Kingsley's POV
"We need to figure out what's going on with the Black Wolf Pack right now." I met privately with Jeremy.
"Alpha Kingsley, what are you going to do? Grace can be tricky, and she's not stupid," Jeremy asked.
I smiled and turned to him, "I think it's time to meet with my dear sister, Joyce."
Grace had been imprisoned by me as an accomplice since the deaths of Alex and Robert. As for my sister Joyce, I knew she wasn't involved in all the planning, so I'd just ring-fenced a territory for her to live in.
Jeremy stroked his chin as if trying to understand my true intentions. "Very well, I'll make arrangements as soon as I can."
He paused for a moment as I gave him my orders. "Tell the guys to get ready for action."
Jeremy nodded and then left.
After a while, Joyce's voice rang out from the other side of the door. "Alpha Kingsley!"
I walked over and opened the door.
She was wearing subtle makeup; her perfume didn't smell as strong as it usually did, and she was acting more polite than usual.
Joyce might have been arrogant at one point, but like her mother Grace, she was by no means stupid. She knew how to behave in front of different people.
But I still needed to fight the urge to frown.
What Grace had done had prevented me from being as open with my sister Joyce as I usually was. While I knew it had nothing to do with her, there was no denying that Joyce and I both knew that something had changed between us.
This was known by the respectful gesture she naturally dropped her head in when she confronted me.
"Is that true?" She asked, and her eyes were full of disbelief.
I nodded in acknowledgment. It was obvious she was referring to the fact that Grace took my child and fled back to the Black Wolf Pack.
I looked at her. "Is the reason you came here today to question me?"
She froze for a moment, then dropped her head and asked in a low voice, "May I come in?"
Her head was bowed so that I couldn't see her eyes, and I couldn't tell what she was thinking at that moment.
I walked back to my office and sat down on the couch. She hesitated and followed me to the couch. Seeing that I didn't object, she took a seat just one spot away from me.
"So, do you need me to do anything?" she asked.
I raised my eyebrows, surprised at how smart she was being.
As much as I wanted to get this over with as soon as possible, I knew I needed to be patient.
"Yes, I have a couple of things I want to confirm with you."
"Go ahead."
"Perhaps we could discuss this over lunch?" It took all my strength to engage in this conversation, but I made an effort to keep my tone calm.
"When?" She seemed a little surprised.
"How about today?" It was nearly noon.
I nodded, donned my blazer, and walked to the door.
She still seemed to be in a daze. When she finally realized I was waiting for her, she moved faster.
We soon arrived at a restaurant.
When we sat down at the table, I ordered wine, and then I turned my attention to her.
After a few seconds of silence, I initiated the conversation. "Do you know anything about the Black Wolf Pack?"
She stared at me for another second before answering my question. "Yes, but why are you suddenly interested in what's going on with the Black Wolf Pack?"
I tried to sound patient. "It's obvious. I'm going there to bring back my baby, aren't I?"
Joyce suddenly relaxed a little at that. "Yes, I do know something about the Black Wolf Pack. After all, that's where my mother Grace is from."
"Tell me about them."
"What do you want to know about them?"
"The terrain of the territory they're in, the climate, the location... In fact, I want to know everything you know."
"Well... The territory Black Wolf Pack is in, Blackland, is in the middle of a mountainous area. There are many tall peaks there. The climate is rather cold and overcast, and occasionally the peaks are shrouded in fog. It makes the pack easy to defend."
She put a small piece of steak in her mouth.
"I don't like those fogs, although the vast majority of people would find them excellent for providing cover for the pack. But I prefer it when there is no fog, when the sunlight pours in and shines warmly."
"Blackland." I psychically connected to Jeremy.
"Got it, Alpha. I will send out scouts," Jeremy responded quickly.
Then I turned my attention to Joyce in front of me once again. "Can you help draw a topographical map of the area over there?" I asked.
Joyce's hand, cutting the steak, suddenly paused, and then she looked up at me. "Sure, but..."
I looked at her and waited for her to finish her sentence. I figured she might want to use the opportunity to make a request, perhaps to regain her freedom or something like that, but, of course, I was prepared for that. However, her next words took me by surprise.
"But if and when you go to the Black Wolf Pack, can I come along with you?"
I looked at her, waiting for her to say something more.
Joyce continued, "Even though you have a map of the Blackland, I guess it would be easier for you to carry out your plan if you have someone who knows the place well to lead the way."
I had to admit that Joyce was right.
"Okay, I can take you with me," After thinking for a few seconds, I said.
Now that I had the information I needed, the rest of lunch seemed to drag on.
By the time I finished lunch with Joyce and got back to the office, Freya was already waiting for me.
"How's it going?" she asked anxiously.
I walked over to her and hugged her, patiently reassuring her, "Everything went well, and Joyce is willing to provide maps of Blackland."
Ever since learning that our child had been taken by Grace, I could feel Freya sinking into a palpable state of anxiety.
I wanted to help her, but at the same time, I knew that Freya would only get better if we succeed in bringing our child back.
"I'm going with you then!" Freya said suddenly, her eyes determined.
"No, Freya! Listen, no one knows what dangers we will encounter when we go to the Black Wolf Pack. I don't want you to follow me on this adventure!" I subconsciously refused.
Freya, however, immediately became emotional and struggled out of my arms. The wolf inside her growled as well. "I have to go! I'm a mother! I'm going to bring my baby back myself!"
I looked at Freya, her eyes red and filled with tears of worry. Her grief made it almost hard for me to breathe.
I walked over to her, raised my hand, and tenderly stroked Freya's head. When the wolf inside her slowly calmed down, I whispered, "Freya! It's because you're a mother that I don't want you to go. Don't forget, we have another child, and Leo needs you just as much."
Hearing Leo's name calmed Freya down completely.
I lowered my head and kissed her on the lips before saying, "Trust me! I will bring our baby back!"
Freya then snuggled into my arms and nodded gently.