Chapter 39 #3
Nico is leaning over as he shudders violently across the street as we come out, and I jog over to him with my gun in hand.
“We’re running out of time,” he whispers.
A phone buzzes cheerfully in violent contrast to his words, and Ciro and I flinch. Nico pulls his phone out of his pocket and leans against the wall as he answers it, holding it out to Ciro.
“Hello.” Ciro responds on Nico’s behalf, knowing it’s on speakerphone due to his condition.
We have friends stalking through warehouses, same as us, and to have that support means everything. The more people, the more likely we are to find Rosa.
“It’s me,” Oliver grunts, his voice familiar enough for us to recognize. “You’re in the right area. I found a listing, and while it’s closed, it has Rosalia’s description. It appears that they vetted people anonymously and then sent the location to those accepted.”
“How do you know we’re in the right area?” Ciro asks.
“I found an embedded location that wasn’t erased. If you’re not careful when posting listings, you’ll tell on yourself. Whoever took Rosalia isn’t as good as I am. Keep looking.”
“How bad?” Nico asks, straightening slowly. He stands like an old man who’s in high amounts of pain. His asscheeks clench in his pants as if he’s squeezing them shut, and my heart races at what that could mean.
He’s stopped telling us how or where things hurt, and the haunted look in his eyes tells me it’s because it’s too hard to discuss. Rosa’s pain is now his, even if it kills him.
In a way, she’s not as alone as she might think.
“It’s a snuff listing. The seller described the situation as being able to cut and fuck a pretty omega to death. I can’t tell how long ago the listing closed. It was only posted today, which means the seller is in a hurry to make their money and move on. I’m sorry I don’t have better news.”
Walking away slowly as Ciro continues to speak with Oliver. I tilt my head up toward the sun and take deep breaths.
Come on, baby. Give me something!
My heartbeat is the loudest thing ringing in my ears for a minute or two. I think Nico and Ciro can tell I need time to myself to process Oliver’s call. I’m doing my best to keep my shit under control, my soul is screaming for my omega.
Rosa and I have been everything to each other for years. Having a pack and Pablo is incredible, and more than I ever could have dreamed of, but it won’t replace my girl. We all need our queen.
Without her, I’m worried Nico will die, and with him, Pablo is at risk. Our bonds are all intertwined. Whoever took Rosa didn’t fucking care about our happiness or the living hell we’re in now.
A scream rips through the air, and I gasp as I twirl in a circle.
“Verona. What is it?” Ciro leaves Nico to jog toward me and I shake my head, knowing I look insane. My eyes are wild, my anxiety is making my hands clench in pain, and my heart is pounding.
“Did you hear that?” I hiss, my teeth grinding together. “There was a scream.”
Nico stumbles toward us, shaking his head. “I didn’t hear anything. Fuck. I can’t…”
His eyes roll back as he passes out, and I flinch in pain, pressing my lips together to hold back a scream. God, this is a nightmare and a horror movie melded together. Every second reveals a new dimension of awfulness.
“Verona.” My eyes tear away from Nico to meet Ciro’s gaze. “Just because we didn’t hear it doesn’t mean shit. Go find Easton and follow the screams. I’ll stay with Nico.”
Nodding, I begin walking away from them, flinching every time I hear a scream. Tears overflow as feelings of helplessness fill me. I’m not going to get there in time.
If Rosa dies, it’ll be my fault. I asked for a sign, and here it is.
Alpha up. Sucking in a lungful of air, I dash away my tears with trembling hands as I stand in front of a brick building. I don’t know how, but this is it.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I search for a police officer before I text Easton. He has a radio to talk to other officers, and I don’t know if he’ll be checking his phone.
“Hey,” I hiss, waving at an officer in tactical gear.
“I’m working here, lady.”
“I need you to call Easton Mayor on your radio if you value your job,” I reply instead, ignoring his dismissive attitude. “I found Rosalia Domino, and she’s inside this building. Don’t ask how I know this, I just do.”
“I don’t work on fairytales, ma’am. No offense, but that girl is dead.”
Fuck that.
Me
Easton, I found her. It would be stupid for me to go in alone, but I’ll fucking do it. The police force is worthless.
A second later the officer’s radio crackles to life, and his eyes widen.
“That’s what I thought, asshole.”
Turning back to the building’s door, I try to open it, only to find it locked.
“Wait. We’re bringing together a team,” the officer says.
Fuck their team.
“Verona.” Dario appears at my side, his brows pulled down as he sees how unsettled I am. “Talk to me.”
“How are your lockpicking skills?” I ask. “Our girl is inside. I swear it.”
“They’re good. Hold tight, and I’ll get us in.”
I decide I want to learn how to pick locks then and there. I never want a locked door to be the reason I can’t get inside somewhere. My thumb rubs over my weapon as I glance at my phone, seeing Easton’s response.
Easton
I’m pulling everyone I trust and sending them your way. Our people will beat them there. Head in as soon as they get there. If you can’t wait, I’ll understand.
My eyes shutter as another scream wracks my mind. It’s full of pain, and makes it difficult to breathe as I begin to pant to keep from passing out. I’m weaving on my feet from the strain, the only thing holding me together is how close we are to our girl.
“Almost there, Princess. You can do this,” Dario murmurs.
Running feet pound the ground as they approach, and my eyes raise to find our allies. Pablo slides to a stop beside me, his hand squeezing my side as he arrives.
Most of the police officers are farther out, which means we aren’t waiting. With the way that officer responded to me, it may be for the best. They’ve served their purpose, but now it’s time for us to tap into the side of ourselves the police force can never understand.
I’m coming, baby. Hold on.