20. CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 20
Graham
She's not picking up, I mutter to my wolf.
Maybe she forgot her phone at home , he suggests, but the excuse sounds weak.
Cassie promised she'd come straight to work after getting Tim's stuff. She wouldn't forget her phone on a working day. Especially not now, when we could be working on the lead of Jason's capture.
Something's wrong, I reply, feeling anxious and angry at the same time.
Every minute that passes, my worry grows.
The bond in my chest feels fuzzy.
That can't be normal. Something's happened to her.
I wait for two more minutes, not moving from my office door.
My phone rings and I jump for it but deflate once I realize it's Garren calling. I scowl, wishing it was Cassie.
"Tiana got in touch," he tells me instead of saying hi. "Jason has your girl."
My stomach clenches, and the need to shift and start looking for Cassie blares through my mind.
"Where are they?" I ask, my breathing shallow.
"Not sure yet," Garren says. "You better come to the Grey Manor. Everybody's on their way to discuss our next step."
I grunt my response and get off the phone, not bothering to say goodbye. My hands are already balled into fists, I put my head in my hands, despair taking over. I wanted to keep Cassie safe, but I failed. It's my fault she ended up in the center of everything.
That's not true, my wolf argues. Tim put her in danger first .
Fucking Tim, I growl. I'm going to tear him apart.
I go to the elevator and use my key to go straight to the underground garage. It's a habit of being careful that's guiding me right now. If I'd let my instincts take over, I'd shift in my office and run past the full hallway of my employees to search for Cassie.
Instead, I take the elevator into the underground area, where I finally allow my wolf to take the reins. With a shift as brutal as ever, I stand in front of my Nissan as he guides my body out of the building.
We use our ability to wield darkness to make the shadows darker. Some distant part of me is aware that the humans will find this weird, but right now I don't care. Garren's PR team will plant a story about how a wolf has escaped from a zoo or something. I need to find her, and this is the fastest way.
Try to focus on the bond , my wolf tells me while he takes us to the Grey Manor.
Giving him full control of our body, I close my eyes and do as he says. Through the bond, I feel something. It's a sudden rush of fear and heartache, and she's crying, but then that's drowned out by a sense of calm and reassurance.
It's faint because she's human, but it's enough for me to know she's okay. It also gives me enough information to further anger me, pouring fuel on my desire to kill Jason. He put her in such a vulnerable position to endanger my mate!
What did I say about losing control? My wolf reminds me, being the calm one for once.
I appreciate it because I'm going mental right now. Somehow, we always find ways to be what the other needs. Right now, I need a strong and cold pillar for me to lean on while I rage.
Fine , I give in, a bit annoyed he has to tell me that.
Our sharp claws grip the tarmac tightly as we navigate the alleys and the streets of New York. We speed up, wanting to get to the manor faster. We're eager to get more news about Cassie. If she isn't hurt now, she's okay.
But the state of mind won't last if Jason has his way. Who knows how much time it'll take us to find her?
This can't be happening; I try to convince myself. I have to find out what Tiana told Garren. Maybe he already knows Cassie's location.
I make myself run even harder. I won't forgive myself if Cassie gets hurt. How could I lose her right after gaining her?
In my wolf form, I run past the guards at Grey Manor. They recognize me and know to stay out of my way. The main hall is empty, but I can smell them up the stairs. They must already be in the conference room.
Still in my wolf form, I dive through the doors. I skid to a stop, my eyes taking them all in—Garren, Alyssa, Gavin, Leia, Grayden, and Helia. They're all here except Cassie.
"Fucking hell, Graham," Garren mutters. "Get a grip on yourself."
"His mate is missing," Leia replies. "By my standards, he's surprisingly calm."
Alyssa steps out of the conference room and calls, "We need a set of clothes for Graham. Now!"
One of the maids arrives quickly. Although she looks frightened, she doesn't let that distract her. She sets the clothes on the floor before stepping outside.
Alyssa closes the door behind her and returns to the table. I encourage my wolf to let me out and concentrate on the scene in front of me. I want to be clear minded to absorb all the information. This could save Cassie.
"So, the real question is," Grayden says the moment I change back. They're all looking away from me to give me a semblance of privacy. It doesn't matter much because we're used to shifting in front of each other, therefore exposing our bodies to one another. "Why does Jason want her?"
"That should be pretty obvious," Gavin frowns. "She has access to all of F-Rec's database. He can access it to cover his tracks, and we won't ever find him."
"Do we know where she is?" I ask.
"Doesn't matter, does it?" Garren shrugs, his brows rising. "We just need to intercept Jason before he moves her some place he can toy with her."
I start to growl, but Alyssa cuts me off.
