Chapter 146

Lauren's POV I had no idea how long I had been unconscious. My head throbbed, but the ache in my chest was far worse. I missed Ashton so fiercely it made my throat tighten with the urge to cry. Worry gnawed at me, about the baby, about my sisters. Were they awake? Were they hurt? All I knew for sure was that we needed to get out of here. Fast. Before I blacked out again, Zach had leaned in close and whispered something that chilled me to the bone. “Soon we’ll be together, my love,” he murmured. “I know Ashton was your mate, but I’ll handle him when he comes. Maybe I’ll end up being your second-chance mate.” That’s when I had stirred, just as he lifted me out of the SUV and started carrying me toward the cells. I would rather die than let that happen. I would never let Zach touch me. If he ever found out I was carrying Ashton’s child, he would kill my baby without hesitation. I couldn’t let that happen. I needed to find out if my sisters were awake. I had to know they were safe. “Maya,