Chapter 24

**Zoe**

We are running through the forest when a group of rogues block us off, the manage to separate half of us from the group. I do not know what to do. We are trapped and if we turn around we will run back to the other group of rogues.

I know there is no way around it; we are either fighting or we will die. Max, Ryker, and Dustin push us back as they stand to fight the rogues. I do not know what is going on inside me, but I feel a power, and my body is telling me to stomp the ground. So that is what I do. A portal opens, and I can see the pack house. I do not question it; I just tell people to start going into the portal. We are down to me and the guys. They asked me to go through the portal, but I refused. “I will not leave without you,” I tell them. Dustin comes over to me and tells me we got to go; I tell him I cannot leave my brother. Before can say anything else. Dustin shoves me through the portal. We both tumble to the ground.

My mind is in chaos, but one thought pierces through-I have to save Ryker. Tears blur my vision as I stomp my foot, trying to summon another portal. I refuse to give up. I have to save my brother. When the portal doesn’t appear, I sprint towards the forest, but Dustin intercepts me. Katelynn rushes out, attempting to soothe my frayed nerves. But I can’t calm down. ‘Ryker is out there with Max,’ I choke out to her.

She looks sad but says we can not help him right now. That we will get killed trying to save him. She is crying now, too, and we are both holding each other. I finally hear Jackson and look up to see Cole, Tyler, and Jason with him. I start screaming at them that they have Max and Tyler. Jackson scoops me up and starts rubbing my back.

“I know, I know,” he keeps saying.

I hear Tyler tell Kateynn that they tried to get Ryker and Max, but they were gone when they got there. Max and Ryker had been taken.

I could not stop crying; if my brother died, it was all my fault.

Jackson guides me to his office, his strong arms a source of solace. I couldn’t bear to be put down, and he understood. I craved his comfort. We settle in his chair, and he holds me close on his lap.

Just as we all get comfortable, the phone rings. Jackson picks up the phone.

“What do you want,” Jackson says to the person on the phone.

His voice, usually calm and composed, now carries a fierce undertone. “That will never happen. Now, let me speak to Max,” he demands, his protective instincts kicking in.

My heart races with fear. I need to know if Ryker and Max are safe, and what they want.

“I will destroy you” Jackson says and hangs up the phone.

Are they okay I ask him and what do they wants.

“They are alive, and the want you” He says as he tightens his hold on me.

My life for my brothers life, why? Why me?

They know your a hybrid and Wyatt wants you. Your father is assisting him and if we do not turn you over, they will kill Max and Ryker.

My heart can not take anymore, I can not loose my brother.

I sit in silence, my mind racing with the question of what I can do. I am meant to be this powerful wolf, yet I cannot save my brother. The thought of Ryker and Max in danger ignites a fierce determination within me. If I could only open a portal again, I could reach them and provide the help they need. But how do I create a portal?

Then I remembered the book Belinda gave me. I have to get it from our room, but I can not tell Jackson yet. I know he will react strongly if I even mention it.

I tell Jackson I want to rest and will go back to our room. I tell them my head is hurting.

I head for my room to find the book, praying that the answer is in it. If not, I need to get to the Garden of Eve and ask Cleine if she has answers.

My resolve to save my brother was unwavering; it was a task I was determined to accomplish.

I found the book I had left in the top drawer of my closet. I open it up and start looking through it. I finally found the part about Portals. It tells me that it comes from within me, from the desire to be somewhere. I just need to focus my mind and open my inner self to the ability to be wherever my heart desires.

With determination, I set out to map my plan and leave a note for Jackson. My strategy was clear: open the portal, reach Ryker and Max, guide them through the portal, and return to safety before anyone noticed. It seemed simple enough, but was it really?

I stand in the middle of the room after writing a letter to Jackson, telling him that I am sorry and had to help my brother. I could not lose him. If all goes well, I will be back shortly. I then start taking deep breaths. I picture Ryker hugging him again. I can feel the power building in me, and when it’s at that point like it was in the forest, I tap my foot. There was a portal, and I could see Max and Ryker. Here goes nothing; it’s time to get my brother back. I hold my breath and step through the portal.