Filed to story: Wolf Crying Mate of the Alpha by Jazz Ford
‘No, we will stay standing. Where is she?’ I ask.
‘Where is who?’ Zenith asks. Placing my hand in my pocket, I pull the card out and slam it onto his desk.
‘My mate, Astrid. I know she is here. We can smell her scent! Zenith pauses and stares at the business card.
‘I found this card in her room after she ran, I say.
‘Yes. Astrid was here, but only for a few days. She asked me for a few days’ work to skip town. I didn’t question her. She was a young girl who needed help, so I helped her and gave her a job, and she left, Zenith explains.
‘You’re lying,’ I yell. Zenith puts his hands in the air.
‘Look, believe me, or don’t believe me, I don’t care. I don’t know why you’re bothering to find Astrid if she doesn’t want to be with you. Maybe you should let her be, he suggests.
‘She only left because some of your old pack members threatened to kill her if she didn’t? I growl, Zenith has a poker face, and his two men give each other a look.
And which old members would they be?” Zenith asked.
‘Alice and Vanessa. But not to worry: they’re currently locked up awaiting punishment.’ I notice the two men give each other another look, and then glare at me.
“And what will their punishment be?’ Zenith asked calmly.
I’ll have them killed, and their heads ripped off for threatening my Luna and mate,’ I say, lying. Zenith glares for a split second.
‘I see,’ he says, his fists clenched.
‘I suppose you haven’t seen my missing beta Seth either?’ II ask, expecting another denial. I can smell Seth’s scent in the room.
He has been here as well.
‘No, we haven’t, but I will let you know if Astrid contacts me if you like?’ He says. I glare at him. He is the worst liar I have ever met.
I would appreciate that.
‘Your beta and gamma?’ I ask, looking at the two men.
‘These are my sons: James, the future Alpha of Shady Crest and John, he says. James is glaring at me as though he despises me and wants to rip my head off. John is smirking.
I’m sure we will see each other again soon,’ I say, leaving Kane and Leon following behind. Out of the elevator, we go straight to the car.
‘He is lying,’ I say.
‘We figured as much, Kane says.
‘I can smell Seth’s scent. He has been there, I point out.
‘What’s our next move?’ Leon asks.
‘Let’s get back home and make a plan. We will need all our warriors,’ I say.
We arrive at Shadow Crest a short while later.
‘Leon, get the maps of Shady Crest from the library. Kane, bring Mia and Hayley here.’ They both nod and leave. Leon returns a short time later with a couple of scrolls he hands to me.
‘Alpha Ryker!’ Mia says as she enters the room, Kane and Hayley behind her.
‘Please tell me you found them, she says, hopeful. I shake my head.
‘No, but I can confirm they were both at Zenith Creations. Their scents were faint but were there. Alpha Zenith denied seeing Seth but said Astrid worked for him for a few days before leaving with enough money to skip town. So, he has them. He’s lying, We gather around the table and roll out the map showing Shady Crest.
‘I think they’re in his house. They’re not exactly going to let us have a look around. The only way in is if we trespass and declare war. The girls gasped.
‘If we go to war, some of our pack members could die, Hayley grabs Kane’s arm tightly.
‘No one has to die, I reassure her.
‘How so?’ Leon asks, confused.
‘When we were in the office today, I mentioned Vanessa and Alice as the reason why Astrid fled. I told him they would be punished by death. Zenith tried to hide it, but he and his sons weren’t happy about it. We need to find out why he doesn’t want Alice and Vanessa harmed. Leon, take a few warriors with you and bring Alice and Vanessa here for questioning.’ Leon nods and leaves the room.
Leon returns with warriors who are dragging Alice and Vanessa into the room. They sit them on a chair next to each other. Alice spits at my feet as I approach.
‘That isn’t very nice, Alice,’ I say. She lets out a deranged laugh,
“You have to tell me, what are you to, Shady Crest? What are your rankings? I ask. Alice glares at me, remaining silent.
Vanessa stares into my eyes with sadness.
‘Why couldn’t you just love me as I loved you?’ She cries. Kneeling in front of her, I lean in closer.
‘What are you to, Alpha Zenith?” I ask, glaring at her. Vanessa recoils from me and looks away.
‘You will answer me, or Mia will convince you to talk.’ I motion for Mia to step forward, and she cracks her knuckles, giving Vanessa a death stare.
I’m his daughter, she confesses. I could have heard a pin drop.
‘Vanessa!’ Alice growls at her.
‘You’re Alpha Zenith’s daughter? That makes Alice the Luna of Shady Crest! You said they abused you, that you were the pack slaves! Why did you come here if you’re the Luna, and you’re his daughter?’ I ask, half questioning, half-wondering.
‘Vanessa, keep your mouth shut! Alice snaps.
‘Leon, take Alice back to her cell,’ I order. Once Alice is gone, I grab Vanessa by the chin.
‘Tell me everything you know, now! I demand.
My father, Alpha Zenith, sent me here to become Luna and bear your pups, But unfortunately, he killed my true mate. Dad said my mate was weak, and his children would only breed with the best. Knowing you were mateless and one of the strongest alphas around, he told me to seek refuge here, with the intent of us sleeping together. The irony is, the moment ! met you, I instantly had a crush on you. It was all too easy to fulfil Dad’s wishes.”
‘Do you know where Astrid is?’ I ask. Vanessa looks away.
‘Please, Vanessa. She’s, my mate. I love her. Tell me, and your punishment will be lenient,’ I compromise. Vanessa looks at me, my eyes are glassy.
I’m only going te tell you, Ryker, because I love you, and I want you to be happy, she says, tears rolling down her cheeks.
‘She is at Shady Crest,’ she confesses.
I knew it! Seth’s there too! I growl.