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Originally, Alpha Zachary howled his desire to accompany Bella back to the pack. However, after the incident at the factory last time, a pesky human worker caused trouble and dragged him to court. Now, the criminal is a rogue werewolf, he couldn't be apprehended by human law enforcement. Alpha Zachary's fur bristled with anxiety as he made a chilling phone call to Alpha Carl.

When Alpha Carl heard Alpha Zachary's growls about Elinor bringing Leo back, a surge of anger pulsed through his veins. "What in the moon's name is wrong with you? Didn't you promise me you would protect Bella and Leo with your life? How could you let that insane she-wolf Elinor snatch Leo away?"

"It was indeed my failure. I never anticipated Alpha Xavier's mother meddling in this affair. I am truly concerned for Bella's safety returning to our pack on her own, especially with Leo's fragile health. If it's not too much to ask, lend assistance to Bella. I shall join you as soon as I settle the affairs of my pack." Alpha Zachary growled, burdened with self-blame. The true instigator of this debacle was none other than his own sister, Breanna. If she hadn't spilled the secret of Leo's lineage to Alpha Xavier, Elinor would never have ventured across the ocean to claim their precious pup. With Leo's health so fragile, if anything were to befall Bella due to this calamity, the pain would be unbearable, and he would never forgive himself.

"Very well, I understand. I will take care of Bella and help her retrieve Leo. The Xavier family will learn the true meaning of wrath this time," Alpha Carl responded, knowing that he couldn't fault Alpha Zachary for this predicament. His fury was directed solely at Breanna. She despised his betrothed and secretly regretted their impulsive promise of matrimony. Little did he know that it was Breanna who played a hand in Elinor's return with Leo to their pack. Otherwise, she would have been so incensed that she'd combust.

After uttering a few more words of gratitude, Alpha Zachary ended the call and pondered for a moment before dialing Layla. He requested her assistance in picking up Bella from the airport and accompanying her in the search for Leo when she was available.

With all plans set in motion, Alpha Zachary returned to his den. Waiting anxiously at home was the old lady, her grey muzzle twitching in anticipation. As she caught sight of Alpha Zachary's return, she hastened to greet him. "How goes it? Breanna informed me that Elinor took Leo away. Is it true?"

"Almost. Mark witnessed her departure with two companions and a child. The child was wrapped in layers of fabric, obscuring his face. But it must have been Leo. The two companions were doctors she hired," Alpha Zachary replied, his voice heavy with exasperation.

"This Elinor is nothing but trouble. How can she be so unreasonable?" The old lady sighed wearily. "Leo is her own flesh and blood. How can she be so heartless?"

"Yeah, it makes my fur bristle with anger!" Alpha Zachary sighed, his tone melancholic. "I had intended to accompany you, but the lingering issues from the factory incident prevented me from joining you. That's why I had to request Alpha Carl's assistance. Once I settle matters here, I'll rush to your aid."

"Very well, that's for the best. I was genuinely concerned that Bella would face Elinor and her son alone," the old lady agreed.

As they conversed about Bella and Leo, little did they suspect that Breanna, Elinor's accomplice, stood on the second floor, eavesdropping on their discussion.

Yesterday, Breanna had felt immense satisfaction witnessing Alpha Xavier and Bella departing together from the Zachary family. Finally, she breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Bella would suffer greatly. She was well aware of Leo's significance in Bella's heart. Now that Elinor had snatched Leo away, Bella would undoubtedly return and engage in a ferocious battle with Elinor to reclaim their pup.

However, the Xavier family held immense wealth and power. Unless Bella sought aid from Beta Craig, she wouldn't stand a chance against them. It promised to be quite the spectacle. Besides, she had already assured Elinor that she would provide updates on the situation.

Now, upon hearing Alpha Zachary's plea for Alpha Carl's assistance, Breanna seethed with anger, barely containing the urge to storm downstairs and unleash her wrath on Alpha Zachary.

Alpha Zachary was well aware of her deep affection for Alpha Carl, but he paid her no mind. Insistently seeking Alpha Carl's involvement with Bella was a step too far. Moreover, her carefully crafted plan was only halfway executed. She couldn't allow Alpha Carl to foil her efforts once again. She needed to book a flight back to the pack immediately, ensuring Alpha Carl had no means to contact Bella.

With her resolve firmly set, she turned and retreated to her room.

...

After ending the call, Alpha Carl glanced at his wrist, rose from his seat, grabbed his coat, and swiftly strode out of his office. Alpha Zachary had just informed him that Bella and Alpha Xavier would be arriving at the pack soon. The plane was due to land within the hour, and he intended to race to the airport to greet Bella. Anxiety washed through him, worried that Alpha Xavier might mistreat her as he had done in the past.

Furthermore, he knew Bella would waste no time in searching for Leo upon her return. Elinor, that deranged woman, was utterly unreasonable. If he didn't accompany Bella, she would undoubtedly suffer losses.

Though Alpha Zachary assured him that Alpha Xavier was also irate about Elinor snatching Leo and pledged his support in reclaiming him, he remained skeptical.

