68 Chapter 68 Desperate Hunt Begins
Marcus’s POV
Standing at the floor–to–ceiling windows of my office, I stared out at the pack grounds below while wearing nothing but a simple t–shirt and worn jeans. The sharp staccato of designer heels echoed through the hallway, each click making my jaw clench tighter. Even through the partially open door, I recognized that sound immediately.
My stomach twisted into knots as I dropped my gaze to the floor, desperately wishing I
could vanish into thin air.
The door burst open with enough force to rattle the hinges.
“Found you.” Viviana’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “You promised to meet me and the wedding coordinator for breakfast planning”
I kept my back to her, hands shoved deep in my pockets. “I’m swamped with pack business. Haven’t touched this paperwork in days.”
“Of course you haven’t. You’re never here anymore.” Her heels clicked sharply against the hardwood as she moved further into my space. “But since we’ve cornered you, we’re going to sit down right now and hash out every detail of this wedding.”
I finally turned around, meeting her determined stare with my own steely gaze. “Not happening. Not in here.”
“Marcus.” The way she said my name carried a warning.
“I already made myself clear, Viviana. I couldn’t care less about centerpieces or color schemes or whatever the hell else goes into these things. Plan the entire event without me. Just tell me when to show up.” My voice remained flat, emotionless.
She stood there for a beat, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping against her designer handbag. Then her expression shifted into something calculating. “Fine. We’ll handle every single arrangement ourselves. But I need access to funds.”
She extended her palm toward me, expectant.
I studied her face, though I shouldn’t have been surprised. Of course she expected me to bankroll this entire charade. Viviana had never paid for anything in her privileged life. Everything had always been handed to her on a silver platter.
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68 Chapter 68 Desperate Hunt Begins
Reaching for my wallet, I pulled out the credit card with the most restrictive spending limit and placed it in her waiting hand. It would still cover a lavish celebration, but at least it had boundaries.
Without another word, she spun on her heel and marched out, the wedding coordinator trailing behind her like a lost puppy.
“Alpha.” Beta Hugo appeared in the doorway moments after they left.
“What is it?” I moved toward my desk, already feeling drained from the encounter.
He stepped inside and handed me a sleek tablet. The screen displayed a video player interface with multiple file options.
I pressed play and watched surveillance footage from various werewolf colleges across the country. Each clip showed students moving through campuses, entering dormitories, sitting in lecture halls. I studied every face carefully, searching for the one that mattered most.
“She’s not in any of these recordings.” I finally said, frustration bleeding into my voice.
“No, she’s not. We can eliminate those locations from our search.” Hugo confirmed.
“What about the institution near the Obsidian Pack territory? The one in Damien Vance’s jurisdiction?” I asked, setting the tablet aside.
“That’s proving more challenging. The administration is resistant to sharing their security recordings without substantial justification.” Hugo’s expression grew troubled.
My eyes narrowed. “Are they hiding something from us?”
“The Dean claims they’re protecting student privacy. Says the cameras exist solely for security purposes in case of external threats.” He explained.
“Since they won’t cooperate willingly, have you arranged for alternative surveillance?” I asked.
“Already in motion. Several of our best scouts are heading there now. They’ll integrate into the student population and conduct reconnaissance from the inside. Should have intelligence reports within days.” Hugo’s efficiency never failed to impress me.
“Do they know who they’re searching for?” I needed to be certain.
“They have her photograph and detailed description.” He confirmed.
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68 Chapter 68 Desperate Hunt Begins
“Excellent.” I settled into my leather office chair and opened the stack of documents waiting for my attention.
My jaw tightened as I reviewed the contents. Pack finances, territory agreements, alliance negotiations. All the bureaucratic nonsense that came with leadership. I was exhausted by the endless paperwork, but it needed handling.
“Bring her up here.” I said without looking up from the files.
“Yes, Alpha.” Hugo departed immediately.
I’d barely started reviewing the first document when footsteps approached. Hugo returned with Iris, Elena’s mother, walking beside him. Her posture radiated defiance despite her circumstances.
“Sleep well?” I asked, attempting casual conversation.
“You mean after you abducted me?” Iris’s voice dripped with accusation.
I leaned back in my chair, meeting her hostile gaze. “Abducted? You’re staying in a luxury suite complete with private bathroom, walk–in closet, and brand new wardrobe. That single room has more square footage than your entire trailer.”
“I don’t give a damn about the amenities. I preferred my trailer.” She crossed her arms defensively.
“I seriously doubt that assessment.”
“At least there I had freedom to make my own choices.” Her voice carried genuine pain beneath the anger.
“You’re not imprisoned here, Iris. I’m ensuring your safety and comfort. Elena disappeared, and I know you mean everything to her. I couldn’t risk something happening to you while she’s missing.” I kept my tone measured, reasonable.
“Since when do you give a damn about Elena’s wellbeing? You spent one night with your mate, then announced your engagement to another woman the very next day. Did you really think she’d stick around after that betrayal?”
Her words hit their target perfectly. I felt the familiar guilt settle heavily in my chest.
“No, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by her reaction. But I’m using every available resource to locate her. You wouldn’t happen to have any insights about where she might have gone, would you?”
17:00
3.4
68 Chapter 89 Desperate Hunt Begins
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