Chapter 14
Vigo
We waited at the park, and it felt almost too quiet. A bird soared across the sky, and laughter from children playing echoed faintly from somewhere beyond the trees. But I felt removed from all of it. My chest was hollow, my heart pounding with only one thought: Celeste.
Dante seemed agitated, unable to stand still.
He sounded relieved that she finally contacted us, but I knew he was hiding a nervousness about what she could want to tell us.
I still blamed him for hiding the secrets about how much he knew of the kidnapping plot.
But I knew out of all of us, he would be the most distraught.
After thinking he would finally get justice for the crimes committed against his family, he instead pushed away our mate. Now we had more questions than answers.
Liam stood beside me, his arms crossed, and his face unreadable.
I envied him for that. My own mask had long since cracked.
I couldn’t hide the way my hands flexed, the ragged sound of my breath.
Every second we waited was torture. I needed to know Celeste was safe, and I needed to beg for her forgiveness. I needed her more than anything.
A black SUV rolled up to the curb, dark windows flashing under the sun. Two alphas stepped out, and I knew immediately that they were Pack Valence’s hired security. I felt their eyes skim over me, judging.
They came closer, curt and efficient, their hands running over us in a quick pat-down. Once they felt sure, they ordered us into the car. It felt odd and reckless to do things this way, but I didn’t care.
Because none of it mattered. All that mattered was that Celeste was at the end of this road.
I’d fall to my knees if I had to. I’d bleed.
I’d beg. Whatever it took to pull her out of the shadow of pain she was in, and put her back in my arms where she belonged.
And I’d do anything she asked, just for a moment to be in the same room with her again.