Thread: The Shifter's Claimed Bride-Mate (Ruphhausin & darkangel76)

Everything was happening so quickly. A rush of shadow, her lungs expelling air as she screamed and the next thing Elana knew, she was being wrapped and bound with animal skins as her horse, Lavender Mist, suddenly took off into the night. Her body secured tightly to his back. She could see the other horses, those ridden by other menshiftersriding close by. Too close. But she didn't have time to dwell on that. Her heart was pounding while both fear and adrenaline swirled together inside her very core. Her mind racing as it took in the reality of what was unfolding before her waking eyes. Elana was being taken. But by whom and for what reason she had no idea. She could only begin to speculate as her mind drifted and wandered, the most horrid of thoughts entering her mind as they all rode through night. It seemed like hours, time nearly standing still, as they continued on, the air so cold as it stung against her face making her body shiver and her teeth chatter. Please, Elana whimpered. But she knew none of the men could hear her. The thundering pounding of the horses' hooves, the surge of adrenaline coupled with masculine energy blinded and deafened them, no doubt, to her feeble pleas. Terrified, cold, Elana just clamped her eyes shut. She hoped that whatever it was that fate had in store for her, it would be merciful. It was all she could hope for now that she'd been whisked away in the night. From her father, her home, her kingdom. All that she knew and loved was gone, taken from her so easily and in a single moment. And, like it or not, she had to face the possibility that she'd never see any of it ever again. At that, her tears began to fall, so warm compared to the night air whooshing about her slim body. She could feel the tiny droplets rolling down her cheeks, her breath suddenly catching as she felt a sob bubble up in her throat seeking its release. Biting down on her lip, Elana dared to stifle that threatening sob. No. She wouldn't give in, wouldn't let these men see just how much they'd hurt her already. Not yet. She had to be stronger than this. It was the only way she could cope whatever future laid in store for her. And how she hoped it would be merciful. The more her mind wandered and spun, the greater her fears became. Fear of what these men could do to her. Abuse, death. The possibilities were endless and none too appealing, though of them all she prayed for death first Suddenly, the horses' riding slowed. Elana tried her best to see what was happening, but it was too dark. Not even the silvery light of the moon was of any help to her eyes. Trembling, she swallowed once and mumbled another soft plea. Please please Again, Elana knew that no one had heard her. The men just acted and reacted as if she wasn't there, putting into action whatever plan it was that they'd seemingly orchestrated. One that had most obviously resulted in her abduction. Suddenly, Elana noticed that the group of menshifterswas dispersing. She watched them disappear into the night down various roads while she remained with one and traveled down another. She was fairly certain she knew that they were to be decoys, a means of making it difficult for her family, her father's men to find her. Oh, it was no use. She truly would never see any of it again Scared, desperately wanting to cling onto some semblance of hope, she tried to look at the manshiftershe was now traveling with. Alone. Sir, Elana began, trying her best to muster up all of her courage. Please where are you taking me please, don't hurt me. Her lips trembled as she spoke, her words so soft they nearly floated on the wind. Looking up into his silhouetted face, she could feel fresh tears suddenly falling down her cheeks once again. She just hoped he didn't notice them given how dark it was, but something deep inside her told her that she could only be so fortunate.