Chapter 35 The Hunt for the Fallen Alpha
Chapter 35 The Hunt for the Fallen Alpha
Zoe stood in the centre of the Red Water Pack living room, her chest rising and falling as her mind pieced everything together: Jacob, Mario, the attack, the disappearance, then it clicked. Her eyes sharpened. “I think I know where Jacob is.” Lucas immediately stepped forward “Where?” Zoe turned toward him, “The old northern ridge,” she said.
“The one near the abandoned ravine. He always goes there when he needs to think… or when he’s injured and doesn’t want the pack to see.” Lucas cursed under his breath, “That makes sense.” Zoe didn’t waste another second “The pack is in chaos right now,” she continued quickly. “We need to stabilise things.” Lucas nodded.
“Agreed.” Zoe pointed toward the door “You stay here.” Lucas frowned. “What?”
“You need to take control,” Zoe said firmly. “We have injured pack members, damaged structures, and families that need support.” Ethan and Audrey stepped closer, already understanding, “I’ll take Ethan and Audrey with me,” Zoe added. “We’ll find Jacob.”
Lucas looked like he wanted to argue, “You’re not in full condition,” he said. “You just came out of—”
“I don’t care,” Zoe cut him off. Her silver eyes locked onto his “I’m going.” The Alpha command beneath her tone made it clear. Lucas exhaled slowly, “Fine.” Zoe continued issuing instructions. “Check every pack member. Make sure the injured are treated first. Anyone who’s able to move—get them helping with rebuilding.”
Riley nodded, “I’ll organise the teams.” Aria added, “I’ll help with the healers.” Zoe looked back at Lucas “You’re in charge here.” Lucas met her gaze “I’ve always been.” A small smile tugged at Zoe’s lips “Good.” There was a brief pause, then Lucas stepped closer. “Zoe…” She looked at him, “Thank you for coming.” Her expression softened “I’m not letting him go through this alone.” Lucas nodded. “Bring him back.”
“I will.” Moments later, Zoe, Ethan, and Audrey stood at the edge of the forest. They didn’t speak; they didn’t need to. Zoe stepped forward and shifted. White light exploded outward as Celeste emerged—powerful, massive, and glowing under the dim forest light. Ethan and Audrey shifted beside her, three wolves and one purpose. Zoe pushed forward through the mindlink. Hold on, Jacob… Her voice echoed outward, searching, "I’m coming to you," and then they ran.
Eight Years Ago
Alpha Jacob’s POV
“Alpha!” Lucas burst into the room, breathless “Mario left the pack—he took your sister!” Jacob froze. “What?!” His heart slammed violently against his chest. “Why would he—” Jacob’s voice cut off as anger surged through him. “Where did they go?” “We’re tracking them now,” Lucas said quickly. Jacob didn’t hesitate “Move. We’re getting her back,” his sister was only thirteen, too young, too innocent, and Mario had no right, no right at all.
As they ran through the forest, Jacob’s mind replayed everything, Mario, his best friend. The one he trusted, the one he was supposed to make Beta, but over the years… Things had changed. Small things at first, conversations that didn’t sit right, looks from pack members, whispers. Until one day, Jacob realised the truth: Mario wasn’t loyal; he was gathering support.
Planning to challenge him, Jacob had called him in, asked him directly, and Mario didn’t deny it. “I have every right to challenge you,” Mario had said. Jacob gave him that chance, and they fought hard, but in the end, Mario lost. Jacob spared him, locked him away instead of killing him, and when he was released, that’s when Mario revealed it. “She’s my mate.”
Jacob hadn’t believed him, “She’s thirteen,” Jacob had said coldly “, She hasn’t even shifted yet.” Mario had agreed. Too easily, that should have been the warning “Alpha!” Lucas’ voice snapped him back to the present “We found them.”
Jacob slowed “Where?” Lucas pointed ahead, “The ravine.” Jacob pushed forward, and then he saw it. About thirty rogues surrounded his sister, and Mario was standing at the centre. His hand wrapped tightly around her wrist, Jacob’s chest burned “Let her go.” Mario smiled. “She’s my mate.”
“She’s a child,” Jacob snapped. “She doesn’t even know what that means.” His sister saw him. “Jacob!”
She struggled. “Help me! I don’t want to be with him!” Jacob’s heart twisted, and Mario tightened his grip. “She doesn’t know what she’s saying,” Mario said calmly. “She’s young.”
“I rejected him!” she cried. The words hit the clearing like a shockwave, the rogues murmured. Mario’s expression darkened “See?” Jacob said. “She doesn’t want you.” Mario’s eyes flicked toward him, dangerous. “You don’t understand,” Mario said quietly. “I understand enough,” Jacob replied. “Let her go.” Mario stepped closer, and the rogues shifted around him, protective and defensive.
Like he was their leader, Jacob’s eyes narrowed “Why are they protecting you?” Mario smiled, “They follow strength.” Jacob clenched his fists “You think this is strength?” Mario tilted his head “I think this is power.” His sister cried out again, “Jacob, please!” Jacob took a step forward, and Lucas moved beside him. “Alpha… there are too many.” Jacob didn’t care.
“That’s my sister.” Mario’s voice cut through the tension, “She belongs with me.” Jacob’s voice dropped “No.” The air around him shifted, dark and dangerous “If anything happens to her…” His eyes locked onto Mario’s, “I will kill you.” Mario smiled again, but this time, there was something unhinged behind it.