Page 64 of Dark Auctioned Mate

“What if there is no wrong choice? What if both paths lead somewhere good, just different? And what if the only mistake is not choosing at all?”

“That sounds too simple and easy.”

“Most profound truths are simple and easy. We just make them complicated because we’re afraid.”

A couple of minutes later, dinner was over. They walked back to the motel, still holding hands. They stopped in front of Alanis’ door.

“You know, if you need anything, I am right next door.”

“I know.” She stood on her toes and kissed him softly and briefly. “Thank you for today.”

“Always.”

***

The following afternoon, they arrived at the Montana border. The terrain was now covered with thick woods and mountains. It was exactly where a pack could lay and never be found again, if they wanted to.

Rael proceeded with caution now, watching out for cameras or patrol. The property records that August sent him last night showed that the former territory of Caldwell Pack was bought by one of the corporations known as Northern Acquisitions LLC. The land was marked as a private reserve, which implied less intervention and more privacy. A good place to conceal illegal activities.

“That road,” Alanis said suddenly, pointing to a barely visible turnoff. “That’s the eastern access point. It leads to what used to be the pack’s main compound.”

Rael pulled over, examining the road. It had fresh tire tracks on what was supposed to be an unused path.

“They are here. They came back. They’ve been here all these years.”

“We must check first, before we call in backup. Get visual confirmation, identify existing pack members, and assess their level of security.”

They parked the car a mile off, in the bushes, and walked. Rael allowed Alanis to lead the way—she was familiar with the area and knew where the guards would be stationed. They were stupid enough to leave everything the same way.

They glided through the woods without making any noise, and Rael could not help but feel impressed by how Alanis moved around effortlessly with minimum sounds. The Lumen had trained her well.

Twenty minutes later, they hid behind tall shrubs, looking over the Caldwell Pack. There were ongoing new constructions, new fencing, and a large parking area with lots of people.

Rael pulled out a pair of binoculars, surveying the compound. He saw no less than twenty people moving about, some of whom were obviously guards, others at work at some building.

“Look,” Alanis tapped his side. “The Alpha—Gavin Caldwell.”

Rael focused the binoculars on the man she’d indicated. He was tall and lean with salt and pepper hair. He spoke to a young fellow, pointing to one of the new buildings.

“And that is Dominique,” Alanis continued, her voice shaking a little. Rael directed the binoculars to a blonde woman giving orders to workers.

“I also recognize some of the pack members,” Alanis added. “Little fuckers.”

Another hour passed as they recorded everything they saw. And with every minute that passed, the image was becoming clearer and damning.

The Caldwell Pack did not disappear like they thought. They had restructured and grown, expanding into a full-fledged trafficking enterprise—new facilities resembled holding facilities, suggestions of valuable inventory through security measures, individuals entering and leaving the area who corresponded to descriptions of familiar traffickers and other activities. They both even spotted some of the handlers at the auction where Rael bought Alanis.

“This is it. The hub of the network we have been pursuing. All roads lead to here, and now we can stop them.

Alanis looked around, her voice hard. “How? There are too many. It would be unsafe and stupid to attack this place with backup.”

“We collect evidence first. Note everything, then we will liaise with my pack and the Lumen.” Rael gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “We are going to do this right, Alanis. We need to be careful not to risk scaring them off and regrouping in the future. We do this once, and we do it right. I know you are itching to torch this place to the ground. But—”

“But that would be stupid to do.”

“Exactly.”

They crept away slowly and made their way back to the car without being noticed. After they were out of danger, Rael drew out his phone and began to make calls—first to August, then to Silas, Javi, and Deva at the Lumen. Every discussion was the same: “We know where they are. We need resources. We must work together “