Chapter 20

Gereth called for help to transport the poisoned members to the hospital. He knew he’d need to get them there as quickly as possible to save them, especially without Ella’s magic to keep the poison at bay. Adam helped Gereth transport the bodies onto gurneys and into the emergency vehicle. He then hopped into the passenger seat next to Gereth, who gave him a worried look, but said nothing before driving off with the sirens wailing.

When they arrived at the hospital, Adam tried to help, but he was quickly shooed away by hospital personnel. He watched helplessly as the two advisors were wheeled away.

“I want updates on their condition as soon as possible,” Adam commanded Gereth as he left with the patients.

Gereth nodded as he left, leaving Adam’s worried face behind.

Adam paced in the waiting room as he awaited news. He pondered whether to call Ella for her healing expertise, but he was sure Gereth would turn her away again if he asked her to come. Adam wished he could do something, but he wasn’t a healer, he was a leader.

Just then, a nurse came up to him. “Alpha?” she asked, trying to get his attention.

Adam looked up. “Hm?”

“Doctor Gereth is doing all he can, but it will be a while before we see any results. He figured you would still be out here and suggests you go home and wait for his call.”

Adam stared at her a few moments, debating within himself if Gereth was right. Should he just go home? He then nodded. Whether he waited there or at his house, the result would be the same. Adam walked out the doors without a glance back, knowing the best thing for him would be to get out of his head and let his wolf out for a bit. He strolled to the edge of the woods and stripped as soon as the trees covered him.

Seamlessly, his enormous jet-black wolf emerged. Adam shook himself before bounding off through the trees. His powerful paws propelled him forward. He weaved around trees and through bushes, letting the feel of nature around him engulf his mind. When unchallenged, his wolf was quite carefree. It loved to roam around and explore.

The wind whipped through his sleek black fur and felt so good on his face. He lifted his muzzle to the sky, sniffing the crisp air. The sun shone through the trees, warming him quickly as the darkness of his fur absorbed its rays. Adam cared less about where he was going, and more about how it felt to let loose. It seemed he got less and less time for himself these days; it felt good to let his wolf out to play.

As he jumped over a fallen log, he smelled a familiar scent.

That strange, twisted scent of a lone wolf.

Adam sniffed again, confirming it was the same scent that he had gotten off Cassius the day he met him. Adam growled. His wolf hated Cassius even more than he did. This lone wolf was keeping him from his mate.

Perhaps I should do something about that. Adam didn’t think twice as his wolf followed the scent. As the smell grew stronger, Adam slowed, wanting to catch the bastard by surprise. He continued forward, sweeping his eyes about himself so as to not get caught off-guard.

He topped the ridge he had been climbing and saw Cassius below. He had his phone out and was typing away. Perfect. He was distracted. Adam crouched low as he came around behind Cassius. He made sure to stay downwind so Cassius wouldn’t smell him until he was right on top of him. Adam grinned as he crouched down, ready to pounce. The wind changed slightly, blowing toward Cassius.

Cassius’s head lifted from his phone as he caught Adam’s scent. He whipped around, eyes wide, as Adam growled and lunged. Cassius leaped out of the way just in time.

“Chill! I don’t want any trouble,” Cassius called out to Adam, holding his hands up in defense.

But Adam’s mind had been clouded as soon as his wolf saw the man so close, the only thing standing between him and Ella. That man was the only thing keeping him from being with his true mate. His wolf was tired of Cassius getting in the way. He growled again, charging at Cassius. Cassius darted away, shifting into his own wolf. The size of this lone wolf surprised Adam long enough for Cassius to sprint away.

The wolf’s size indicated that Cassius must have been Alpha–born. While Adam was still larger, the wolf that had stood before him could have been closely matched to his size and might. But that didn’t make any sense. Why would an Alpha-born wolf become a lone wolf? Where was his pack?