Today, the staff and I are meeting to discuss our expansion as well as the safety logistics for next weekend. It will be spring vacation for students who reside in Tukkon and Hichano. SonicJungle will have an influx of wild college kids, which means even more sex, drugs, and cash will flood though our doors. But not Ludone. That, we are keeping a keen eye open for, with my brother’s irritating Beta on standby. It’s a little strange that he decided not to show up for the briefing. He and Vessa should’ve returned this morning.
I get about halfway through my talking points before the main door bursts open. My sister comes barreling into the room while the bouncer is right on her heels, rubbing his jaw. She clocked him in the face. Typical.
“This meeting’s over,” she clamors. “Family emergency.”
Demi is breathing heavily when I stomp over to her side.
“What the hell is going on?” I snarl.
Unlike my brother, her emotions are never masked, especially in times of panic. Her eyes are puffy and furious. “We need you.”
I give my employees a sidelong look. “Give me twenty minutes.”
“Now,Dom.”
This isn’t my sister talking. It’s an Alpha’s order. Waving over the head of surveillance, I shove my papers into his arms. “I trust you’ll continue without me.”
Refusing to waste another moment, Demi yanks me out the door. “Vessa’s been taken.”
Dread ices over my spine. “The hell you mean, taken? How is that even possible?”
Mated males don’t let another soul near their new partner until they’ve run out of stamina. Intruding on their little honeymoon would be a death wish.
“A group of rogues attacked the Tilaak, drawing us out. Nell sent a small patrol militia to guard the cabin, but one of them turned on us. Shay’s sister. She had a partner who tore right through the guards.”
Cursing under my breath, I shudder. “Any vampires?”
“Affirmative. But only three. All second generation. Axe and Qinnu took a handful of warriors south last night. They’re making for the border to see if they can pick up the scent again. Chris is forming a search party back at home just in case the abductors decide to smuggle her east.”
Nodding, I ask, “What about Tesni?”
“She’s on her way to Glacier Meadow, trying to track down thisMaurleenwoman and her mate. He’s a former Aux, so he’ll know how to cover his tracks. Might be a while before we hear from her. So, it’s up to you, the Betas, and I to hold down the pack.”
“Do you think that witch had something to do with this?”
My sister’s face pales. “Goddess, I hope not.”
I gulp, fully taking in the severity of the situation. Someone has taken the Luna Superior. Someone who may also suspect she is the Sponsa Noctis. Fuck the Heartlands. My business there can wait. This changes everything. I swear on my mother’s grave, if they hurt her, I’ll?—
My wolf snarls at the mere implication. I can only imagine how my brother’s handling it all. He’s probably ballistic. Running on fumes.
Demi buckles herself into the truck, turning the key in the ignition. “There is good news. We managed to grab a rogue before he could retreat. Jabir’s hammering away at him, though we haven’t gotten anything of use yet. Stupid prick hacked off his tongue.”
That’s rather shocking, given that most prisoners don’t last six hours down there under the Beta’s knife. If Axe is behind those bars . . .
My throat bobs, just thinking of the creative tactics my brother will deploy to get information. No tongue? No problem.
But with Vessa’s life on the line, maybe it’s time I put my augment to good use.
“What would you have me do?”
Chapter 38
VESSA
Blood rushes to my head as I begin to wake. My arms dangle, thumping gently against a stranger’s back as we descend a shadowy staircase.
How long was I out? Where the hell am I?
