Marcus’s POVE
I found myself staring at my phone screen for what felt like hours. The image displayed was one of Elena that I had captured when she wasn’t aware. My photo gallery was actually filled with countless shots I had taken of her during unguarded moments.
There was something captivating about her natural beauty when she wasn’t putting on a performance for the camera.
She possessed an authenticity that drew me in completely. That genuine quality was exactly what had captured my heart.
Viviana always required layers of cosmetics, designer outfits that cost more than most people’s cars, and clothing that left little to the imagination. Whenever a camera appeared, she automatically struck a pose like some programmed doll.
Elena couldn’t have been more different from her. I couldn’t fathom how they had molded Viviana into what they believed would be my ideal partner, because she shared absolutely nothing in common with my true mate.
Viviana was nothing more than an elaborate farce.
The bourbon bottle sat empty beside me as I rose from my chair and crossed to the liquor cabinet positioned on the far side of my bedroom.
My fingers wrapped around another bottle, twisting off the cap before bringing it to my lips. The alcohol burned down my throat, but it wasn’t enough to numb the ache in my chest.
I moved toward the large window and gazed down at the training grounds where my warriors were running drills. Viviana stood near the courtyard, gesturing animatedly while discussing wedding arrangements with some consultant. The sight made my stomach turn, prompting me to take another long pull from the bottle.
I retreated to the shadowy corner of my room where the curtains blocked most of the light. From this position, she couldn’t spot me and wouldn’t know I was avoiding my responsibilities. The last thing I needed was another confrontation with her about my duties as her future husband.
My phone felt heavy in my hands as I scrolled through my contacts until I reached the
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number I had been dreading to dial. My options had run out, leaving me with no choice but to make this call.
The phone rang twice before he answered.
“Hello.” Damien’s voice came through clearly.
“Do you
have
any information about her whereabouts?” I asked without preamble.
“I’m sorry, what?” He sounded genuinely confused.
“Elena. Do you know where Elena is right now?” I clarified, my words slightly slurred from the alcohol.
“Marcus? Is that you?” Recognition dawned in his voice.
“Yes, it’s me. She vanished from my territory several days ago. Have you received any word about her? I’m aware that you showed interest in her, and I’m concerned she might be in danger.” The words tumbled out faster than I intended.
“What makes you assume she’s in danger? You’re a complete bastard. Perhaps she simply decided she’d had enough of your treatment.” Damien’s tone carried a sharp edge.
“Her vehicle was found wrecked. There was a trail of blood leading into the forest, but then both the blood and her scent just disappeared. I’m worried someone might have taken her.” My grip tightened on the phone.
“I haven’t received any information regarding Elena’s situation. I wouldn’t have any knowledge of her current location.” His response came too quickly, too smoothly.
“Could you possibly reach out to other Alphas in the region? See if anyone has been boasting about acquiring her?” The desperation in my voice was impossible to hide.
“I suppose I could make some inquiries.” He agreed after a pause.
“Who is that speaking?” A female voice interrupted in the background.
My entire body went rigid. “Who was that woman?”
“That’s my girlfriend. Listen, Marcus, I don’t have any leads on Elena’s location, but I’ll contact several Alphas in this area. Maybe someone has heard something useful.”
Damien’s explanation sounded rehearsed.
“I appreciate that.” I managed to say before ending the call.
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I descended the stairs immediately and summoned Beta Hugo to the packhouse. “What do you need, Alpha?” Hugo asked as he entered the main hall.
“I want you to dispatch reconnaissance scouts to Alpha Damien’s territory.” I commanded, setting down the bottle harder than necessary.
“The Obsidian Pack? What’s the purpose of this mission?” His eyebrows furrowed with
concern.
“Survey their territory thoroughly. Report back with everything you discover.” I left no room for questions in my tone.
“Understood, sir. I’ll assemble a team of warriors immediately and we’ll depart as soon as we’re prepared.” He nodded briskly.
“Excellent.” I said, already heading back toward the staircase.
I knew the logistics would take time – studying territorial maps, planning routes, gathering supplies – but I had specifically instructed Hugo to mobilize today. I returned to my room, shutting and locking the door behind me.
Alpha Damien had never maintained a steady relationship with anyone. His reputation as a perpetual bachelor was well–established throughout our region. Why would he suddenly acquire a girlfriend now, precisely when Elena had disappeared from my pack?
Especially considering how obviously interested he had been in her during that gathering at his territory.
The timing was too convenient to be coincidental. His voice had carried subtle undertones when he mentioned this mysterious girlfriend, like he was protecting something valuable.
I wasn’t about to leave anything to chance. If Damien had Elena, I would find out soon enough. And if he was lying to me while she was suffering somewhere, there would be consequences that he couldn’t begin to imagine.
The bourbon was making my thoughts sharper, more focused on the possibilities I hadn’t wanted to consider. But now they were all I could think about.
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