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"She always does."

They took her.

My wolf snarls.

Find them.

I move through the clearing, reading the battle like a map. She positioned herself between Selena and the threat. Never chased too far. Always maintained her defensive position. Classic Arlene strategy, protect the vulnerable, eliminate the threat.

But something happened here. Something that stopped her.

Rylan shows me the dart the trackers found near where Arlene’s scent disappeared.

Wolfsbane. And something stronger. Something designed to suppress shifting.

My hands shake. This is how they got her. My warrior mate, who fought like death itself, brought down not by a superior opponent but by poison.

“They couldn’t beat her in a fair fight,” I say, my voice barely audible. “So they drugged her.”

Cowards.

My fingers tighten around the evidence pouch.

"We'll find them."

They hurt mate.

"I know."

They die.

Rylan nods. “The trackers found evidence of transportation magic too. No physical trail leading away from the park. They were taken directly from here to wherever they are now.”

I stare at the empty clearing. “Someone planned this.”

“Yes.” Rylan’s voice is cold now, all emotion buried beneath the Alpha’s mask. “They came prepared.”

My mindlink pings. Paige.

"Darian? What’s happening? We heard the howl."

I take a steadying breath. "Arlene and Selena have been taken. Keep the pups safe at the pack house. Don’t let anyone leave."

"Taken?" Her voice rises with panic. "Milo and Piper are asking what’s happening. Damian and Darlene are asking about their mom."

"Tell them..." I pause, struggling to find words that won’t terrify them. "Tell them we’re bringing them home. Keep them safe, Paige. That’s what Arlene would want."

"I will. Arian is with me. Damian and Darlene are safe. Milo and Piper are safe too." She pauses. "Darian... bring her home."

I end the mindlink before my voice can break. My children are safe. Arlene made me stay at the border because our pups were behind me, and she kept Selena safe long enough to kill sixteen rogues. Now I have to bring her home.

But I have no idea where my mate is.

We find mate.

"We will."

Then kill rogues.