“The one in which he was supposed to leave everything to your son,” Fionn murmured.
“Oh, you know about that. Well, as usual, my brother screwed me, but it wasn’t a wasted trip because I discovered the hidden cameras he had and the videos he made…including the one of you tricking my brother to enter your portal where he was killed.”
“I didn’t trick him…” Fionn whispered, aghast someone might believe his uncle’s false claim.
“Yes, well, it doesn’t really matter, now does it? You asked me what I want for the life of your mate...it’s simple. You have one hour to appear before me. For every five minutes that you’re late, your mate will pay a price…I’m sure you can imagine what it will be. Understand?”
“But I don’t know where you are?”
“Five minutes before the hour is up, you will receive the location of where I am.”
“Five minutes? How can I possibly get there in time?” asked Fionn, horrified about what would happen to Hunter if he was late.
“By using the portal, nephew…see you shortly.”
Chapter 40
Taking the phone from a shell-shocked Fionn, Dylon ended the call. “Zane tried to trace it,” he said, “but your uncle used a landline and blocked the number.”
Kieran wrapped his arms around his friend. “Fi...you aren’t alone…we’re all going to help rescue Hunter.”
“Kieran’s right,” Jackson said. “Fionn, I swear we will bring Hunter home…before your uncle can hurt him.”
“No, you won’t. My uncle will kill him first. I need to do as he says,” Fionn replied.
“Fionn, listen to me, please” Dylon said. “Even if you follow your uncle’s instructions to the letter, it still won’t guarantee Hunter’s life. Think about it…why would your uncle want Hunter around when he poses a threat?”
“You said my mate also got drugged…so obviously my uncle wanted both of us.”
“Maybe…” Dylon said. “But I think it was because he decided Hunter was too dangerous to be left behind. He knew your mate would never give up searching for you so it was better to take him, use him as bait, and then once he had you, kill him.”
As Dylon’s words sunk in, Fionn began to shake in fear. There wasn’t any way to save his mate—or himself. The only solution was to throw himself at his uncle’s mercy, swearing to do his bidding in exchange for his mate’s release.
Sensing Fionn’s dilemma, Jackson placed his hand on his neck, smothering him in comforting Alpha power. “We are stronger together, Fionn, than your uncle is by himself. Will you trust us to rescue Hunter?”
Kieran then added, “Fi, please…don’t make a rash move.”
Between Jackson and Kieran’s efforts, Fionn’s fear receded until he could once again think rationally. Inhaling deeply, he held his breath for a moment, then exhaled. “So what is it you want me to do?” he asked, anxious to hear Jackson’s response.
“While Dylon is devising a plan, I must tell Hunter’s brothers he’s missing. I’d like you to be there since, as his mate, you have the final say as to what will be done. Right now, I don’t want anyone doing anything that will result in Hunter getting hurt.” Then, shifting his gaze to Mac, he continued, “And I’m counting on you to keep your brothers in line, even though they’ll want to get involved in the rescue, because, believe me, they’ll only hinder the effort...we won’t be able to use our powers in front of them.”
Nodding, Mac said, “I’ll speak to Mason privately before we meet with you. I won’t say anything about your powers, but he needs a heads-up before the meeting. With Hunter missing, my brothers should follow Mase’s lead.”
“Do it and then have everyone join me in my study.” Jackson then asked Ian. “Any idea when Hunter will wake up?”
“Everyone responds to phenobarbital differently; I don’t know how much they gave him, but my best guess is in an hour or so.”
Nodding, Jackson said, “Okay, everyone…get going…an hour will be up before we know it.” Removing his hand from Fionn’s neck, he said, “You and Kieran, come with me.”
~/~/~/~/~
Taking Cody’s hand, Dylon headed down the hallway to Zane’s computer room. An initial rescue plan was already forming in his mind but before it was finalized he needed more information. Knocking before entering, Dylon smiled at David who looked up when the door opened. “Zane, got a minute?” he asked.
Nodding, Zane gestured to two chairs near him. “Have a seat…be right with you.” After clicking ‘print’ on his computer screen, he swiveled his chair to face Dylon and Cody. “I was able to find the area where the uncle’s call originated, but as you know, it’s impossible to narrow it down.”
“Did Jackson fill you in on what happened?” asked Dylon.
“No, but after tapping in to Fi’s call with his uncle, I know Hunter’s a prisoner…and I assume the shifter whose photo you sent me was involved.”
