Tyler.
As the helicopter descended gracefully onto the familiar grounds of Crest pack, I watched the Elders with a mix of gratitude and apprehension. They had graciously accepted my offer of assistance, despite the fact that they were leaving their ancestral home. Stepping out onto the solid ground, I felt a surge of responsibility weighing down on my shoulders.
"Thank you for your time," I addressed the Elders, my voice carrying a note of sincerity. Their presence here meant more than just a courtesy visit; it symbolized the beginning of a new era, one of collaboration and unity. "Once the project is completed, I will notify you of the next step."
The leader of the Elders met my gaze with a nod of understanding. "We really appreciate your thoughtfulness to our pack, despite everything that has happened," he acknowledged, his voice carrying the weight of years of experience. "You not only showed us how merciful you are but also the kind of leader we need for our pack. May your reign be long, Alpha."
"Thank you," I replied, my voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling within me. "Your support means everything for the process of this pack. Together, we will build a future worthy of our pack."
As the Elders departed, their words of encouragement echoed in my mind. There was work to be done, challenges to overcome, and a pack to protect. I couldn't wait to celebrate with Arya.
Arya.
I'd not spent as much time as I would've liked with her. It was time to remedy that.
"Alpha," a warrior's urgent tone sliced through my thoughts, jolting me back to the present. He approached with a sense of urgency, his breaths ragged, as if he had been running for miles. My instincts flared, a knot of apprehension tightening in my chest.
I turned to face him, my expression a mask of concern as I absorbed his words. "What happened?" I demanded, my voice tinged with an undercurrent of apprehension. The air seemed charged with tension, each breath drawn in anticipation of his response.
His words came in a rush, tumbling over each other in his haste to convey the urgency of the situation. "There was an attack at the Northern border," he began, his words punctuated by the rhythm of his labored breaths. "But we've subdued the attackers."
The blood in my veins ran cold at his revelation. An attack? My mind raced, a whirlwind of thoughts. I had left the packhouse mere hours ago. An attack in my absence felt planned.
"Who was attacking the border?" I asked, my voice laden with a sense of foreboding. I needed answers, the last thing I needed now was another attack from another pack.
The warrior's response was swift. "We're not sure," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "They appeared to be wild wolves, but their motives remain unknown."
Wild wolves? Something was not right. It didn't make any sense.
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into the flesh of my palms as I grappled with the gravity of the situation. The safety of my pack rested upon my shoulders, a burden I bore with a sense of duty and determination.
"What about Arya?" My voice was barely a whisper, a thread of desperation woven through the words. I hope she's safe from this danger. The thought of putting her in danger again sent a shiver down my spine.
The warrior's gaze faltered, his eyes betraying a flicker of fear as he met my gaze. "She was supposed to join us at the border," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "But when we arrived, she was nowhere to be found."
My heart lurched at his words, a surge of anger and panic coursing through my veins.
"Why the fuck would you let her leave the house?" I yelled in frustration. "Fuck!"
"I had no say in it, Alpha," the warrior stammered, his eyes darting nervously to the ground. "She's in charge in your absence. We can't go against her orders."
My jaw clenched at the thought of Arya, out there somewhere, possibly in danger, and I was here, powerless to protect her.
"Listen up," I growled at the warrior, my tone commanding and sharp. "Go and get the other warriors. Tell them to search the city for Arya. I'm putting you in charge. Don't fail me."
"Yes, Alpha," he replied, his eyes meeting mine with solemn determination.
I needed to act fast, to find her before it was too late. But as the warrior turned to leave, a sudden thought struck me. I needed to know who I was entrusting this task to, who would be leading the search for my mate.
"What's your name, warrior?" I demanded, my voice low but intense.
"Ian Sanders," he replied promptly, a flicker of pride evident in his stance.
Ian Sanders. Arya was out there, alone and vulnerable with our child, and every passing moment that I didn't know where she was agonizing.
"Now, go," I commanded, watching as Ian hurried off to gather the others.
Alone once more, the weight of the situation bore down on me with crushing force. With a heavy sigh, I turned on my heel and made my way to the city streets.
I hailed a cab, the screech of tires echoing in the night as it pulled up to the curb. Without a word, I climbed inside, the sense of urgency palpable in the air.
"Crest mansion, now," I growled as I closed the door to the cab. "Make it fast."
The driver shot me a curious glance and nodded as he sped off the curb into the street.
As we raced through the city streets, my mind raced with possibilities. Where could Arya be? Who would dare to threaten her safety? The questions gnawed at me, driving me to the brink of madness.
The Crest mansion loomed in the distance. As soon as he got close enough, I instructed the driver to stop, the screech of brakes signaling our arrival.
Stepping out onto the pavement, I squared my shoulders, steeling myself for what lay ahead. With purposeful strides, I made my way to the entrance.
But as I searched, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. She was not here, and with each passing moment, the fear threatened to consume me whole.
Sighting one of the house staff, I stopped him. "Is Arya home?" I asked, my tone clipped and sharp.
The servant hesitated, fear flickering in their eyes. "No, Alpha," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "She hasn't returned since she left with the warriors."
Anger flared within me, hot and fierce, as the reality of the situation sunk in. Arya was missing, and I was powerless to save her.
With a growl of frustration, I stormed out of the mansion, the promise of vengeance burning bright in my heart. I would find her, no matter the cost, and whoever had dared to lay a hand on her would pay dearly.