The drive back to the Avila mansion was silent except for the low hum of the engine and Claire’s occasional shaky breaths. She sat curled in the passenger seat of the black SUV, still wearing her torn midnight-blue prom dress, now streaked with dirt and dust from the warehouse floor. Her wrists and ankles bore angry red marks from the ropes, and her eyes were swollen from crying.
Xander drove with one hand on the wheel and the other holding hers tightly, refusing to let go even for a second. His jaw was clenched, eyes glowing faintly with residual fury and overwhelming relief. Every few moments, he would glance over at her, as if making sure she was really there.
When they finally pulled up to the mansion, the entire pack had gathered outside. Alissa, despite her bed rest orders, stood o
