Argent POV

We put the call out an hour ago and now, standing in the foyer of the pack house are thirty wolves from two neighbouring packs along with the twenty from our pack we have asked to assist us. We must leave the remainder behind to be ready for our return and protect the house in our absence.

It's that simple. Our people need us. We call for help, and they answer. We would do the same.

My father has worked hard over the last few years to establish a good working relationship with these packs. It's not common for packs to work together, but after the vampire attacks increased over the last few years, the leaders of the three strongest packs in our state came to an agreement.

We help each other in times of need.

The Lunar pack are based thirty minutes away and departed their home base as soon as we called and explained the situation. Their Alpha, Deacon, is my age and has recently taken over for his father who is ill and stepped down from his role.

He's young, but he's also strong and smart. They're our greatest allies in times such as these. His father is a great Alpha, and my father believes Deacon will be equally as great at leading his people.

He has another reason to be here too. His sister is in BetaStone. She lost her mate in an accident and has not been well since. They haven't heard from her in two days.

The Strand pack live close to our border. The Alpha, George, and his Beta, Kane, have joined us along with a few of their eldest members, including Kane's daughter, Jemma. We've all seen her before. Hell, we've all salivated over her before if I'm honest. She is gorgeous and headstrong. Hot as absolute fuck. She is a favourite among the young guys of our pack. I used to fantasise about her being my mate. As well as being completely hot, she is one hell of a fighter.

Now that I've seen Aida, Jemma is a side note. But I know a few fighters who will be going the extra mile tonight to catch her attention.

We need all the help we can get tonight. Three packs are a blessing.

We all gather in the foyer. My father and the two allied Alphas stand on the stairs to brief us.

"Tonight, we take back our children," my father begins. "This has gone far enough. We need to be in and out with as little human interaction as possible. I will personally handle Dr. Jasper. He is not to be touched by anyone else but me."

He looks at James as he says this, and James nods in agreement. He knows what has to happen.

We give the pack symbol for agreeance, placing our fist to the left side of our chest. Father steps aside, and Alpha Deacon continues. Each bellows down to us with authority laced in their tone. The Alpha tone.

"We happen to know that there is an area hidden beneath the grounds on the institution. We had the area scanned a month ago when we were tracking vampire activity."

The Lunar pack is known for expertise in vampire hunting. They've been tracking Lukah, the local leader, for years. They watch his actions but stay at a safe distance. They only get involved when necessary.

Tonight is necessary.

Deacon continues, "We do not know if Lukah is involved in this, but we do know that he has been present at the lab within the past month. We cannot rule out his presence tonight. So, we need to be prepared."

Great. Another thing to worry about.

My father speaks again, looking at me as he does, "We know that two of our pack, two young girls, are at great risk tonight. We do not know the extent, but I can say for certain that we need to execute this rescue with haste."

A low growl begins around me and soon, we are heading out the front doors.

I see Father step down and tap Adrian, one of our strongest fighters, on the shoulder. He takes a deep breath and gives the orders,

"Adrian, I need you to stay here and defend the house. We have too many vulnerable kids here to be left alone. We've made this mistake before. Link me if you need us and we will return immediately." He finishes and waits for any reaction to his words.

Adrian looks pissed, but he does not question my father's request. He knows his place. With a resigned breath, he looks my father in the eye;

"Alpha, they will be fine with me." Is all that comes out of his mouth, though I know he is disappointed.

My father nods and continues out the door. We all take off at a run into the woods behind the house. As we begin to shift, I take in the scene before me. It is not common to see so many running as one. But protecting our next generation is high on the list of important pack duties. For all packs.

Amalie and Aida, we're coming.

I feel the shift begin and I run, taking my clothing off and tying it in a bag around my ankle as I go.

I howl as I run, and I hear the echo of at least fifty wolves howling and running as one. It's exhilarating. We run in flank with our packs, the Alpha and Beta at the helm of each group.

My father links to my pack. "We will take the centre, and the others will take a side each. Let's go."

We agree in unison. "YES, ALPHA."