Alpha Carl knew all too well that Alpha Xavier hadn't given up on Bella. Now that Elinor had brought Leo back to the Xavier family, who knew if Alpha Xavier would exploit the situation to coerce Bella into reuniting with him, using Leo as leverage.

Thoughts of Bella's predicament consumed Alpha Carl, fueling his anxiety. He immediately instructed Lucas to dispatch members to the major hospitals in the Pack, gathering any intelligence on Elinor's potential hospital visits with Leo. Then, instead of relying on Lucas to drive him, he swiftly entered his car and raced towards the airport.

Upon arrival, Alpha Carl parked his car and strode towards the entrance. Just as he reached the threshold, a familiar voice called out his name. He quickly turned his head and spotted Layla approaching.

"Trevor, are you here to pick up Bella as well?"Alpha Carl let out a growl of approval. "That's right. Are you here to pick up Bella as well?"

Layla nodded, her wolf ears perked up. "Just now, Alpha Zachary called me and informed me that Bella will be joining the Pack soon. He asked me to pick her up and accompany her to get Leo from the Xavier family. He also informed you and asked for your help if needed. When I saw you coming, I knew you were here for Bella too."

"Well, let's go!" Alpha Carl thought highly of Alpha Zachary's carefulness. He knew Bella would need the support of her loved ones during this trying time. Layla was cunning enough to deal with Elinor, the crazy woman.

Besides, Alpha Carl was engaged to Breanna, so it was best for Layla to accompany Bella.

They arrived at the hall and found a spot to sit and wait until the time came.

Layla gazed at Alpha Carl's troubled expression and sighed. He was so nervous for Bella, even though he was already engaged to another. This showed the depth of his love for her. If anything happened to her, he would rush to her aid. Layla wondered when she would find such a loyal and devoted mate.

Alpha Carl sensed Layla's strange stare and turned to her, his eyes gleaming. "What's wrong with you?"

Layla blushed, embarrassed. "N-nothing. I was merely thinking of Bella. I hope she finds happiness with Alpha Zachary soon."

"That's a given. How can she endure this? She'll undoubtedly go find Leo immediately," Alpha Carl growled, his eyes flashing with fury.

Layla sighed. "Bella has been through so much suffering. Now that she's about to marry Alpha Zachary, she can have a stable life. However, the Xavier family won't let go of her and Leo. With Leo taken by Elinor, Bella must be incredibly anxious."

"Don't worry, Layla. As long as I'm here, I'll bring Leo back," Alpha Carl assured her.

"But what if Elinor hides Leo away and we can't find him?" Layla furrowed her brow.

"I'll find him. If I'm correct, Leo should be in the hospital," Alpha Carl declared confidently.

Layla's eyes widened. "You're right. Why didn't I think of that? Alpha Zachary mentioned that Leo despised Elinor and didn't want to be with her. She threw him to the ground and frightened him. If she insists on bringing him back, he must be incredibly scared. His body may not be able to handle the shock, and his condition could worsen. Elinor will likely send him to the hospital. If we'd split up and gone to the hospital to find Leo, we could have saved time instead of coming here together to pick up Bella."

Alpha Carl glanced at her. "I've already sent someone to find him. Once they have news, they'll inform me."

Layla laughed, relieved. She felt foolish for forgetting Alpha Carl's capabilities. He could find Leo in the darkest and most remote alley, let alone a hospital in the Pack.

Suddenly, Alpha Carl's phone rang, and Layla perked up. "Did your subordinate find Leo?"

Alpha Carl retrieved his phone and looked at it. The smile on his face indicated that Lucas had found him.

He answered the call. "What's the news? Did you find the child?"

" Yes, Trevor, we've found Leo. He's in the blood department of The First Hospital in the Pack. His condition is relatively stable, and he's being monitored."

"That's good. I got it," Alpha Carl said, hanging up. He informed Layla that they'd located Leo.

Bella unfastened her seatbelt as the plane landed. She stood up to exit, and Alpha Xavier's legs blocked her path. She looked at him coldly, her wolf eyes piercing.

He glanced back at her pale face and felt a pang of regret. During the ten-hour flight, she hadn't spoken to him except to tell him to move his legs. When she'd found out that Elinor had taken Leo, she'd transformed into a mad mother lion, threatening to fight him to the death if anything happened to Leo.

He'd said sorry repeatedly and promised to help her get Leo back and accompany her back home. Despite his efforts, she hadn't given him a second glance.

For last ten hours, she'd lay on her seat staring blankly out the window. She hadn't eaten anything except a glass of juice.

He felt remorseful. She despised him for coming to the United States and taking Leo away. Moreover, she despised him even more for revealing Leo's family background, which resulted in Elinor snatching him away.

He regretted the entire ordeal. He shouldn't have traveled to the United States so impulsively to abduct Leo. He shouldn't have informed Elinor about Leo's family background. It had led them to this difficult situation.

As soon as they got off the plane, he'd turn on his phone. His subordinates in the company had informed him that Elinor had taken Leo back to the Pack. They had sent him a message, and all he needed to do was to locate Leo and bring him back to Bella.

He removed his leg from Bella's way and stood up. He followed her silently to exit the plane.