Chapter 155: The Queen of My Heart
Chapter 155: The Queen of My Heart
(Devion’s POV)
As we reached the jet, my Pack warriors carefully moved our prisoners and the precious cargo onto my sleek private Learjet. I told them to be on high alert, watch around carefully.
Marco handed the location coordinates to the pilot. Once things were set, the jet took off, wheels lifted the ground, banking west in the bright sunlight.
There was barely any turning back for us now. Either we’d reach Gretel and rescue her—or we trade these men for her or we’d see that Helena could try with her old mate to get us Gretel back.
It was a seven-hour flight, and every part of me seems to be full of anticipation of finally seeing my mate again after being kept apart for too long as it felt.
Once everyone got seated, young Marco hurried over to me holding the enemy’s phone. “You might want to use this during the flight to stay in touch with their people. Helps keep up the act,” he suggested, handing it over.
I gave him a nod of approval and clapped him on the shoulder. “Smart thinking. Walk me through the voice masking again.”
He fixed the modulator collar on me, and once it was activated, I selected the useful contact on the phone—“My Alpha”—and placed the call. Marco gave me a thumbs-up as the call rang.
A deep, authoritative voice answered on the other end. “Report! Why haven’t you arrived?”
I made my voice cocky and cold through the modulator. “We had engine trouble before takeoff. It's been fixed though. We're leaving now.” I said, keeping it vague.
“This better not be another one of your imbecility, Beta,” he snapped, sounding angry.
I smirked. “I wouldn’t fail you this, Alpha. See you tonight.” I hung up before he could ask more.
Taking off the collar, I nodded to Marco, who returned to his seat. That little lie should make him believe the mission is going smoothly, I hope.
Helena approached next. Her expression looked calm but she sounded serious when she spoke. “You should rest now, Devion. Get some sleep before we land.” He instructed.
I glanced at the private cabin.
“At least a few hours. Doctor’s orders,” she insisted, pointing to the soft bed.
I didn’t want to rest, not with my mate so close, but my shoulder ached, and I knew I needed to conserve energy for what was ahead of us. Though I pray it goes peacefully.
I let her guide me toward the jet’s private sleeping area. I lay down on the satin-covered bed as she pulled the curtains and dimmed the lights.
“We’ll have our girl back soon, hopefully.” Helena whispered before stepping out.
Sleep took me faster than I expected. I dreamed of her—Gretel—every part of me reaching for her in the darkness.
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When I woke up in what felt like hours later, the dim lighting was still there. I shifted, and pain flared again in my shoulder.
I peeked under my shirt and saw blood staining the old bandages. I must’ve torn the stitches again.
Before I could even reach for the supplies, the curtain parted and Helena returned, holding clean bandages and tools.
She let out a disappointed “tsk” at the soaked dressing. “Of course you ripped it open. Do you have to move around so much?” she muttered while helping me sit up against the pillows.
I stayed quiet while she worked. She cleaned the wound and re-stitched it quickly and more tightly.
Once finished, she smoothed my hair with a gentle hand. “Let me bring you something to eat. You haven't eaten since morning.”
Something in her voice—something motherly care—touched me. My own mother had tended to my wounds like this when I was young.
I hadn’t realized how much I missed being looked after by someone who truly cared.
Helena returned with a tray filled with sandwiches, potato chips, fruit, and a glass of red wine. I ate almost everything without realizing how hungry I’d been.
She sat beside me quietly, watching me finish. Then, in a soft voice, she spoke.
“I pray this goes well. That we can get Gretel back without bloodshed. But no matter what, Devion, I thank you. I’m grateful for how you’ve looked after my daughter..."
"...And if not for you, I wouldn't have easily had another chance with her. And with you by her side, she might actually accept me again..”
She paused, her eyes becoming misty. “That means everything to me. I don't think I can be able to repay you for this.”
I swallowed thickly. Her trust in me, her kind words, it struck deep. I was glad of it. I rested my hand on her shoulder.
“You don’t have to repay me. I see it as my duty to take care of Gretel. Let's just pray we get her back safely.” I said. She nodded.
Just then, Jazmine popped her head in, beaming. “This feels like a real adventure! Like we’re saving a princess in some fantasy movie!”
Her enthusiasm was infectious, it seems. Helena and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Jazmine flopped down beside us, and Helena came up with a plan. She suggested that she should be the one to speak when we arrived.
“Hayden wants me, hardly my daughter, if I'm correct. So if I should offer myself in exchange for her, maybe he’ll let the two of you leave together.”
I admired her bravery. She was willing to sacrifice herself, switch places with her daughter. So I gently told her,
“You don’t have to do that. We should try something else. I don't think Gretel would be happy to leave you behind after just getting you back.”
But she only smiled. Okay, we’ll see.”
\---------------
When the plane finally touched down, we were greeted by a convoy of cars waiting. Maybe they were the ones to take us to the fortress.
But the guards tensed up when they saw strangers instead of their usual beta and soldiers.
“No need to panic, boys,” Helena said calmly. “These are my boys. Take us to the Alpha. I want to surprise him.”
One of them growled, “You’re not setting foot on this packland without Alpha’s permission.”
Helena rolled her eyes. “Fine. Spoil the surprise then. Call him. Tell him Helena’s here.”
They did. And after the call, their attitude changed instantly.
“Apologies, ma’am. The Alpha is expecting you. Please come with us.” A guard said.
Helena looked at us and gave us a wink. “Told you.”
We piled into the cars, still guarding the hostages, but my mind was on Gretel. My wolf growled softly, desperate to see her.
When we drove closer to the fortress, I began to smell her scent. My mate.
Soon we arrived. We stopped at large wrought-iron gates decorated with an ancient crest. This was it. The regional base of Hayden’s pack.
The moment I stepped out, my senses became overwhelmed by her scent—soft, floral, almost intoxicating.
Guards bowed to Helena as she alighted the car.
I barely mumbled a reason to step away before following the trail of Gretel's scent. I followed my senses to where it came from, like I was being pulled by a magnet.
My feet carried me through the garden, past trees and blooming flowers, until I saw her—
There she was.
Kneeling among lilies and orchids, looking beautiful in the light. Gretel was watering the plants carefully, unaware of me standing behind here, watching.
“What a sight…” I whispered, taking in the beauty of the scene.
Her long black hair had streaks of silver in it, and it cascading down her back like a waterfall. She wore a plain white blouse and jeans, but to me, she looked just beautiful, like a queen.
Then she stood up slowly. Her body tensed before turning. She probably had sensed me. Then she turned and her eyes locked with mine.
My heart picked up pace.
Her grey eyes widened at that, and the watering-can slipped from her hands. “D-Devion…?” She muttered.
For a moment, neither of us moved. As if we were trying to confirm if this moment was real or not.
“My love!” I cried out, my feet carrying me towards her in a rush.
She ran too, towards my open arms. I could feel my pull towards her heightening. After all this time, she was finally within my reach again.