“So why isn’t he?” Fane’s sharp, blue eyes glowed slightly.
“That’s the question of the hour.” Tanya walked up to them. “Dillon called Dalton, but he’s not answering his phone.”
Jacque looked at Fane and tapped her head. “Can you get in contact with him with your super alpha mojo?”
“I’ve tried that with my bond to him,” Dillon told them. “I can’t get in, but I can feel his emotions. It’s not good.”
“I can try it.” Fane looked at Dillon. The Colorado Alpha nodded his agreement. Fane had a power that none of them had.
Dillon considered the fact that Fane entering Dalton’s mind without his permission was very invasive. But then his beta had left a broken and crying mate with no explanation to him or Tanya. That was unacceptable.
The room was quiet as a few minutes passed while Fane attempted to use the bond he had with every wolf under his care. Dillon felt as if he wouldn’t be able to breathe until they got some news on his beta. Dalton was more than just his second-in-command. He was a friend, a brother in arms. If he hurt, then Dillon hurt.
Finally, Fane opened his eyes. “I got in for a split second. All I saw was darkness. Complete, and utter darkness.”
“How can that be?” Jacque asked. “He’s mated, Blood Rites completed, and she’s a healer. How in the hell could there be any darkness in Dalton Black?”
There was a gasp, and Dillon turned to see Heather. Her beautiful, unseeing eyes were glassy with tears. “I can feel Jewel,” she whispered. “It’s wrong. It’s not Jewel.”
“What do you mean?” Jacque narrowed her eyes. “Is someone impersonating her?”
Heather shook her head. “No. I mean, it is Jewel, but what I feel going on inside her is twisted. Things that might have at one time been hope have now turned into obsession.”
“Obsession over what?”
“She’s blocking me, Dillon. Damn, she’s strong.” Heather shook her head and leaned back into her mate as if just those few minutes in Jewel’s mind had exhausted her.
“Whatever it is, it’s evil.” Heather’s words filled the room like an oppressive weight.
Fane’s hand gripped the back of his neck, and the strain on his face made Dillon want to take some of the responsibility off the young alpha.
“I don’t know how much thinner we can be spread.” He looked Dillon right in the eyes. Knowing Fane could tamp down his power, Dillon didn’t feel the need to lower his eyes.
“Where did you say Peri, Lucian, and Nissa were?”
“She didn’t give details, Costin, but I believe they’re still seeking their missing memories.”
“That can be put on hold,” Jacque said sharply as she pulled her phone from her pocket and started tapping away on it. “Peri will agree when she hears one of her healers is in trouble.”
“I think we should keep on with our plan,” Dillon told Fane. “Peri has dealt with Dalton before. She’s more than capable.” That was an understatement.
Fane nodded. “Then we go.”
“I’ll stay here to keep an eye on Jewel,” Tanya told her mate.
Dillon gave her a quick kiss and then held her tight for a few seconds. Leaving her never got easier.
Then they all pressed in close in order to touch Disir.
“Where are we headed?” Wadim asked.
“Twelve hours north of Area 51,” Fane answered. “I’ve had reports from several fae warriors of hybrids in the area. They’d been able to deal with the couple that had shown up, but nowthey have a neighborhood that is being overrun. After that, we head to Area 51.”
Finn, the wolf new to Fane’s pack, growled.
“Thanks for the heads up,” Lizzy said dryly.
“Cain needs to be dealt with,” Fane explained. “Peri said killing him won’t hurt you or Alice. We cut off the leader’s head, then not only is his research stopped, but his minions have no one to follow.”