"Have a bit of compassion, Garren," her mate tells him. "Think twice before replying."
Garren takes a deep breath and nods. "I'm sorry, brother," he tells me. "We don't know where she is. When Tiana got in touch with us, she was in the car with her. She said she'll be in touch again soon."
"Fuck!" I roar as I grab the nearest chair and slam it into the wall. It splits into countless pieces. My family is used to the theatrics, though they rarely come from me, so they don't even flinch.
"Did you try using the bond?" Grayden asks, no doubt remembering the time Helia was kidnapped by her twin sister and he had to locate her. I was able to help him. Why can't I help myself?
"It's too weak," I reply.
"It must have something to do with the fact that she's a human," Helia thinks out loud, and I suppress the urge to growl at her. I'd come to the same conclusion a while ago.
She's a friend, my wolf reminds me. She was the one who saved Cassie's life when we lost control.
Garren's phone rings and we all freeze. He answers immediately. He doesn't need to put it on speaker for us to hear, but he does it anyway because Helia's the only one who doesn't have a heightened sense of hearing.
"Tiana," Garren says. "Is Cassie okay?"
Stay calm, my wolf urges. Let Garren talk to her.
"For now, yeah," she responds. "But it's not her who's in trouble right now."
"What do you mean?" Garren asks, frowning. "Speak clearly."
I exhale in relief. Jason hasn't harmed her.
"You are," Tiana replies, and I'm not the only one taken aback. "The radicals are on their way to Grey Manor. You have to leave now!"
"Where is Cassie?" I ask, grabbing Garren's phone. "Where are you keeping her?"
"She's in East Williamsburg," she replies. "It's the third warehouse on the right when coming from the north."
"Okay, are there guards?" Garren jumps in.
"The radicals have set up their camp here," Tiana says, apparently earning Jason's trust to the point of being privileged with this kind of information. "I'm not sure who's staying behind. The majority of the group has already departed. I'm coming toward Grey Manor with the next wave. Be ready or get the fuck out."
"We'll be ready," Garren promises before finishing the call.
"I'm going after Cassie," I say, already on my feet.
"We need you here," Garren says, using the voice of a king. "We need every fighter we can get."
"Then call the packs," I growl back. "I'm going after my mate."
"I'll send the word for all the packs to come here as soon as possible," Alyssa says, thinking like an Alpha. "All we need to do is buy ourselves enough time for them to come."
"We'll call on the Lafayettes too," Gavin says, and Leia nods. "We're staying here to fight with you."
"I'll put up some protective spells," Helia offers. "The radicals have witches, so they might not last long, but every second counts."
"I'll cover you," Grayden tells her, giving her hand a squeeze.
"We have to gather the wolves in the manor," Garren continues, adding on to the plans. "They need to get behind the walls."
Let's go , I tell my wolf.
He eagerly jumps forward and initiates the shift. It's no use running in human form when we can use the speed our other form has to offer.
Garren mutters something about ruining a good set of clothes, but I'm already out of the conference room. Gavin calls after me. I don't turn back.
My heart is leading me toward Cassie. I quickly sprint out of the manor, long before the first wave of the radicals arrives. Now's my best chance to get my mate back. I won't waste it.
The closer I get, the stronger the bond gets. Its fuzzy essence becomes crystal clear, making it easy for me to follow. Now that I can focus my thoughts on it, my instincts begin to tug at the edges of my consciousness, showing me a single dot on a map.
It's incredible, I breathe, never imagining the bond being like this. I wonder what else it can do.
Let's hope we'll have time to find out , my wolf muses and runs faster toward the pull.
It doesn't take me long to track the warehouse down. Once it's in my line of sight, it takes everything I have not to run straight in.
We should search for signs of magic , my wolf says. Spells and shit like that.
I suddenly wish I hadn't skipped those classes at the Academy. The professors at the Academy are professionals in their field. Their lessons come from their real-life experience. Many of them even wrote the books they're teaching from.
How could I let my obsession with technology encourage me not to pay attention to any of the other subjects?
Should we sniff around? I ask my wolf.
I'll do that while you use the shadows to mark the path ahead of us, he replies. Maybe they can activate the trap before we step into it.
That's a good idea, I agree.
We run in a circle, establishing the perimeter and assessing each inch of the property for any dangers. It takes us ten minutes, but it feels like much longer. My anxiety continues to rise as I can sense Cassie getting closer and closer.
Almost there, I say to both of us.
I can't smell anyone around , he replies. The scents are all old.
Let's try to listen, I suggest.
We stop and lower our powerful wolf-body in a crouch. Our ears prick up and remain still as we listen.
A heartbeat.
It's Cassie's , I say to my wolf, immediately recognizing it.
