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“I’m sorry, Brady. Please, forgive me,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The words came through the bond. So broken and defeated. I let out a piercing howl of agony as I sprinted towards the exact spot where I had last glimpsed her in my mind.
There was nothing there. Not even the stirring of dirt. No scent to go off of, no trace that my mate had ever been there. Nothing but the strained connection of our bond.
There just wasn’t enough left to help me find her. I would not be able to find her on my own, I would need help.
I turned frantically towards the packhouse, sending out a mindlink to Edwardo and Ricardo to meet me there. I had never gathered the pack in place of my father and sister before. I had never asked them to run in my name. It wasn’t my place, and they often would make sure I knew that, but this was different.
I closed in closer to the pack, hearing the buzz of conversation as warriors and other members gathered in the yard, their voices filled with curiosity about the reason for the gathering. I could only assume that Edwardo ordered them all here for me.
The beta and his patrol group arrived shortly after my arrival, and Ricardo joined them not long after. Nodding my head in greeting, I transformed from my wolf’s form to human, positioning myself in front of the pack, bracing for the request I was about to make.
I spotted Alma in the crowd towards the front, her eyes darting around frantically in search of Madie. It was clear that she had no idea my mate was missing, so she remained unconcerned about the purpose of this meeting, despite her growing suspicions.
“Please!” I called out to the pack, their voices quieting as they turned to look at me. Some members scowled, while others stared curiously, wondering why we were all gathered at this moment.
“I need the pack’s help. My mate has been taken by the rogue, Tristan, and a vampire named John Thorne. They are using the dark witch’s magic to conceal her from me, but I can faintly sense the rhythmic pulse of the bond guiding me towards her. I just can’t do it alone.” I looked back out, my eyes pleaded with the sea of faces before me for understanding. “I need the pack to help me track down this rogue and vampire. It is the only way to save my mate and unborn pup from the danger they are in. Please, who will run with me?” I pleaded again, desperation in my voice.
The sea of people sat quietly, their presence filling the air with a tangible stillness. Crickets chirping in the distance accompanied by the buzzing call of lotus in the trees behind me.
“I’ll help!” Deigo called out from the group of children that had gathered to see what the adults were up to.
As I gazed at the young future beta, a mixture of sadness and admiration washed over me, realizing that it was a child who showed the most selflessness in offering their life for my mate.
“I’m sorry, Diego, but you are too young for this mission. I can’t risk your life as well.” I looked back out at the adults, hoped that one of them would step forward and volunteer.
“Why don’t you go ask your witches for their help?” A man called out.
“Yeah! You aren’t our alpha! You’re the witches’ leader! Go ask them to help save your mate! She’s their leader too!”
I felt my chin drop as I heard their words. Even though I had always known they felt this way, it was still hard to hear. Even harder with how much I needed their help at this moment. The only time I’ve ever asked anything of the pack before.
“Have you all forgotten who it is that is standing before you?” Edwardo demanded, his voice filled with authority, as he took a confident step forward and stood by my side. “Even though he may not become our future alpha, he is still a pack member since birth and the son of your alpha, as well as the brother of the future alpha! He is the acting alpha in his father’s place. What he asks is not a request. It is a command, and you will all do well to remember your place!”
Surprised, I turned to face Edwardo, his voice filled with conviction and his powerful beta energy radiating through the crowd, causing their knees to buckle in submission. Many of the pack members let out whimpers, their necks exposed to their beta in a show of respect.
“His missing mate is also a member of this pack and the pack’s current Gamma! You should not have to be asked to go and help rescue her. There should be no thought or pause when saving a pack member. Regardless of your petty personal feelings!”
Everyone’s heads dropped in shame and submission, their hands eagerly raising to volunteer to help me save Madie. A few of the pack members began to approach me, shame dimming their eyes as they apologized to me.
I couldn’t help but feel that they were only doing this because of Edwardo. That had he not stood by my side, they never would have changed their minds.
Even with the threat of my father’s anger for them not obeying my commands, it still took their beta to remind them who was in charge at this moment. But I was still grateful for the beta’s help. Because at the end of all of this, I was going to have my mate back.
I looked over at Edwardo and opened my mouth to thank him for his help.
“Don’t thank me,” he said, my mouth shutting closed with a snap. “It is the beta’s job to support his alpha. In the absence of your father and sister, you are my alpha. I should have done a better job of it sooner. For that, I am sorry.”
I lightly patted his shoulder, the touch speaking volumes more than any words could, and then I shifted my gaze back towards the trees.
“You don’t need to apologize. It was never important before now. All I want now is to get my mate back to me safely.”
Edwardo nodded. “Then that’s what we will do.”
“Pack shift!” My howl echoed through the air as my body seamlessly transformed back into its wolf form, leaving behind a trail of torn fabric and distant howls. With determination, I set off, leading the others who had joined me in the search for Madie.
With my eyes closed, I trusted the bond to guide me to her, the connection crackling like static on a TV. Bits and pieces connected me to her, just enough for me to follow in a singular direction as we ran into the forest deeper and deeper.
