Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Mate

Flashes of the pain Vera must have been enduring flooded my mind. She was so intolerant to discomfort that she couldn't even drink a hot beverage without someone cooling it for her.

Just as I took a deep breath to calm myself, my phone buzzed again—Kael was calling.

Before I could ask if he had managed to gather the ransom money, he yelled, "How could you come up with such a heinous lie just because Victor and Vera adore you?!

"I swear I was about to have a heart attack if Leo hadn't told me the truth!"

My heart sank.

"Did Leo really say I made all of this up?" I asked, barely able to form the words.

Kael sighed. "I know you're angry at Leo for not spending Valentine's Day with you, but he's already bonded to you for life. It's just one day—why can't you let it go and let him be?"

"Kael, this has nothing to do with Valentine's Day!" I snapped. "Victor and Vera have been abducted!"

"Lyra, please…" His tone softened, but his disbelief was palpable. "You really mustn't lie about things like this—or anything, for that matter.

"Victor and Vera are the only people in the Ulrics who genuinely care for you. I thought I'd show you a bit more kindness since you seemed so pitiful, but I never imagined you'd repay it by coveting such a small amount of money."

I felt the devastation settle in my chest. Gathering the ransom money in time seemed almost impossible.

"The sheriffs are with me right now," I insisted. "You should hear it from them."

"There's no need to drag this farce any further by involving someone pretending to be a sheriff," Kael shot back.

"I know you love Leo, but he's already chosen someone else, and she's back with him now. Honestly, Lyra, you should consider annulling your bond with him if your marriage isn't working out," he suggested.

I hung up, unable to stomach his words any longer.

Moments later, David appeared at my doorstep, his face pale. He had just confirmed with his colleagues that the abduction was real.

Without hesitation, he called Leo.

"Leo, you need to get back here right now," David said urgently. "I think your parents may have really been abducted by the Feral Rogues."

To our surprise, Cheryl's voice came through the receiver instead. "Seriously? You're ruining my Valentine's Day!"

"Cheryl, this is serious! The abduction is real!" David pressed.

"Lyra's just being a jealous woman." Cheryl scoffed. "She's been keeping tabs on Leo all day. Can't she give him a little freedom? Even criminals deserve a holiday now and then!"

"Cheryl, put Leo on the phone right now!" David demanded, his voice tight with frustration.

"Are you in on this with Lyra?" Cheryl accused. "Leo's roasting a chicken right now, but fine, I'll ask him if he wants to talk to you."

After a pause, Leo's voice came through the line. "That crazy woman can't let me catch a break. Hang up!"

David's frown deepened as the call abruptly ended. He turned to me, his concern evident.

Helpless, I sighed. "The abductors want me to deliver the money to Moonshines Winery, but I've only managed to gather about half of what they're demanding. Maybe I should take what I have and deliver it while you figure out the next steps."

A female sheriff standing nearby interjected, "I'll drive you there, ma'am."

I shook my head. "If the abductors recognize you, we'll all be in trouble. I need to handle this myself."