Chapter 74. Time and Place

Luca,

I am not sure if I am pissed or hurt. She leaves us to come back with another man on her arm. I didn't get jealous of them together, but the fact that she went as she did pisses me off. I know she would be mad if it were us that did that. She could have talked to us. We could have figured out something together. that is all I mean. Dad and I make our way back to the packhouse when we see Barrett walking toward us from the backyard.

"Don't say anything, and keep your cool. Do you understand me?" Dad says through the mind link, and as much as I want to grab Barrett and rip his throat out, I know dad is right, and I need to keep my head.

"Hey, I was wondering where everyone went off to. Any word on Raine yet? I am worried about her." Barrett says, and it takes all I have not to say anything. I try to keep a natural look on my face.

"No, nothing yet," Dad says, keeping Barrett's attention.

"Where is Levi?" Barrett asks, this time looking at me for answers.

"He went for a run to clear his head," I say, keeping my voice low and normal. I see a reddish-brown substance on Barrett's pants leg as I look down. It looks like dried blood. Was Barrett at the attack on Grayson's pack today?"

"What is that on your pants there?" I say, motioning to the spot. His face changes for a second, but I don't miss it.

"I don't know, must have rubbed against something in the woods earlier." I want to keep pressing but figure it is best to leave it alone. Dad must agree with me because he takes over the situation.

"Have you found out anything else about where your brother has Raine?" Dad asks Barrett.

"No, my people are still looking. We will find her." As I watch his face, there is something dark in his eyes as he says that. I don't know how we missed it before.

"We need to hurry and find her so we can find him and kill him for taking her," I say, having a double meaning to my words. Not knowing what I mean, Barrett's eyes sparkle when I say kill him. Does he want his brother dead that bad? Then again, if he killed his parents, then why not his brother.

"Well, I have a few things to check on, so I will get out of your hair," Barrett says, but dad stops him.

"Why don't we come up with a plan for when we find him and where he is keeping Raine?" I guess dad is trying to keep him close. "While we go over this stuff, you can see if you can find your brother and see if he has found anything," Dad says to us both, but then mind links me to go to Flo and tell her what is going on. I can't believe we didn't think to let her know. They are all in as much danger as we are. I nod to them and head for the house.

"I thought Levi went for a run?" Barrett says, giving me a suspicious look. That was a little bit ago. I am going to check the house for him, and I need a sandwich." Of course, I say, but I don't wait around for any more questions. Instead, I head straight for the house. I mind link dad to keep him busy as I make it to the house. I am lucky that when I enter, Flo, Emma, and Mia are all in the kitchen.

"I need all three of you to go to Flo's bedroom. Do it quietly and say nothing to no one. I will meet you there in a few minutes. This is important." I mindlink Flo, and she nods before telling the girls she wants to show them something. I make my way to the fridge and grab the ham and cheese to make myself a fast sandwich. I was not lying when I said I needed one. I am hungry from the run earlier. I throw the meat and cheese on the bread, grab a napkin, and head upstairs to Flo and Dad's bedroom. I keep a watch around me, making sure no one is watching. When I get to the bedroom, I slip in and lock the door behind me. I see all three of the girls waiting on me. I walk over to them, putting my finger over my mouth to tell them to be quiet. I am not sure how soundproof this room is, so I decide to mindlink them.

"Barrett is the bad guy. I think it is safer to talk through mindlink than out loud." They all look at each other with shock, except Emma, which makes me give her a questioning look.

"Why do you not look surprised, Emma?" I asked, not able to hold it back.

"I don't know. I thought something seemed off about this whole situation. Then, after meeting Chase, things just didn't add up." She says, looking at all of us to see if we agree with her.

"Well, it looks like Raine has a third mate, and it's Chase," I say, but I am not quite able to hide the dislike in my tone. They all three seem to look at me with sympathy, but also they seem curious or happy. I am not sure.

"Well, the Goddess does everything for a reason. I am sure it will all work out." Flo says with her most motherly voice. I nodded, not wanting to talk about it anymore.

"We have to act as natural as possible right now until we figure out a plan. Barrett doesn't know we are on to him. We have to keep it that way for as long as possible. Don't go anywhere alone, and don't be alone with Barrett." I tell them, making sure they understand. They all three nod at me, and I head back for the door. Flo and Mia are in front, and Flo reaches the door first. She opens it and then turns to let us leave first. When I turn to let Emma go in front of me, I notice she is not there now.

"Where is Emma?" I say, looking at the girls. They both look around.

"She was behind you," Mia says, and I mind link dad.

"Is he still with you?"

"Yes, but he seems anxious."

"Emma just disappeared from your and Flo's bedroom. We turned to leave, and when I looked back, she was gone." I wait, but no response comes." I give it a minute, "Dad, did you hear me?" There is still no reply, so I speed out the house and back into the backyard. There is no sign of Barrett or dad. I see one of the rogues headed to me running.

"Did you see the Alpha or Barrett out here?" I ask, not wanting to blow anything if nothing is wrong.

"Yes, Barrett grabbed the Alpha, and they vanished." He tells me, almost out of breath. Damn it, I should not have left him alone with Barrett. I have to let Levi and the others know. I say as I go to take my phone out of my pocket. I see Barrett pop up on the other side of the yard, but dad is not with him.

"Where the fuck is my dad?" I say loud enough he can hear me.

"Meet me here in your backyard at nine tomorrow morning. That should be plenty of time for everyone to get here. That includes the asshole that was my brother and the beautiful Raine." As soon as the words are out, he is gone again, not giving me time to reply at all. I have to let them know what happened.