Chapter Fourteen
John
Three days had passed and we still haven’t found Kara. I knew she was still alive. I could feel her. I could also sense her calling out for me to save her. My wolf stirred as it was an uneasy feeling not being able to save my mate. Aiden was the only one who could reach me telepathically. It had to be Kara’s powers as a witch. If she was calling out to me in this manner, she had to be in serious trouble.
I adjusted my grip on the phone as I dialed Vince’s number. I was done waiting. I needed to know what his decision was, so I knew what my next step would be. I had been mentally preparing myself to be the alpha of this pack a little longer, should Vince refuse to take the role.
The familiar ringtone echoed in my ear as I waited for him to pick up. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his voice crackled through the line.
“Hey, John. What’s up?” Vince’s voice carried a hint of weariness as if he had been contemplating something important before my call interrupted his thoughts.
“Hey, Vince. Listen, I think it’s about time we talked,” I replied, my voice laced with a mix of urgency and curiosity. “I need to know what your decision is. Aiden must have told you about how he wants you to take up the role of alpha of this pack here in New York, a position I’m temporarily occupying. But I am about to make some moves and I need to know if you will be here or not.”
There was a brief pause on the other end, and I imagined Vince’s eyebrows furrowing as he processed my words. “I’ve never really considered it before, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. Frankly, I am a little surprised that Aiden would trust me with this responsibility. I know he loves me. And I love him, too.”
A wave of relief washed over me as I heard his words. It seemed like Vince was truly considering the weight of the responsibility that came with being an alpha. “That’s great, Vince. We need someone like you to step up and take charge. The pack needs a strong leader.”
Vince let out a deep sigh, his voice filled with a mix of determination and resignation. “You know, John, my days as a lone wolf have been filled with adventures and freedom. But I’ve come to realize that it’s time for me to take responsibility and settle down. I’ve had enough of the wandering life. I’m ready to embrace this role.”
A surge of pride swelled within me as I listened to Vince’s words. He had always been fiercely independent, so hearing him speak of putting down roots was a sign of growth and maturity. Was he ready to find his mate and raise a family of his own?
“I’m glad to hear that, Vince. You have what it takes to lead this pack with strength and compassion. So, when are you coming?” I asked, eager to have Vince here. Ready for him to embark on this new chapter.
There was a sense of determination in Vince’s voice as he responded, “Very soon, John. I’ve been making the necessary arrangements, and I’ll be there before you know it. I’m ready to embrace this role and join the pack.”
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I imagined the impact Vince’s arrival would have on the pack. With his experience in being around other packs around the nation and his newfound dedication, I knew he would bring them together and guide them toward a prosperous future.
“That’s great, Vince. You have no idea how happy I am about this. A lot is going on, cousin.” I sighed. “I need you here real soon. I need your tracking skills and your muscles.”
I didn’t want to involve him before, but I am left with no choice. He was my last resort and he needed to know what he was getting himself into. Vince was the greatest tracker I knew amongst our kind. It was probably because he had spent so long on his own honing his skills to the fullest.
Vince’s curiosity seemed to be piqued. His voice carried a mixture of concern and intrigue as he probed further, wanting to understand the urgency behind my request.
“What’s going on, John? Why do you need my tracking skills? Is something wrong?”
Taking a deep breath, I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. But I trusted Vince, and I knew he deserved to know the truth. “Vince, a woman has been kidnapped by a rogue wolf. She’s important to me, and I need your help to find her.”
There was a brief pause on the other end, and I could almost envision Vince’s furrowed brow as he processed my words. His voice softened. I had a feeling he was trying to read my thoughts and complete the blanks in my statements even over the phone. “Important, huh? In what way, John?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, my voice tinged with vulnerability. “She might be my mate, Vince. I can’t explain it fully, but there’s a connection between us. I can’t bear the thought of losing her to those rogue wolves.”
Silence hung in the air for a moment, broken only by the distant sounds of the city in the background on the phone. I was curious about where he was staying currently. I could almost hear Vince’s mind working, piecing together the significance of my words. His voice, when it finally came, was laced with a newfound understanding.
“Your mate, John? That changes things. I can sense the weight of this situation now. I’ll do whatever it takes to find her and bring her back safely.”
“There was another woman, Sophia, who was also taken and she’s pregnant.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can, cousin,” he said.
