Chapter 60: A Decision Made
I was in the throes of a soul-searching debate with some overeager associates concerning a matter at Midnight Park when a disturbing message arrived.
โBen, something might have happened to Hayley,โ Cat informed me.
Without a second thought, I ended the meeting and summoned him for more details. Henry joined us, and I immediately ordered a full investigation.
My assistants quickly scanned the school security footage, tracking down Hayleyโs last known location. After piecing together the clues, they pinpointed a specific area. Ben, the cat that had been with Hayley, disappeared near Moonlight Mountain. โI think thatโs where they took her,โ Henry guessed.
I didnโt waste any time. I instructed my team to head there immediately. For some reason, my wolf, Lawrence, was acting restless, as though sensing another wolfโs presenceโa presence that could mean danger.
Iโd heard stories about the deep connection between two destined mates, a gift from the Moon Goddess. But since my 18th birthday, Lawrence hadnโt found our destined mate yet. Who could my destined mate be? Could it be Hayley? But Lawrence had never picked up her scent before.
In my mind, Iโd always imagined my Luna would be someone like Sara, an Alpha, powerful like me. Lately, though, I couldnโt deny how Hayleyโa mere Omegaโwas occupying more and more space in my heart. I was thinking about her constantly, and the concern I felt for her was growing stronger.
There were so many things Hayley was hiding. But despite all my efforts, my men hadnโt uncovered much about her. When I found her, I had to get to the bottom of itโwhy Lawrence couldnโt sense her scent, and what she was keeping from me.
โWait, Iโm going with you,โ I decided, calling out to my Beta. โIโll find Hayley myself!โ
Hayleyโs POV:
When I woke up, everything around me was pitch black. I slowly sat up, realizing my hands were bound tightly with rope, and my body felt weakโthere were signs of poisoning.
โHera? Hera, wake up!โ I tried desperately to rouse my wolf, but she wasnโt responding. I quickly pieced it togetherโthe other party must have made thorough preparations and used the most powerful wolfsbane to control Hera.
But they didnโt know the real secretโI wasnโt an Omega. I was an Alpha, and the wolfsbane could only hold me down temporarily. I could feel my heartbeat growing stronger. It was only a matter of time before Hera would awaken, and Iโd regain my strength.
With that in mind, I calmed myself and began to carefully work on the ropes around my wrists. My eyes slowly adjusted to the dark, and I began to scan my surroundings. I was in a crumbling, run-down wooden shack. I soon got up, crossed to the door, and opened it.
The night air hit me with a sharp, cold gust, stinging my skin. Off in the distance, I heard the howls of werewolvesโRogues, by the sound of it. And not just any Rogues, but Beta-level wolves. My heart sank.
From those sounds, I could tell that they were ruthless Rogue criminals. Hera was still not awake. Once I went out, they would pounce on me. There was no question nowโthe culprit was trying to kill me!
โDamn it! Whoeverโs behind this better hope I donโt find out who they are. When I do, Hera will rip them apart!โ I swore.
Just as I was about to try reaching Hera again, I noticed two tall men approaching. I quickly closed the door, hurried back to where I was, and pretended to still be bound tightly.
โItโs miserable to stay on this mountain for a few days,โ one of the men grumbled.
โYes, but itโs almost over. After this, we can finally return to the pack. We just need to hang in there a little longer, and itโll be done,โ the other replied.
Their voices grew closer, and soon enough, the door swung open, a blinding light streaming in.
โYouโre awake?โ one of the men said, tossing a cold sandwich onto the ground in front of me. โEat it. I donโt want you dying of hunger.โ
I didnโt even glance at the sandwich. Instead, I lifted my gaze and asked them, โWhy did you bring me here?โ
At that exact moment, Heraโs voice rang in my mind. โHayley, let me take control!โ