Finally, all that's left is to enter the warehouse and free my mate.
I shift back to my human form and wrap myself in shadows. They're serving not only to cover my nakedness but also as an impenetrable shield of darkness.
Ready? I ask my wolf.
I got your back , he replies, sending a warm wave of healing power through my body to soothe the muscles. Even if I'm in the safety of my powers, my back is always tense before going into battle. I won't feel safe until Cassie's in my arms, and my family's victory is ensured.
One deep breath later, and I'm pushing open the door to the warehouse. It's dark, no windows. My Night Vision activates at once. My eyes dart around. I have to find Cassie.
Roughly ten steps into the warehouse and I stop abruptly, a frown on my face. This can't be right.
Another heartbeat, my wolf warns. We're not alone.
The smell hits me a second later. All the previous senses are overwhelmed by the tacky scent of cheap cologne.
As if on cue, an older man steps out of the darkness. His brown eyes hold no emotion, and his lips are curled up in a humorless smile.
"Jason White," I growl, recognizing him from the pictures from the F-Rec's database.
"Graham Grey," he greets me. "I was hoping it'd be your brother who'd come, but I won't be picky."
"Where is she?" I ask him. "I swear, if you did something to her, I'll make you wish you were never born."
Jason waves his hand, bored of my words.
"Spare me the threats," he says. "I'm not in the mood for your temper tantrum."
"Temper tantrum?" I force a laugh. "You wish it was only that. Give her to me."
"My, how dramatic you are," he shakes his head. "You wolves really like to make everything worse for yourselves. By the way, I hope your family is home. The radicals are on their way to pay them a visit."
"Oh, they are," I growl with a beastly smile, exposing my long canines. "It's going to be a real party."
Jason's eyes widen in surprise. He didn't expect this kind of response.
If Tiana hadn't called to warn us, this conversation would have gone differently. Jason likes to keep people on their toes, always a step ahead. We're not in a position where he can toy with us.
"Let me clarify a few things for you," I say with a smirk. "You don't know who you're dealing with. There's no way for you to get out of this alive. You might've had a chance if you hadn't kidnapped Cassie."
"Oh, right, your mate," he muses. "She's been keeping me company. She's very talkative and...well, responsive."
I roar loudly, losing my cool for a moment.
"If you've touched her..." I trail off, unable to continue.
"She didn't even whimper," Jason finishes for me.
"Fucking psycho!" I exclaim.
He's lying, my wolf urges. Feel her through the bond.
We stare at each other in silence for what feels like hours. He knows he's trapped. I'll get Cassie back and bring an end to this nightmare once and for all.
He can't defeat us all. He's a Leiatic, a powerful one, but not the smartest guy in the universe. He doesn't stand a chance.
"So, are we doing this or what?" he teases, raising his palm. A ball of fire erupts there, and before I can reply, he throws it at me.
I step to the side, easily avoiding it. We face each other again and repeat the action. The flames are weaker than before and die in the air, the ashes dropping to the floor.
"I think I'm a bit rusty," Jason mutters. The corners of his mouth lift in a small smile. "It's a good thing I have a lot of arsenal in my collection."
Before I can try to figure out what he means by that, the floor underneath me freezes. To keep my balance, I use my shadows to steady me, but the ice is too slippery. The unexpected ability catches me by surprise. I fall backward, landing hard on my back. Fuck.
Hurry , my wolf tells me, guiding me onto my feet. The cold's already traveling up my body to freeze me.
Use the healing power to keep us warm , I tell him.
Jason continues to step forward. He allows the mutated witch's spell to take over me further and further.
"This is actually quite enjoyable," Jason chuckles. "It's just you and me. One on one. It's a good practice run before I release my powers on Garren."
We have to fight back, my wolf urges. Attack is the best defense.
I call on my shadows and they dive at Jason. He lifts his hands and pushes them back at me. It feels like an icy wind blows in my face, and I'm thrown back to the ground.
That's impossible, I growl. How can he control my shadows?
There's something unnatural about him , my wolf replies. No one has that kind of power. It's unheard of.
If we don't come up with a plan soon, he'll kill us, I tell him. Right now, he's just toying with us. We have to finish him before he gets bored.
Should we try to tire him? my wolf asks.
Too risky, I reply. We don't know how much power he wields.
Then let me out, my wolf growls. I'll rip him apart.
Sounds like a plan, I reply. With a grunt, I call my wolf forward.
My muscles and bones start to ache with my coming transformation. I grit my teeth as I spread my arms and clench my fists tightly, using the pain as fuel to spur my powers forward.
For a brief moment, Jason falters, his smile slipping.
"Damn, I was so hoping you'd do that," he shakes his head. "It should be fun, right?"
