Page 28 of Where Lightning Strikes Twice (Fated Mates, Stubborn Hearts #2)
“Elena has been captured by Viktor,” I reply simply. “He plans to sacrifice her in three days to fuel a magical ritual that will destabilize all territories.”
Marcus’s expression doesn’t change, but a muscle twitches in his jaw. “And I should believe you because…?”
“Because I could have killed you a dozen times since entering your compound, but instead I walked through your front door.” I meet his gaze steadily. “And because you know your sister discovered something important enough to risk her life for.”
“What I know,” Marcus says coldly, “is that you corrupted my sister, turned her against her own people, and now she’s missing because of you.”
“What you know is that Elena is the most brilliant, ethical person either of us has ever met,” I counter. “She wouldn’t sacrifice everything she’s worked for without compelling reason.”
Something flickers in Marcus’s eyes—uncertainty, perhaps. He pulls out a chair and sits across from me.
“Talk.”
For the next hour, I explain everything—the ancient prophecies, Elena’s genetic discoveries, Viktor’s plans for magical domination, and the coalition I’m building to stop him. Marcus listens without interruption, his military training evident in his disciplined attention.
When I finish, he sits in silence for several moments.
“You expect me to believe that Haven’s Heart should ally with Storm Eagles? After years of raids and attacks?”
“I expect you to do whatever it takes to save your sister,” I reply. “And to recognize that Viktor threatens everyone, not just Storm Eagles.”
Marcus leans forward. “Why should I trust you? For all I know, this is an elaborate trap.”
I consider my next words carefully. “Elena and I are fated mates.”
His expression hardens. “Impossible.”
“That’s what we both thought.” I reach into my pocket, removing the small vial of blood. “Test it yourself. Elena already did. Our genetic compatibility is unprecedented—and it proves everything she discovered about the original relationships between territories.”
Marcus takes the vial, studying it suspiciously. “Even if this is true, Haven’s Heart would never officially sanction an alliance with Storm Eagles.”
“I’m not asking for official sanction. I’m asking for your help.” I lean forward, ignoring the pull of the restraints. “You have thirty elite soldiers under your direct command. Combined with my Storm Eagles and the wild clan allies we’re gathering, we can rescue Elena and stop Viktor’s ritual.”
“And afterward?” Marcus challenges. “We just return to the status quo? Raids and territorial warfare?”
“No.” I meet his gaze. “Afterward, we build something new. Together. The way it was always meant to be.”
Marcus stands abruptly. “I need to verify your claims about this ritual.”
“Time is something we don’t have,” I remind him.
“You’ll be held here until I return.” He moves to the door, then pauses. “If you’re lying about Elena?—”
“I’m not.” Lightning flickers briefly in my eyes, a physical manifestation of my bond with her. “Every moment we waste puts her in greater danger.”
After Marcus leaves, I wait patiently, reaching out through the incomplete mate bond, seeking some trace of Elena’s presence. The connection remains frustratingly dim—not broken, but muffled, as if something interferes with our natural resonance.
An hour passes before the door opens again.
Marcus returns with a Haven’s Heart scientist who carries scanning equipment and sample kits.
They take blood from me, analyze the vial I provided, and conduct several tests I don’t understand.
The scientist whispers urgently to Marcus, pointing to results on a tablet.
Marcus dismisses the scientist, then approaches me with new intensity.
“Our analysis confirms genetic compatibility between you and Elena,” he acknowledges grudgingly. “And our intelligence has detected unusual magical disturbances at Black Ridge, consistent with ritual preparations.”
Hope flares within me. “Then you believe me?”
“I believe my sister is in danger.” Marcus unlocks my restraints. “And I believe Viktor represents a threat to Haven’s Heart civilians.”
It’s not full acceptance, but it’s enough.
“How many troops can you commit?” I ask, rubbing my wrists as I stand.
“Twenty-five special forces soldiers. Covertly.” Marcus’s expression remains guarded. “Officially, this operation doesn’t exist. If we’re captured, Haven’s Heart will disavow all knowledge of our actions.”
“Understood.” I extend my hand. “We’ll rendezvous with my Storm Eagles and wild clan allies at Dawn Ridge, south of Viktor’s camp.”
Marcus hesitates, then clasps my hand briefly. “This doesn’t make us friends, Stormwright.”
“No,” I agree. “But it makes us allies against a common enemy. For now, that’s enough.”
As we exit the interrogation room to begin planning the rescue operation, I feel a sudden surge through the mate bond—a flash of Elena’s presence, bright and desperate. She’s alive and fighting, but whatever Viktor has planned is already underway.
I look toward the distant mountains where she’s held captive, my resolve hardening. Storm magic responds to my emotions, gathering clouds above the compound.
Hold on, Elena. I’m coming for you. And I’m bringing an army.