I’m sorry. It looks like I won’t be making it home.
* * *
VERONA
We’ve broken the five block area into sections. While some of the warehouses are empty, others are full of factory people even on a Saturday. The police are taking care of those buildings, while we search the ones that seem abandoned.
Nothing can be left to chance.
Ciro and I are clearing a warehouse now, together with several of Nico’s men, but it doesn’t appear as if anyone has been here outside of squatters and drug users. The paraphernalia left on the ground is ignored as I continue walking through the building.
Each warehouse is huge, which means it takes time to clear it. I’m wearing pants and a long sleeve lightweight shirt toprotect my skin as I hold my gun in my hand, getting more and more frustrated with each passing minute.
There have unfortunately been a lot of minutes that have been spent in these buildings, and despite the cooler air as the hotter part of the day passes, I’m still sweating.
I keep waiting to feel something through the bond with Rosa, yet it's as silent as a tomb. I know she’s alive, but little else passes through. I’m not sure if I’m still too far, or if she’s shielding herself. Even Ciro shakes his head from time to time, rubbing his chest as we walk.
It would make the most sense if Rosa is shielding unconsciously to protect us. I simply wish she wouldn’t so I can find her.
We’ve been walking around for two hours, and Nico keeps getting worse. His voice is nothing more than grunts and growls unless he focuses more, and his brothers are struggling to stay positive.
We’re going to lose everything if we lose Rosa.
Breathe.My nostrils flare as I suck in a breath, and I walk out of the building into the street. We have a few hours of sunlight left before night falls, something that’ll make finding Rosa all the more difficult. The homeless take over this area after dark, and if I’m honest, I have to admit I spent my nights over here as well.
It’s away from the tourists, quiet, and easier to find a quiet place to hide in when you have nowhere else to stay.
Nico is leaning over as he shudders violently across the street as we come out, and I jog over to him with my gun in hand.
“We’re running out of time,” he whispers.
A phone buzzes cheerfully in violent contrast to his words, and Ciro and I flinch. Nico pulls his phone out of his pocket and leans against the wall as he answers it, holding it out to Ciro.
“Hello.” Ciro responds on Nico’s behalf, knowing it’s on speakerphone due to his condition.
We have friends stalking through warehouses, same as us, and to have that support means everything. The more people, the more likely we are to find Rosa.
“It’s me,” Oliver grunts, his voice familiar enough for us to recognize. “You’re in the right area. I found a listing, and while it’s closed, it has Rosalia’s description. It appears that they vetted people anonymously and then sent the location to those accepted.”
“How do you know we’re in the right area?” Ciro asks.
“I found an embedded location that wasn’t erased. If you’re not careful when posting listings, you’ll tell on yourself. Whoever took Rosalia isn’t as good as I am. Keep looking.”
“How bad?” Nico asks, straightening slowly. He stands like an old man who’s in high amounts of pain. His asscheeks clench in his pants as if he’s squeezing them shut, and my heart races at what that could mean.
He’s stopped telling us how or where things hurt, and the haunted look in his eyes tells me it’s because it’s too hard to discuss. Rosa’s pain is now his, even if it kills him.
In a way, she’s not as alone as she might think.
“It’s a snuff listing. The seller described the situation as being able to cut and fuck a pretty omega to death. I can’t tell how long ago the listing closed. It was only posted today, which means the seller is in a hurry to make their money and move on. I’m sorry I don’t have better news.”
Walking away slowly as Ciro continues to speak with Oliver. I tilt my head up toward the sun and take deep breaths.
Come on, baby. Give me something!
My heartbeat is the loudest thing ringing in my ears for a minute or two. I think Nico and Ciro can tell I need time to myself to process Oliver’s call. I’m doing my best to keep my shit under control, my soul is screaming for my omega.
Rosa and I have been everything to each other for years. Having a pack and Pablo is incredible, and more than I ever could have dreamed of, but it won’t replace my girl. We all need our queen.
