Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Dex stares ahead while we wait for the others. I ask for clarification, but he doesn't seem to hear me. A deep frown forms on his forehead as he looks around. "Dex?" I try again. "Hmm?" it sounds without him looking at me. "Are you going to tell me your suspicions?" I try not to show my impatience. "Later," he says curtly. "When the others get here." He paces back and forth. It seems like he's talking to his wolf, so annoying that I can't hear what they're saying. I breathe a sigh of relief when I see the others approaching. The car slows down, and before Reece has even properly parked it, the others jump out. Except Beth, who just manages to muster up the patience.

"Her scent is going that way," Dex says when we're all together, pointing to the street behind us.

"Well, that sucks," Reece mutters, pointing out that this is one of the busier streets in the neighborhood. "That's not all. I'm pretty sure she's not alone," he says. "What?" Beth reacts, shocked. Bruce also struggles to grasp it. "Who? Someone from the pack?" he asks. Before Dex can answer, Ronan says, "I doubt it. The people closest to her don't know where she is. They would have told me if Lucy was planning something, wouldn't they?" Dex shakes his head. I see Reece stick his nose in the air, and a few seconds later, he looks wide-eyed at Dex, who nods curtly. "It's Alex." I turn pale.

I know she's angry and hurt that I came between her and Dex. But would she really endanger Claire like that? Knowing what he's done? "Are you sure?" I hear Beth ask. "I smell him too," Ronan confirms. "Me too," Reece adds. Beth's face is filled with disappointment. "But..." Bruce says, searching for any indication that Lucy isn't working with Alex, but Dex cuts him off. "I know it's a shock. That she's apparently willing to endanger Lilly and Claire, the pack, like that. Knowing what he's done. But I know for sure."

A short, awkward silence follows.

"Both scents are strong; they've already traveled a great distance together," Dex explains. "So it can't be a coincidence," Reece mutters. Bruce looks at his mother, who still can't believe her daughter would do such a thing. Would betray her pack like that. They briefly share a look of remorse, both seeming to feel guilty for Lucy's actions.

"Why?" Bruce mutters, more to himself than to us. "She knows what he did, and yet she's putting Claire in such danger." He turns to his mother now. "She may hate Lilly now, but I know she would never harm Claire. An innocent child." His voice grows pleading, desperate, as if he's trying to convince himself. Beth takes his hand.

"Because..." She clears her throat, and I see her swallow before continuing. "She sees Lilly as a threat; she's convinced the moon goddess made a mistake. That she's Dex's mate. She sees Alex as a tool. Something to ensure she gets what she thinks she deserves." Dex nods approvingly at her explanation. "And I suspect Alex knows that too. He's more than happy to take advantage of that," he adds.

"They're using each other. How does that saying go? The enemy of my enemy is my friend?" Reece says.

"So, what now?" I ask. Dex doesn't seem to have made a decision yet. "We have two options. We retreat and try to find them through surveillance footage. Which could cost us valuable time," he says.

"Or we follow the trail." Ronan interrupts him. "With the possibility of walking right into their trap." Dex nods.

"But... They're heading towards the busy streets. That seems more like she's trying to get away," I say, a little confused. "Maybe. But she also knows we can easily find her with our enhanced sense of smell," Ronan counters. "Okay, but... Would she really risk exposing your kind by trapping you in a crowded area?" I ask. "There's only one way to find out," Dex says.

"Lilly, I need you close. Stay by my side." The words sound like a command, but they're not.

He needs me close for his own peace of mind. The realization that I'm increasingly sensing his feelings and intentions makes me smile, and I nod.

No one says anything, and we're utterly focused on our surroundings. Eyes dart in every direction, and many passersby give us questionable looks.

I try not to pay too much attention, but after the umpteenth stranger stares at us, I can't help but shout that it's rude to stare like that. I smile, satisfied when he looks away, embarrassed, and quickly walks on.

After a long walk, we arrive at the edge of town, and the trail leads to what appears to be an abandoned industrial estate. Clever.

"Are you sure it's a smart idea?" Ronan asks hesitantly. "Without backup?"

I take in our surroundings. Everything in me screams it's a trap.

I look at Dex, ready to voice my doubts as well. Then I see the deep frown on his face, and it dawns on me that the obvious doubts I'm feeling aren't just my own.

"No, you're right," he says slowly. "Beth, go back to the pack," he orders without looking at her. "But...maybe I can..." she sputters desperately. I see fear in her eyes, fear that we'll hurt her daughter. "You can't. You know that. Go back and wait for further orders." He interrupts her. I place a hand on her arm. "Don't worry, Beth, they won't hurt her," I try to reassure her. "Unless it's necessary," Reece says. I shoot him an angry look. "Not helping," I say through clenched teeth. Beth pats my hand. "It's okay, he's right," she answers.

Dex looks at me intently. He seems conflicted with himself. Or his wolf, I can't say. The others await his orders, ready to spring into action. "It's better if you go back with Beth," he says finally. "What? No." The indignation is palpable in my voice. There's no way I'm going to sneak out now, just when we've found them, and confront them. He takes my hands, his eyes pleading. "We don't know what we'll find, who we'll encounter," he tries to convince me. I look to the others for help, but their eyes avoid me. "I thought you said you only picked up Lucy and Alex's scent?" I ask suspiciously. "Right. But that doesn't mean there's no one else there. Who knows who your brother is working with?" he says. "There's a pretty good chance we're walking into an ambush." ​​I fall silent, deep down, I know he's probably right. But why did he take me with him at all?

Beth comes to stand next to me. "Come. Don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. The men know what they're doing," she chimes in, supporting Dex.

"No," I reply. "Let me talk to Alex. I'm still his sister. He won't hurt me. And I'm sure he won't let Lucy do it." I say confidently, though I feel less confident than I let on. The rational part knows full well that if I'd had any influence on Alex, he would have been long gone. But I can't bring myself to go to Dex alone; something tells me I have to stay with him. That I can help in some way.

Dex hangs his head with a sigh. "I was afraid you'd say that," he mumbles, more to himself than to me. "The moment it gets too dangerous, I'll have you brought back," he says sternly. I nod, knowing full well there's no point in arguing.

He nods to Beth. "Be careful," she says before looking at everyone one last time and hugging Bruce.

"Okay, Alpha, what are your orders?" Ronan asks once Beth has left the compound. Dex scans the area once more. "We'll stay together. Don't shift, it looks deserted, but there might still be humans around."

As we walk further into the grounds, I try not to cling too tightly to Dex. Holding my breath, I walk beside him, focused on the sounds around me. I start when I hear a bird squawk.

Their trail seems to be taking us deeper and further from civilization. The sounds of the city are becoming less and less audible. I'm starting to wonder if we'll ever find them.

"I trust your instincts, but are we..." I stop mid-sentence when Dex abruptly stops.