Upon our return to Shadow Crest, I immediately set tasks in motion, distributing responsibilities to my pack members. 'Leon, go to our library and retrieve the maps of Shady Crest. Kane, bring Mia and Hayley here,' I instruct with urgency. Both nod in acknowledgment before heading off to fulfill their respective assignments.
Leon promptly returns with a couple of scrolls in hand, which he hands over to me. As Mia, Kane, and Hayley enter the room, Mia's voice trembles with hope as she asks, 'Alpha Ryker, please tell me, did you find Seth or Astrid?
Meeting her hopeful gaze, I can't help but feel the weight of disappointment as I slowly shake my head. 'No, but I can confirm they were both at Zenith Creations at some point. The scents were faint, but they were there,' I admit with frustration. 'Alpha Zenith denied having seen Seth, but he did admit that Astrid worked for him for a few days before leaving with enough money to flee the city. He must have them both somewhere. I know he's lying,' I conclude.
We gather around a high table, and I unroll the map, revealing a detailed layout of Shady Crest. 'I think Alpha Zenith has them in their packhouse, and I know they won't let us look around. The only way in is if we trespass, but it would mean war,' I announce.
Gasps of concern escape the girls as Hayley clings tightly to Kane, voicing her fears. 'But if we go to war, some of our pack members could die in battle,' she laments.
I stand my ground, seeking to offer a glimmer of hope. 'No one may have to die,' I assert confidently, prompting Leon to seek further clarification.
His expression reflects his confusion as he asks, ‘How is that possible?'
Recalling my earlier conversation with Zenith, I elaborate on my strategy. 'When we were in the office today, I mentioned that Vanessa and Alice were the reason Astrid fled and that they would be punished by death. Zenith tried to hide it, but it was obvious he and his sons weren't too happy about it. We need to find out why Alpha Zenith wouldn't want Alice and Vanessa harmed,' I explain, locking my eyes onto Leon's.
Without hesitation, Leon takes charge, determined to uncover the truth. 'I'll take a few warriors and bring Vanessa and Alice here for questioning,' he declares before leaving the room.
He returns with warriors who escort Alice and Vanessa into the room, seating them side by side. Alice's defiance becomes apparent as she spits at my feet. I maintain my composure and admonish her, saying, 'Now, that wasn't very nice, Alice.'
She responds with an unsettling, deranged laugh. Her demeanor is unsettling. I lock eyes with her, pressing for answers. 'Tell me, what were your roles in Shady Crest? What were your rankings?' I demand.
Alice, fueled by anger, remains silent as she continues to glare at me. Vanessa, however, meets my gaze with sadness and remorse, her voice trembling as she implores, 'Why couldn't you just love me like I loved you?' She cries, heartbroken.
'You are Alpha Zenith's daughter? That would make Alice the Luna of Shady Crest! But you claimed you were abused and forced into servitude as a pack slave! Why did you come here in the first place if you are the Luna and the Alpha's daughter?' I ask in disbelief.
In an attempt to regain control of the situation, Alice intervenes sharply. 'Vanessa, you keep your mouth shut!' She snaps.
Recognizing the need to separate the two women for further questioning, I promptly issue an order. 'Leon, take Alice back to her cell,' I instruct, ensuring that Alice is escorted out of the room.
With Alice gone, I maintain my firm grip on Vanessa's chin, conveying my seriousness and determination. 'Tell me everything you know,' I urge, my voice steady.
Vanessa, her tears flowing freely now, begins to reveal the truth. 'My father, Alpha Zenith, sent me here to become the Luna and bear your pups. He killed my fated mate, claiming he was the weakest wolf in existence and that his children should only mate with the best. He knew you were without a mate and that your pack was one of the strongest. He instructed me to lie, to pretend to be a pack slave seeking refuge at your pack, all with the intention of getting you to like me. The strange thing is, the moment I met you, I genuinely developed feelings for you and wanted to fulfill my father's request of becoming your chosen mate,' she confesses, her gaze dropping in shame and remorse.
Desperation for information drives me to press further. 'Do you know where Astrid is?' I ask, my tone softer but no less urgent.
Vanessa remains silent for a moment, contemplating her response.
'Please, Vanessa, she is my mate. I love her. Tell me, and I promise your punishment will be less severe,' I plead, attempting to compromise if it meant learning where Astrid is.
Finally, Vanessa looks up into my eyes, her tears flowing. 'I'm going to tell you, Ryker, because I love you, and I want you to be happy,' she admits, her voice trembling with raw emotion. 'She is at Shady Crest packhouse, downstairs in the cell,' she confesses.
My grip on the table tightens. 'I knew it! Seth must be there too,' I growl in anger.
'Ryker, there is something else you should know,' Vanessa confesses hesitatingly. 'My brother James plans on marking her tomorrow and impregnating her after her first shift.'
Vanessa's revelation hits me like a punch to the gut. The anger that surges within me rages. A low growl escapes my throat, my grip on the edge of the table tightening with each passing moment. 'No wonder James glared at me as if he wanted to rip my head off when I saw him,' I seethe, my voice filled with raw fury. 'He knows I am her mate and wants her for himself!'
With a decisive tone, I address Leon and Kane. 'Let's go over the map and strategize. We must find the best way to defeat Shady Crest and ensure our warriors are prepared,' I tell them. 'Tomorrow evening, we will enter Shady Crest territory and rescue Astrid and Seth,' I announce adamantly.