing as he moved fluidly towards the front door.

Wolfariane walked in hurried steps towards the backdoor, while Ismena did some little running to follow closely behind him.

"Who are these p-people attacking my h-home?" She managed to ask.