Chapter 242 Time Pressure

Chapter 242 Time Pressure

The SUV hummed quietly as we made our way back to the estate. My thoughts raced faster than the vehicle, swirling into a chaotic mess I couldn't untangle. Alexander's ultimatum hung over me like a guillotine blade—stay and potentially become Kane's Luna, or walk away and let Valerie take my place for the "good of the pack."

What kind of fucking choice was that? I stared out the window at the passing trees, their branches swaying in the gentle breeze, completely oblivious to my internal turmoil.

I needed to talk to Kane about it, but Elva sat between us, happily humming a made-up tune while playing with the small plush wolf Kane had given her.

I glanced at Kane, finding his eyes already on me. He reached across Elva and took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. The warmth of his touch sent a familiar tingle up my arm.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

I forced a smile. "I'm fine." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

Kane's expression told me he didn't believe me for a second, but he didn't push. Instead, he squeezed my hand gently before letting go.

I needed to talk to someone who wasn't directly involved in this mess. Clara would know what to do—she always had a level head on her shoulders.

After settling Elva for her afternoon nap with promises of stories later, I headed straight to Clara's room. The door was slightly ajar, which was unusual for her. I knocked gently.

"Clara? It's Elena."

No answer. I pushed the door open and found Ryan standing by the window, his posture rigid with tension. The room felt different—emptier somehow. Clara's favorite scarf was missing from the chair, and the small collection of books she kept on the nightstand had disappeared.

"Ryan? What's going on? Where's Clara?"

He turned, his face a mask of barely controlled anger and worry. "She's gone. Left the estate yesterday after you all went to the garden party."

"Gone? What do you mean gone? She can't just leave."

"That's what I've been trying to figure out." He ran a hand through his hair. "I've called her at least twenty times. No answer. Her family isn't taking my calls either."

An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. "Has anyone heard from her at all?"

"No. It's like she vanished." The pain in his voice was palpable. "Kane gave me permission to look into it, but I've hit walls everywhere."

I placed a hand on his arm. "We'll figure this out."

The dining room buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter when I arrived. I'd barely taken my seat when Valerie's voice cut through the conversations.

"I heard the Bennett family has quite the scandal on their hands," she announced, examining her perfectly manicured nails. "Something about an unexpected pregnancy?"

My head snapped up. "What are you talking about?"

Aurelia leaned forward, her voice dropping to a stage whisper. "Apparently someone in Clara's family got pregnant outside of marriage. Traditional wolf families like the Bennetts take that kind of thing very seriously."

"They probably pulled Clara out to avoid further embarrassment," Valerie added with fake sympathy. "After all, having a family member in the spotlight during a scandal would only make things worse."

"You think Clara is the pregnant one?" Isadora asked, eyes wide.

"It would explain her sudden disappearance," Valerie shrugged. "Though I can't imagine who would—"

I caught a glimpse of Ryan storming past the dining room entrance, his face twisted with rage. Without excusing myself, I stood and followed him out.

I caught up to Ryan in the corridor leading to the west wing. "Ryan, wait!"

He spun around, his eyes flashing with anger. "I'm going to get her."

"What?"

"I'm going to her family's estate. Kane approved my leave request." He was already heading toward the exit.

"Wait, you can't just storm in there alone," I argued, grabbing his arm. "If what they're saying is true, her family might have her under guard."

"I don't care," he growled. "If they've hurt her—"

"Think, Ryan. You need a plan."

Heavy footsteps approached from behind, and Kane's voice cut through our conversation. "She's right."

Ryan's shoulders slumped slightly. "Alpha, I—"

"I'm coming with you," Kane stated firmly. "And so is Elena."

I blinked in surprise. "Me?"

Kane nodded. "Clara trusts you. And if she's pregnant, she might need another woman there."

"Her family found out," Ryan said, his voice breaking slightly. "They'll punish her for disgracing the family name. They're traditional as hell."

Kane placed a hand on Ryan's shoulder. "We leave after dinner. If we wait until morning, they might move her somewhere more remote."

I nodded, already mentally preparing for what we might face. "I'll be ready."

The afternoon dragged by as I tried to focus on Elva, who was building a tower of blocks in our room. My mind kept wandering to Clara and what her family might be putting her through.

"Mommy, you're not watching," Elva pouted as her tower collapsed.

"I'm sorry, baby. Let's rebuild it together."

She studied my face with those too-perceptive eyes of hers. "Are you going to save someone?"

I froze. "What makes you say that?"

"You have your saving-people face on." She picked up a red block. "Like when you saved me from the bad men."

Before I could respond, a knock at the door announced Daisy.

"Ms. Williams? Mr. Marcus has called for an important gathering in the main hall in thirty minutes."

The front hall was buzzing with tension when I arrived. All the remaining candidates stood in a semi-circle, exchanging nervous glances. Marcus cleared his throat, immediately silencing the room.

"Due to the accelerating economic and political challenges facing our community, Alpha Alexander has decided to expedite the selection process," he announced. "In two days, we will hold an official elimination ceremony."

Gasps and whispers erupted around me. Two days? That wasn't nearly enough time.

Marcus continued, "Those not selected will be escorted from the estate immediately."

I caught Isadora's relieved smile—she was safe since Mason wasn't participating.

The implication hit me like a physical blow. Alexander was forcing my hand, giving me just two days to decide whether to fight for my place beside Kane or step aside for Valerie.

Two days to make a decision that would affect not just my future, but Elva's and possibly the entire pack's.

As I looked at the faces around me, I realized time was running out for all of us.