I couldn't believe all the places I found her here. I dropped the guy on the ground and followed the scent down the dark corridor. The scent of wild berries and honey filled my nostrils along with blood. As I got closer to the door, sigils began to illuminate around the walls and ceilings. I could feel the protection spell tattooed on my back begin to burn. The only way I knew strong, dark magic was at play here. I ignored the burn and made it through the door.
I didn't know what to expect when I walked in but it wasn't what I expected. The room was big with walls covered with books. There was an enormous desk in front of me decorated with all sorts of cutting materials from swords to surgical tools to daggers. Her scent pulled me further in until I saw her. There she was, tied up on a wall badly bruised. Her face was covered by long unkempt red hair. I could feel wolf’s anger boiling inside while I suppress a growl.
Someone is hurting our mate. I will KILL THEM Alexi growled.
I ran towards her only to be stopped by an invisible wall. It was some kind of forcefield. I looked around for something, anything to help me get to her until I heard her say, “Mate.”
I turned to look at her and my heart nearly dropped. Her eyes were swollen shut, she was only wearing a bloodied bra and black ripped jeans with a studded belt. She had a cut on her bottom lip and purple bruises down her arms. Her breath was short and ragged. I didn’t like seeing her like this and the fact I couldn’t get to her was pissing me off. I started to bang against the forcefield with all my might even though I knew it wouldn't work.
“Please stop,” she laughed. It was soft but beautiful. So beautiful. How could she laugh at a time like this? “I have a headache and all that banging isn’t helping.”
“I have to get you out of here. What can I do,” I asked frantically.
She shook her head. “Only a spell or a magical item can break through.”
"Aren't you a witch? I can smell it on you," I asked, realizing what I was saying. My mate is a witch. The one thing I've despised since Alaia turned rogue. I wasn't completely sure how I felt about it now, but I didn't have time to think about it.
"Technically yes, but I seemed to have lost that part of myself trying to save a fellow witch."
“Is there anything here,” I asked looking at all the books and items scattered everywhere.
“Don't you think that would’ve been the first thing I would have told you to get. Believe me there isn’t anything magical that isn’t broken or gone. I need a warlock or a witch’s help.”
I instantly thought of Alaia. I wasn't a hundred percent sure she had magic but I needed a little hope. “I might know someone who can help but I don’t want to leave you here.”
“Well that’s not smart. If Nas finds you here it will only get us both killed. Find this person and bring them here. I can instruct them when they’re here.”
“I had to knock out a guard so coming back is going to be a bit difficult,” I said looking back at the unconscious guard.
“Look in my dresser, there’s a purple necklace with a M carved into it. It’s connected to me. When you’re near anything reflective, touch it with this rune and it will transport you to me.”
I followed her instructions and pulled out the necklace from her desk drawer. The ‘M’ glowed before turning dark again.
“There’s no power in it but if your friend had magic it would work,” she said.
I walked back over to her wishing I could at least just touch her once. Alexi was complaining in my head about leaving her but I didn't have a choice. I never felt so powerless.
“Don’t worry wolf boy. I've endured much worse than this,” she said, trying to smile but wincing from the cut on her lip.
Oh I was going to murder whoever was responsible for this. No doubt that guy I saw walking from the hallway earlier. I was about to ask her name when we heard a crash from up above. She whimpered a bit.
“They’re destroying my bar, aren't they?”
It was strange that was all she could think about when she was tied up against the wall, but at least now I know who Mirja is. A witch. My mate. Before I could answer, Bronx linked me.
I don't know what you’re doing but you need to get out here now.
“Shit! I have to...”
“Go. Don’t worry about me. Just bring me a bottle of Brandy next time you come,” Mirja said, laughing a little.
“Seriously,” I questioned with her shrugging her shoulders. “Fine! I promise I will be back with a bottle of brandy,” I said ignoring Alexi cussing me out for having to leave her.
“No cheap crap either,” she yelled as I slowly backed away, trying to memorize every part of her aside from the cuts and bruises.
I walked back to the door to pick up the guard and caught another familiar scent in the area. I was surprised I almost missed it and I knew exactly who it belonged to. I dragged the guard back to where we started. I didn't think this would help but hopefully he would think nobody went down in the basement. Just a drunk fool trying to fight.
When I made my way back to the bar, I saw why Bronx was a bit panicked. People were pushed off the dance floor to the walls in the center stood Isaiah squaring off with the bulky guy from before. Hunter and Bronx were standing behind Isaiah as he played with the switchblade between his fingers.
Who's the big guy I asked Bronx.
The new manager Nas.
Nas. I balled my fist and walked towards the duo as I thought about the bastard who was hurting…No! I can't think about that now. I had to control my anger for her. To keep her safe until I can get her out.
“Isaiah, everything ok,” I nearly growled, standing next to him and staring at Nas.
He smiled without breaking contact with Nas. “Oh I’m just peachy. Was just enjoying my drink until one of his guys tried to steal my switchblade,” Isaiah said calmly.
“That doesn't belong to you,” someone screamed for Nas’s group.
“Oh really? Because I found it, on my territory, close to where a rogue attacked one of my pack members. Are you saying you know who that was?”
I was impressed. The young Alpha had balls calling out a rogue in front of his crew. I was just hoping he had the power to back it up.
“It think it’s time for you and your friends to leave,” Nas said, “but that switchblade stays here. It belonged to one of our brothers.”
“So you’re admitting you did attack my pack,” Isaiah said accusingly, stepping a bit closer to Nas.
Other patrons could probably feel the power in the room right now as most started to leave. Nas’s men crowded around us and I linked my men to fall in. I didn’t want to fight but I was hoping that our numbers would at least make him back down.
That’s when Isaiah’s men started to walk through the doors. From his Gamma to his Delta and some warriors with my men right behind. I guess great minds think alike. Nas finally broke eye contact and looked as our men filed in and he smiled.
“I don’t control what my men do outside these walls. I’m no Alpha and they have free will. Danny was a troubled soul and I want to put his soul to rest. That switchblade was the most important thing to him. So I’m asking nicely if I could have it back.”
“Wait, the guy who owns this switchblade is dead,” I asked, remembering that I didn’t get a chance to kill him.
Nas’s green eyes finally acknowledged me for the first time. I could tell by their depth he has killed many people, werewolves and humans alike “Yes. Someone cut off his head. You wouldn’t know anything about that would you?”
I shook my head. I just really wanted to leave. Looking at his stupid face made me want to shift and bite his head off.
Yes, let's do that. I am so ready for that Alexi said pacing back and forth in my mind. “Isaiah, give him the blade. We found out what we needed and we don't have use for it anymore.”
Isaiah looked at me confused before I saw Hunter step up and whispered something in his ear. His ears widened and he quickly threw the switchblade towards Nas. He bolted out the door leaving me standing a brief second before following him. I made it outside just in time to see him shift with his Beta behind him. Something was wrong and my first thought was Alaia. She must be in trouble.
Bronx, I’m going after the young Alpha. Follow in the car I linked Bronx before shifting and following Isaiah.