We run faster, and I feel the cool night air sliding over the fur of my wolf as I release to him and his speed takes over. I feel the pounding of huge paws against the cool ground beneath me. I feel the earth move in reaction to all the wolves running as one giant pack.

I see the Strand and Lunar packs breaking to each side as we all run silently into the night towards BetaStone.

Hold on, girls.

We're coming.

***It takes us forty minutes running at full speed before we finally reach the outskirts of the BetaStone borders . We slow our pace and wait for father to make the call. From here, we cannot see the sprawling stone building that makes up the institution, but we can see the expansive gardens that surround it. Keeping it hidden from outside prying eyes. It never occurred to me before now that there may be more than one reason for that.

He links to the pack once more. "We're heading through the woods. Lunar pack is taking lead. They know this area well. Keep up and stay alert."

My father can link with the other Alphas. It's a trait that develops as soon as you take on the Alpha position, if you allow it. Another a perk of being in charge.

"YES, ALPHA."

Hurriedly, we stalk through the night, following him. Lunar pack takes the centre place, and we fall to the side in unison, slowly trotting behind them. I feel my wolf senses begin to heighten. My fur stands on end as the adrenaline kicks in. My wolf growls as I catch a whiff of Aida's scent. It lingers as we pass the area where I had shifted in front of her. My wolf whimpers, and I hear father over the link.

"Soon, Argent. Focus. Keep up."

"YES, ALPHA."

I trek back on course and follow as we head towards the clearing. The walls of BetaStone are in view now. We slink around the ruins, and I hear father halt us over the link.

"Wait. Lunar pack has scented Lukah. They are heading to the north to follow and check it out. Our pack and Strand will head into the grounds. Follow me." The tension rises through the pack. I can feel the anxiety level about to explode.

He lets out a growl, and I feel the surge from within and let out a growl so loud I see his wolf respond.

My mate is in there.

The Lunar pack separates and runs to my left as we follow father into the open space between the ruins and the institution.

We're so close now.

The wind begins to pick up, a light chill in the air and I look to the sky, hoping that any impending storm will hold out for a while. I hear a howl in the distance. The signal that all is clear. A stir of leaves surrounds me as the swirling winds gain strength and I push the fact that the clouds seem to be darkening out of my mind. I do not need any more complications.

Father wastes no time and howls in response. The loud collective howls sound from the group in unison, and we start forwards. James and father at the front, and I follow just behind. I see the striking orange merle of Jemma's wolf to my right and catch James's reaction.

He slows a little and Jemma faces him. They each pause.

"Mate," he says over the link. I hear Jemma let out a small howl.

Lucky bastard! I'm happy for him. Shit timing, though. Figures. It's just James's luck that he finds out something so huge on a night that his father will likely be killed.

He snaps back into action, and we see Jemma taking her position with her pack. Her father nudges her in response.

We slow to a stalk and begin our search for an entrance. Father and James give us the signal to surround the base of the building and look for a way in. Over the link, he calls to me,

"Argent shift back and see if you can find something. James and I will remain in form. Lennon and John, go with Argent."

I obey; Lennon and John remain in form but follow my lead.

I search for a window or door but cannot see anything. I crouch down towards a yellow light just barely showing through a basement window. There's no one in sight, but it's definitely some sort of janitor room or closet space. There's a tiny window that I have no hope of fitting through.

I link to father. "We need someone tiny. There's a small window. Maybe if someone was able to get in, they could find another entrance for us from inside."

Father answers over the link and sends someone who might fit.

Jemma.

"Hey," she says as she comes into view around the corner in human form. Oh, goddess, she has absolutely no clothes on. I try not to stare. She takes some items from around her waist and throws them over her ridiculously hot body.

I force myself not to link this info to James. I'll hold it over him later when we are all safe.

I lift her up, and she breaks the small window with her fist. She manages to just squeeze through. She whispers to me from inside, "I'll link with my pack if I find a way in."

With that, I watch as she heads to the door, checks around each way, and heads into the hallway.

Please find a way in, I think to myself. We're losing too much time.