And before I can reply, the shadows enter my body, reinforcing my flesh and strengthening my muscles. I land on all fours, my eyes locked on Jason's in a beastly challenge.
Let's see him try his tricks now , my wolf growls.
I'll use the shadows to cover us, I say, aware that it's the only thing I can offer while being on the inside.
Fine by me, he mutters and charges.
Jason raises his arm, catching me in a paralyzing hold. I feel him putting enough magic in his spell to hold me for days. When that won't suffice, he pumps it with his rage.
While he's focused on his spell, I use the opportunity to call forth the shadows from behind him. The darkness rises like a rising tide, rolling through the space to where Jason stands.
His hold is strong, but I can't let myself become idle in the battle. In this instance, thinking fast is the best way of protecting Cassie. And to stay alive.
I'm not used to fighting. Our strengths lay behind the screen. Apart from the lessons at The Academy, I didn't go through any proper training.
But I have to try now. I need to survive for Cassie and for myself.
My black claws erupt from the tips of my paws as I jerk my arm, breaking out of the paralyzing spell that threatens to envelop me completely. Jason is angry. His spells aren't getting weaker, even with our fight.
Now , my wolf orders.
I yank the shadows from behind Jason and sweep him off his feet. He stumbles to the side, losing a grip on the paralyzing spell and allowing me to leap into the air. As my powerful hindlegs push off the ground, I'm struck by the sensation of wrongness.
I land on nothing.
An emptiness.
Jason isn't there.
A low whistle comes from behind me. "Here, doggy," he teases me.
With a snarl, I'm spinning around. My jaw opens, ready to snatch him.
Jason expects it. He sidesteps and flings his wrist upward. A circle of purple starts swirling. At the beginning, it's like a black hole in the night sky. But as his spell builds up, the purple gleam twists and turns around, picking up speed until I feel the wind pushing me toward the other end of the warehouse.
His face lights up with a villainous smile. He truly believes he has this won.
What the fuck is that thing? I ask, staring at the purple light.
A witch's trick, my wolf mutters, fighting the current.
The room comes alive with the magical wind. The darkness of the interior is gone. Instead, its roof reaches higher and higher, thinning the oxygen at the top.
We have to use the wind against him, my wolf tells me, understanding that Jason's losing control. He's putting too much power into it.
How? I ask, sensing the wolf's difficulties breathing due to the intensity of the wind.
Shadows , he forces out.
I start summoning them again, calling on the darkness all around us. As they move through the air, the purple ring glows, sending a jolt through the center.
With his arms wide open, Jason tilts his head backward and laughs like a maniac.
Lift him up , my wolf suggests. Give him a taste of his own spell. Throw him in.
I follow my instincts, hollowing myself with a new burst of energy. My wolf jumps forward, calling Jason's attention to distract him once again while my shadows dive at him, gripping his body and lifting him into the air. His focus is spread thin, his reflexes significantly slowed down.
He's like a rag doll, malleable and compliant. Beads of sweat form on his forehead. He made a mistake by creating that purple light ring, whatever it's supposed to be.
"Let me down, puppy," he says in a harsh tone. "I will rip you in two if you don't."
Instead, I concentrate on moving him closer to the center of the whirling purple. I add some of my shadows there, stirring the chaos and driving Jason into a fit of fury. The shadows fly at him like daggers, forcing him to focus on protecting himself.
The purple shit is growing stronger, my wolf warns, crouching low to avoid the flying objects.
How do we stop it? I ask.
Throw him in , he replies. Maybe it will disappear with him.
Good enough for me , I say.
I twist my mental wrist, giving the shadows the strength and will to move Jason to the center. Now that he notices the change in the rotation, he's struggling to get free.
He summons all the powers he has, his body erupting in flames and then disappearing as a layer of ice covers him. When that doesn't work, the earth begins to shake, but my wolf's balance is impeccable.
Before he can come up with a new way to attack us, the purple wind pulls him closer like a magnet. I release my hold on the shadows around Jason, allowing the strange spell to do its work.
Jason screams when he gets sucked in. His body changes in front of my eyes, withering and drying.
Don't look at him , I warn. Close our eyes and rely on our instincts.
My wolf obeys without question.
After what seems like an eternity, the strange power disappears into nothingness and a deafening silence settles around us. My wolf and I stand there for a moment, neither wanting to move and break the strange tranquility.
Cassie , my wolf breaks the silence. I can feel her calling.
Quickly, I shift back to my human form. I follow the bond, letting it guide me toward the door I didn't notice before. With a flick of my wrist, my shadows throw it off its hinges.
There's a hatch.
She's in the cellar , my wolf says.
We don't waste time and go down to get our girl.