Aria’s POV
“We believe he’s still in Asterfell,” Alia said. “In the outskirts, likely inside a factory.”
Chloe pulled up a map on her tablet and turned it toward . “Most of the Darvin holdings collapsed. But this one factory? It is still active and is registered under Patrick’s na.”
Patrick? Of course.
“You think he’s hiding Tyler and his wife there?” I asked, my voice going flat.
Jackson’s face flashed in my mind, the way he used to ask about his parents every night. The promise I’d made. I wasn’t the kind of wolf that made light promises.
Alia nodded. “The Darvin family is losing allies. No one else would risk sheltering soone this sensitive. Especially not Jackson’s mother.”
I exhaled slowly.
“Have you sent anyone to scout around the factory?” I asked. “What’s the situation there?”
Alia and Chloe exchanged a look.
“It is heavily guarded,” Chloe said. “It is too tight for people on foot. We only managed aerial recon.”
“The drone we used was sent by Francis,” Alia added. “He has been of great help.”
I blinked, I hadn’t heard that na in a while.
“Francis?”
“Yes, after the lawsuit with Sophia ended, his lab got massive funding,” Alia said. “He went full hermit-mode and only resurfaced recently.”
I gave a small nod, forcing my thoughts about Patrick to the back of my mind for now. My wolf didn’t like unfinished business, but strategy ca before instinct.
“We have to check out Patrick’s factory,” I said, my voice steady.
Alia and Chloe didn’t hesitate. “We’ll figure out a way in,” Alia replied.
I frowned slightly. Jackson’s scent still carried that faint thread of longing whenever he watched other parents pick up their kids. He was still just a pup in human years. He needed answers soon.
“If you need tech support, contact Francis,” I added. “Map the surroundings, entry points, internal layout if possible. Do not rush in after making all these findings, you wait for my signal.”
“Got it.”
They understood. A bad move could spook prey and Patrick was the type to run.
A plan was forming in my mind, threads weaving together like a hunt pattern... but it wasn’t ready to be spoken yet.
“Anything else?” I asked. They shook their heads.
Alia gestured to my food. “Go ahead and continue with your al.”
I nodded, alright ladies, co to when you find sothing. They nodded and left, shutting the door. I went back to my food.
Patrick was running a factory behind Margaret’s back... That ant hidden money, hidden people, hidden sins, and I had walked straight into his territory by moving into that house.
Good, a closer prey was easier to track.
My thoughts were spiraling into strategy when my phone buzzed against the desk.
Speak of the devil, it was Patrick. I answered.
“Aria,” his voice ca, gentle, almost careful. “Your dad is getting old. I might not understand your taste. Why don’t you co pick and pick bedding yourself? Your mom and Sophia are here, but it’s your room.”
I stared at the screen.
“Sure,” I said smoothly. “Where are you?”
There was silence, I could tell he was surprised. He wasn’t used to my imdiate compliance.
“I’ll send the address,” he said in a pleased tone.
I grabbed my coat and headed out. I’d barely stepped outside when Rowland’s scent hit .
“Where are you going?” he asked, jogging up. I showed him the address.
“I’m coming with you. My car’s downstairs.” I tilted my head, considering it for a mont. A second wolf could be useful, an Alpha at that.
“Fine.”
His face lit up like a pup invited on a hunt.
We reached the departnt store quickly, descending to the furniture level.
“Are you moving back there permanently?” Rowland asked. “Why get furniture?”
I stopped about a hundred ters from the store entrance. I didn’t answer. Instead, I turned to him. “I need you to do sothing.”
His posture snapped straight instantly. “I would do anything for you, just ntion it.”
I beckoned him closer. He leaned in, eager, his eyes bright. “If I need to leave suddenly, you stall them.”
He blinked.
“Talk about fake projects, have long conversations, flirt with Sophia if you have to. Just buy ti.”
His brows pulled together. “Flirt with Sophia? You know I...”
“Then use business,” I cut in. “You’re Nathan’s nephew. That alone makes you a valuable bait.”
He nodded slowly, though sothing dark flickered in his gaze at the reminder of that connection.
Sophia’s scent hit before I even saw her.
It was laced with bitterness. Jealousy has a sll, sour like overripe fruit and my wolf curled its lip inside the mont we turned in her direction.
Sophia stood a few steps away, watching us, her jaw tight, her fingers digging into her own palms.
My wolf stirred, amused, but I kept my face smooth as glass.
“Aria, you’re here!” Patrick hurried forward, his smile stretched too wide. His eyes flicked to Rowland at my side, and his heartbeat stuttered with a mix of fear, wariness and respect. Rowland didn’t even need to try, Alphas carried pressure like gravity.
“I didn’t expect Alpha Rowland to co along,” Patrick added, rubbing his hands together. It was a nervous habit of his. His pulse was loud in my ears.
Rowland only gave him a lazy glance. An awkward tension filled the air, laced with Rowland’s dominance.
“He drove here. There is no need to fuss,” I said before the awkwardness could grow teeth.
Patrick exhaled like he’d been pardoned from execution. “Right, right. Co in. Your mom’s inside. She’s not feeling well, so she didn’t co out.”
Not feeling well? My wolf huffed.
Sophia walked beside . “Yeah, sis. We’ve been here a while.” She forced a smile. I didn’t respond. Words were wasted when silence made people squirm harder.
The mont we stepped into the custom furniture store, the scent of polished wood and varnish filled my nose.
Then I spotted Margaret. She stood near a beige vanity, smiling sweetly at a store employee.
“Yes, my daughter’s vanity is old. I was thinking of getting her a custom one.” My sharp ears caught her words.
Then, as if she had sensed my scent, she turned in our direction and our eyes locked.
User Comments
0 comments from readers