His Worst Mistake

Selene's fingers trembled as she clenched her fists, her body rigid with fury. Lucian's words hung in the air like a noose tightening around her throat; Come with me willingly or watch him die, the choice was an illusion as both options led to her losing. Caleb groaned as Lucian's men held him upright while his blood continued to seep from the wound in his side, staining the ground beneath him. His face was pale, his breath uneven, but his eyes were sharp and defiant, he didn't beg, and he didn't look at her for help. Instead, he gave her a single, silent message: Don't do it. Lucian tilted his head, his expression unreadable. 'Tick-tock, Selene." Selene's breath came fast, her pulse hammering, and every one of her instincts screamed to fight, to take the gun, to end this but she had no weapon and no advantage and if she made the wrong move, Caleb would die before she could even reach him. Her throat tightened. 'You don't need him, you have me," Lucian smirked. 'Oh, I know but I don't like loose ends." Selene's stomach twisted. 'He's not a threat to you." Lucian exhaled, feigning disappointment. 'That's where you're wrong, he's a loose thread in a carefully woven design and I hate imperfections." Caleb coughed, forcing out a weak chuckle. 'You sound like a lunatic." Lucian's smirk didn't waver. 'And yet, here you are, at my mercy." Selene felt the walls closing in as there was no reasoning with Lucian, he enjoyed and thrived on control, on watching people squirm beneath his grip. Her mind raced, searching for a way out; maybe a distraction or weakness, something, anything, that could shift the balance but the men surrounding them were well-trained and their formation was tight with their hands steady on their weapons. Lucian lifted his hand, his fingers curling slightly; a sign of a silent command then one of his men raised his gun to Caleb's head, and Selene's breath caught. Lucian's voice was silk-smooth.'Decide, Selene." Her heart pounded, if she hesitated, Caleb would die and if she gave in, she was handing herself over to a monster then she swallowed hard, forcing the words out. 'I'll go." Lucian's smirk widened as he snapped his fingers and the man lowered his gun. Caleb exhaled sharply, his body sagging from the strain as he turned to Selene, his jaw tightened. 'No." But she ignored him as it was the only way. Lucian watched her, amusement flickering in his gaze. 'Wise decision." Selene's skin crawled as his men moved toward her, the weight of her choice pressing against her chest but she had no other options. Caleb struggled against his captors. 'Don't do this." Selene forced herself to meet his gaze. 'I have to." 'No, you don't," he snapped. 'This is exactly what he wants." Lucian chuckled. 'You're a quick learner, Caleb but it's a shame you won't be around to see the rest." Selene stiffened. 'You said you'd let him go." Lucian's smirk deepened. 'I said I'd spare him but that doesn't mean I'm setting him free." Selene's stomach dropped. Lucian stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. 'You don't get to make demands, Selene, you don't get to dictate the terms." His fingers brushed against her arm. 'But don't worry, I always keep my word, I just twist it to my advantage." Her skin burned with anger, she wanted to tear away, to fight, to put an end to him but she couldn't risk Caleb. Lucian turned to his men. 'Take him back to the facility."Caleb struggled violently. 'Selene…" Then a sharp blow to his gut cut off his words and he gasped, his body folding over as the guards tightened their grip. Selene's hands curled into fists as Lucian turned back to her. 'Are you ready to behave?" Her pulse thundered as every fiber of her being screamed to fight, but she forced her body to stay still then she nodded once and Lucian's smirk remained, but his gaze darkened with satisfaction. 'Good." His men moved in, securing her wrists, forcing her forward and she didn't resist. Lucian stepped aside as they led her toward the waiting SUV, the doors opened, revealing a darkened interior, it felt like a coffin waiting to be sealed then she cast one last glance at Caleb as he was dragged in the opposite direction and their eyes met; a silent promise passed between them–this wasn't over. Lucian slid into the vehicle beside her, his presence was suffocating as the doors slammed shut, enclosing them in darkness while the engine roared to life. As the car rolled forward, leaving the forest behind, Selene's heart hardened not because she was a captive but because she was a time bomb waiting to go off and when the moment came, Lucian would regret ever thinking he had won.