Chapter eighty-two

Valerio

I've pondered over what Eduardo said, and I have to agree. I guess I was angry... pissed off. More like, I was ashamed that I had a hideout in my pack without my knowledge. That's an easy path for my enemies. I've instructed Austine on what to do, but inside, I have this unsettling feeling that something is not right.

A chill ran down my spine, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong, but how? I've asked myself this question continuously, but a sense of unease kept creeping over me.

The more time I waste, the more my anxiety worsens. Unable to control it anymore, I stood up from my chair.

"Hey..." Eduardo started, but I cut him off before he could finish.

"I'm coming," I said, heading straight out the door.

"I think our mate is in pain," Ethan's worried voice suddenly seared through my mind, and Bella's face flashed instantly in my head. My heart skipped a beat, causing my pace to quicken.

I hurried to the Alpha building and rushed toward the elevator. I quickly pressed the red button, my heart racing very fast. I could feel the elevator moving up, but at this moment, it felt like it was moving fucking slow. I groaned and curled my fists in my palm. My worry was growing more rapidly.

Soon, the green button beeped, and immediately the elevator opened, I dashed out. I hurried to the door. I pulled out the key, my hand trembling as I slid it inside the keyhole. Twisting it sideways, the door creaked open, and I rushed inside.

My heart was drumming hard. I glanced around the sitting room, but she was nowhere in sight.

"Mate!" Ethan hummed.

I groaned in my head and rushed toward the kitchen. Out of panic, I forcefully slammed the door against the wall. I peeped my head inside, but again, she was not there. I could feel crawls prickling my skin.

The door was locked; in fact, nobody enters my apartment aside from her and Eduardo, so it's damn obvious that it's not kidnappers. The guards outside had confirmed that she hadn't stepped out today. So, she's likely here.

I left the kitchen, my long strides eating up the distance as I headed toward the room. I opened the three rooms, but she wasn't there, and my doubts started creeping back in. It's remaining the fourth room now.

I calmly strode toward the direction, my heart beating worsening. Almost closer to the door, I heard a scream, followed by a cry for help.

"Bella!!" My eyes bulged out, and I instantly hit my leg on the door, knocking it down. I hurried inside the room, my eyes sweeping fast across the room before they fell on the bathroom door. I could hear silent sobs.

I stilled my breath and curled my fists by my side as I quietly matched toward the door. Did anyone enter here? Anything could be possible at this rate. What else could be making her scream out this much? Her voice breaks my heart.

And soon, I reached the door, but before I could grab the handle, her voice died down. And that struck fear deeper into my heart. Without hesitating, I quickly pushed the door open, and blood drained from my face.

"ISABELLA!!"

My face went pale at the sight in front of me. I instinctively pulled my hand away from the handle and made a mad dash toward where she was lying unconscious.

"Isabella," my voice trembled as I shook her, but her body was unmoving.

What happened? My horrified eyes panickingly loomed over the bathroom, but there was nothing out of the ordinary, just a broken piece of cup on the floor.

"I don't think she was attacked," Ethan said, his voice brooding and uneasy.

But that only frightened me even more.

"Isabella, please wake up!" Fear gripped me like a vice, making my breath come in short gasps. I kept shaking her gently. "Honey, wake up! Oh goodness, please wake up!"

My gaze sprinted all over her; she was lying in a ball form, her eyes shut. I immediately mind-linked Eduardo.

"I found Isabella unconscious," I had barely finished, and his panic tone shot through the link.

"What the fuck do you mean?!"

I moved my eyes down to her hand and grabbed it, checking her pulse. Panic settled in. Her pulse was weak, but thank goodness, she was still breathing.

"Valerio!"

"Where are you?"

"Meet me in the hospital," that was the last message I sent before shutting off the link.

I bent over and gently lifted her into my arms, her limp body feeling like a fragile doll. Her hair cascaded down like a waterfall, spilling over my arms and chest. I cradled her close, trying to will some life back into her as I hurried out of the door.

My heart was beating faster, and my breathing was ragged. I bolted out of the door; I wanted to use the elevator, but looking at it, it seemed like it might delay me. I had no time for that.

So I turned and sprinted down the staircase.

On seeing us, shock flashed on the faces of the guards stationed there.

"A-" they were yet to finish their words, and I rushed out of the building.

And kept panickingly shaking her and calling out her name in a whisper as I fastened my pace. And suddenly, her hand dangled limply over my arm, making my heart skip several beats. Before I felt her fingers brush against my skin.

"I am here. Isabella, I am here," I kept murmuring.

I took another step forward, and her head lolled against my shoulder, her cheek pressing into my neck. I could feel her slow, shallow breaths against my skin, and that was the only thing keeping me sane.

As soon as I reached the hospital, I saw Eduardo rush out through the hospital door. His eyes moved to my hands, and a look of worry crossed his face.

"Where is the doctor?!" I shouted, not minding the looks I was getting.

Eduardo gulped visibly and nodded toward the door.

"He's inside."

Murmurs erupt around us but I paid no ears to them and gently pushed Eduardo aside and hurried inside.

My blood running cold.