Relief washed over me as I heard the determination in Vince’s voice. He understood the gravity of the situation and was committed to helping me rescue the woman who held such importance in my heart, along with Sophia, who I knew was in as much grave danger as Kara. I hoped that she and her unborn child were okay.
“Thank you, Vince,” I said, gratitude lacing my words. “Your support means the world to me. Together, we’ll find them and bring them back home.”
I ended the call. Now that I knew Vince was coming, I knew things were definitely bound to get really interesting.
My mind went to a call I received the previous night. I’d been alpha for less than a week and so much had happened already. I’d met with a strong hybrid one-on-one, and I’d had to experience what it was like to finally meet my mate, more or less. I also had to deal with rogue wolves and those who were not overly happy to have an Omega standing in as their alpha. I was feeling the weight of it all pressing down on me. Now, I was having to deal with an alpha of a particular breed I had no intentions of pissing off.
Paul walked in, stopped in front of the desk, and crossed his arms. He was right on time.
“Hey, Paul. Glad you could make it,” I said. I gestured for him to take a seat, and as he settled across from me, I prepared to share the news that had come my way.
“Paul, I received a message from the alpha of a dragon hoard. He reached out to me, informing me that there’s a wolf causing trouble within his territory,” I explained.
We shared this part of New York with the dragons, so we were basically neighbors. But we had clear boundaries and territories. Dragons and wolves were not enemies, but we were not on the best of terms either. We tried to stay away from each other’s paths, and we tried not to cross our various boundaries unless it was absolutely necessary.
Paul’s brow furrowed, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. “Let me guess, it’s Warwick, right?” His tone held disappointment as if he had anticipated this revelation.
I nodded. “Yes, it is. The alpha of the dragon hoard mentioned that Warwick has been going to their bar and hitting on his girlfriend, causing trouble. I asked how he knew who he was and he said that Warwick introduced himself, saying he was from this pack, and that I was the alpha.”
A deep sigh escaped my lips as I shook my head, mirroring Paul’s disappointment. “I can’t believe Warwick would stoop this low. It’s disheartening to see one of our own causing such trouble,” Paul said.
“I agree, Paul. Warwick’s actions reflect poorly not just on our entire pack, but our kind. It’s disappointing to witness his reckless behavior.” Warwick had grown brave, but also reckless. Suddenly, I remembered Seth. I didn’t let Paul know that I was in touch with him. I should probably tell him soon, for my safety in case Seth decided to make some funny moves on me in order to seal his role as alpha. He did offer to help, but would he help track Warwick?
“We can’t let this slide, John. It’s time to confront Warwick and remind him of his responsibilities as a member of our pack,” Paul said, then he paused as a realization hit him. “Wait, you banished him, along with that Seth guy, didn’t you? We should be able to wreak judgment on him now that he is an outlaw in the wolf community.”
Paul was suggesting that we kill Warwick. I had a feeling it might result to that eventually, but I didn’t want us to get ahead of ourselves. He needed to be turned in for his crimes.
My eyes narrowed. “You’re absolutely right, Paul. We need to hold Warwick accountable for his actions. We can’t allow him to tarnish this pack’s reputation any longer. The council would want us to turn him over to them, I’m sure. I need to speak with the alpha of the dragon hoard again and get as much detail as I can. He might be able to help us locate Warwick.”
“I guess you’re right,” Paul said. “I’ll go with you. I don’t think walking into dragon territory alone is a good idea.”
“Don’t worry about me, Paul. You just maintain the order here. I will be fine.”
Paul squinted his eyes, and then he swallowed his breath. He knew that I could take care of myself. And that was the truth. As he got up to leave, I broke the news about Vince to him.
“He said he’s taking the role,” I said.
Paul remained quiet for a minute before nodding his head. “That’s great,” he said. “Looking forward to seeing him again. It’s been too long.” With that, he walked out of the office.
I got up, preparing to go meet with the alpha of the dragon hoard. I think he mentioned that his name was Mason. I had already set up a meeting with him over the call last night. The truth was I wasn’t meeting him alone. I was going with Seth. I had been dancing with fire since I stepped foot onto this territory and assumed the role of alpha of a pack. I hope I didn’t get burnt soon. Before I went, I needed to make one more phone call.