Chapter 146 Chapter One Hundred and Forty Six

Chapter 146 Chapter One Hundred and Forty Six
I ran back to the pack house, Xander close behind me. Leo was standing in Salem's bedroom, a crumpled note in his hand. I snatched it out of his fingers as I read through it, hands shaking. 

"Someone took them" I muttered, my vision blurring.

"Who could it be?" Leo asked with a dark gaze, eyes flashing and I instantly noticed his beast was present.

"Leo..." I rushed over as his body shook.

"Belinda is on her way already" Xander whispered behind me, taking the note from my hands as he shifted closer to Leo.

"Try to stay calm" he reasoned. Leo seemed to be struggling and was losing terribly.

"It's...difficult" he gritted, sitting on Salem's bed as he clutched his head in his hands.

"How is he?" Belinda's voice came from the door.

"Not looking good. Maybe you need to sedate him"

"I'm fine" Leo gritted out even though he was anything but fine. 

"We need to find them" he muttered and Belinda frowned.

"What's going on? What's he talking about?"

"Salem and Freya are missing?"

"What?" Leo growled again, the sound guttural and I looked at Xander. 

"We found a note. And Leo's beast started acting up"

"Must be the news" Belinda muttered as she drew closer to him. She didn't back away when he growled at her.

"Xavier and Gabriel have taken the guards and they're searching the forest now" I nodded, even though it didn't settle me.

"The guards need to check for that woman. Val"

A chill ran through me as soon as the words left Belinda's lips.

"What?"

"I heard her movement about an hour ago. I thought she was heading to the bathroom but she hasn't returned until now" I cast a panicked look at my mate.

"You don't think?" 

"They're searching the forest. There's no way they could have gone far. Stay with Leo and I'll go with them"

"Let me come with you" Leo and I said at the same time.

"You're both not in the right state to come with me. Stay with Leo until his beast is back under control.

"I'll find out girls and bring them back home" 

I hesitantly nodded. I wished I could have joined him but the other children needed me here.

"Keep me updated about everything?"

"I will." Xander kissed the side of my head, then went off.

"Leo will feel dizzy for a while. Do you want me to stay close or will you be fine"

"I'll just need help getting him back into his bed. We can manage after that"

"No" he growls.

"Let me sleep here" he mumbled, lying down on the bed even before I could stop him. Belinda and I exchanged a glance. 

"He's out," she pleaded, but he didn't respond. I groaned and nodded.

"I'll take it from here" Belinda smiled at me and took my hands. 

"They'll find them" I smiled.

"I hope so" as she walked to the door, I stopped her.

"I want to send a message to my parents. Can you help me with that?"

"Sure. Once the letter is ready, let me know" I smiled at Belinda in thanks as she disappeared. I looked over at Leo who was too big to fit into Salem's princess bed. He was so much higher than any sixteen-year-old male I'd seen but his father's altered genes had something to do with that. 

I checked on Zane and Sage and then I went back to Leo. I couldn't find sleep for the rest of the night. 

I took that time to write a letter and sent it over to Belinda.

When morning came, Leo was still asleep. A servant came to deliver the news that Xander and the search group had returned.

"Watch him" I instructed as I took off. 

I found the three men huddled together, speaking in hushed tones.

"What's wrong? Where are the girls?"

Xander pushed away from the group as he came to me, taking my arms and leading me away.

"Talk to me" I snapped impatiently.

"We didn't find them"

"What?"

"There was no scent to track. No footprints left behind. I believe they have crossed into another pack. I can't storm into another alpha's territory without notice"

"It's an emergency. They'll understand"

"I've sent messengers and trackers to inform them and they'll continue the search"

"We can't wait idly until whenever they get a message and..."

"Anna" Xander gripped my arm firmly.

"We'll find them" I pushed him off me.

"When? Every second we waste is an opportunity to take them further away. We need to find them immediately"

"And we will. Have I ever failed in my promise?"

I trusted him but I didn't want to waste a moment. 

"We'll find them?"

"I can promise you that. Where is Leo?"

"Asleep in Salem's room. He seemed very comfortable" 

"You look like you've barely gotten any sleep. Come on, get some rest"

"I can't..." I protested.

"Do you want the children to see you ill?"

"I'll manage"

"Anna" he snapped and I groaned.

"Fine. But let me know if there's any update. Please. Don't keep anything from me" Xander nodded and kissed me lightly. 

I went to check in the children and then I took a short nap.

Once I woke up, I went back to make sure they were okay. Leo had taken over watching them.

"Mama" Sage and Zane ran towards me as soon as they saw me.

"Where are Freya and Salem?" Sage questioned with a frown.

"They had to do something important. They'll be back soon" Sage nodded, her expression conflicted. I watched them as they played for a minute and then I was ready to go and see Xander for an update.

"Any news?" Leo stopped me and I shook my head.

"I'll meet with your father now"

"Keep me updated?"

"Sure" I nodded with a smile.

I walked to Xander's office with fast strides, my heart pounding with hope that they had found something useful...encouraging.

"Anna" Belinda's voice stopped me as she hurried towards me.

"I was going to check on Leo. How is he doing? Does he need another dose?"

"He's fine. He doesn't look like he had an episode. Did you get my letter?" She nodded.

"Received it early this morning. I was preparing to send it out boy I saw Farron"

"Farron?"

"He dropped by for some advice on herbs and offered to take the letter since he was returning today"

"That's good then. I'm assured they'll get the letter faster"

"Yes. Any news on the girls? Or Val?" I shook my head. 

"Nothing yet"

I'd made too many stops instead of heading straight to Xander for an update. 

I marched to his office, pushing the door open. Xavier was standing next to his twin, a guilty expression on his face.

"What's going on?"

"I was discussing with Xander and..." 

"Not you" I cut Xavier off. I looked at my mate, who had promised to keep me updated about anything but he stared at me like he was hiding something.

"Tell me" I growled at him and he sighed.

"The search group found another note. It seems to have been deliberately kept for us to find"

"What does it say?"

The silence stretched.

"Tell me" I snapped and Xander sighed.

"They want you"