Chapter 12
18:46pm.
“Hey…” The masked man knocked on Iliana’s motel door several times without a response from her. He could smell or hear her. Maybe she’s around town, he thought.
The masked man in the shadows, crept around town searching for Iliana. He searched every corner he could possibly look into, she wasn’t found. He went out of his way to ask people if she was seen around.
“Rachel? Which Rachel?”
“I don’t know any Rachel.”
“I’ve seen her around town, but that was yesterday.”
19:35pm; Iliana could not be found. The masked man had a feeling that she could be in the forest, but Iliana wouldn’t be reckless to go into the forest just like that. Maybe Alexander is with her, he wondered.
“I know where she is.” A lady’s voice echoed in the masked man’s ear. It was Sophia. “She’s in the forest. I saw her there.”
“Was she with anybody?” The man asked.
“One of the alpha’s. If I remember correctly, she’s with Erik.”
The masked man instantly felt uneasy and troubled. He thought of a million things Erik could make her do. What if she spills her not belonging to the pack to Erik? The thought sent a rush through the masked man’s body. He has to make haste.
“Wait,” Sophia stopped him from moving. “The elders want to see you.”
“Why?” The man asked.
“They asked me to find you. They said it’s important they talk to you about your absence and the future for you in the pack . Don’t forget; you are an alpha.”
The masked man was conflicted. Should he go to Iliana–Rachel– or to the elders. Iliana may potentially be in trouble, a very serious one. The elders summoning him was a big deal he can’t afford to miss.
The masked man took a deep breath. “Let’s go.”
The masked man followed Sophia to the elders. The meeting place for the elders changes too much and this time, it is not in the forest.
20:15pm.
“You are never present in any activity. You never speak like you are supposed to. You are never found. We look for you but we don’t find you. Why is that?” Rajesh asked. “You are an alpha and everybody in the pack respects you, don’t you want it?”
There was silence.
“It’s unfair we never get your decisions on time and that affects you as an alpha of the pack in the future.” Rajesh spoke.
“I have a choice. I have options. I can not and will not choose a life that has been dictated.” The man responded. “Are my decisions not enough? In the end, they never matter; you elders and other alphas still make decisions behind my back.”
“Look, my dear…” Catherine started. “We are looking out for the future of the alphas, other members and Silver Creek. What happened years ago will not repeat itself.”
“Why can’t we just let the past remain where it should be? The past does not concern me—”
“YES, IT DOES!” Rajesh yelled. “Come out of your selfish delusion and see that Silver Creek needs dominance. We need to conquer and recover all that was lost in the past.”
“What did we lose?” The man asked
“Our pride. Our power. Our legacy. Everything. We let out guard down and now there are spies in our town. Do you want history to repeat itself?” Rajesh replied.
“I have not yet understood what I have to do with this.”
“Now, this isn’t about you. I have spoken to the other alphas and they have agreed. We needed your opinion.”
“My opinion is: Leave the past alone.” The man said lastly before exiting in a haste.
“That boy hasn’t changed at all, has he?”
“I don’t think he sees the shortcomings of his decisions.” Jacqueline stated. “There is too much on him and the other alphas. He hides from responsibility.”
“Give him time. I believe he’ll come around.”
“But for how long, Rajesh?” Jacqueline asked.
“I don’t know. I truly don’t know. One thing is certain; I will not let the past repeat itself.
“I was surprised when my brother said you were his mate.” Erik said to Iliana who walked beside him.
“I was shocked too when Alexander told me to be his mate. It felt too good to be true.” Iliana tried keeping the conversation based in the observation she made at a meeting.
“Indeed. I also never see you around. How did you two get to know each other? Don’t tell me he forced you into being his mate.”
Iliana never thought of an answer to ‘how did you two get to know each other.’
“He never forced me. I wonder where he could be.” Iliana attempted to change the topic. “Where are we?” Iliana felt so much obscurity as she walked around. It was getting darker and harder to see.
“We…are far from the town. Alexander sometimes come around here to clear his head. David should be here somewhere.” Erik said. “David!” Erik called.
“Don’t yell my name like that, you’ll bring bad luck.” David said as he emerged out of the darkness.
Iliana was at a state of unrest remembering the warning the masked man gave to her concerning David and Erik. Alexander cannot be seen, it’s just the three of them.
“Ah, Rachel, fancy meeting you here.” David met Iliana with a smile on his face.
“I was just looking of Alexander and I found Erik so he decided to help me.”
“You’re looking for your mate? Aren’t you two supposed to be together all the time?”
“It seems he’s not here. I’ll get going then.” Iliana said desperately trying to leave David and Erik.
“Don’t go just yet. Tell us something.” David walked nearer to Iliana.
“There is nothing to tell.” Iliana said.
“Are you sure about that?” David’s eyes clashed with Iliana’s so intensely. It was as if he was penetrating her soul with his eyes. “Tell us who you are.”