"We need to search this area and set out with your best team here," I ordered Gina and Luke as they sat around the table to discuss how to find Lionel.

"Yes, Alpha." They all answered.

"Get going then. I'm taking some warriors with me to the Southside. Luke can go North, Gina West, and Kian East. Understood?" I asked and they nodded. "Okay. Get to work."

I walked out of the office and went to a group of warriors. I told then they need to come with me for a search towards South and all nodded. We went out towards the back of the house because that's where South was and stripped our clothes to shift into our wolf forms. I linked to them.

They linked to me.

We stalked through the woods and tried to track any traces of Lionel or the enemies. Maddox was impatient but we could still feel the link, which meant that Lionel was alive somewhere. I knew he would try to get out but they werewolves and he was a human. No matter how strong he was, they would be stronger. I understood that as a child when a pack member's human friend tried to sell us to the hunters. No matter how much he fought back, the werewolf beat him, and the human man ended up dying as he bled on the ground.

I was only eleven when I witnessed it, and I would never forget the look of terror on his face when he realized that it was hopeless. I just hope that Lionel is not in that situation right now. One of the warriors named Kelin spoke. His black wolf, which was one or two sizes smaller than me, walked up to me. He had white patches of fur all over his black fur.

I asked as I walked over to him.

We walked further ahead and then Kelin stopped. Kelin explained and I nodded.

I turned towards the tracks. ''

'.' Three warriors from my team, one of them Kelin. I let the other groups know of my action just in case we needed backup.

We kept looking around for anything else as the three warriors were still away, there was nothing firm their side, so it was probably a dead end or they were still looking. I still felt Lionel's connection to me which meant that he was safe, but for how long? I didn't want to wait and find out. I wanted to get him back as soon as possible.

'?' I asked after a while.

'' Kelin said. ''

'.' I ordered as my heart jumped with excitement.

'' One of the others replied from Kelin's group.

We went to the packhouse meeting room and waited for the Kelin and his group to report about their finding as soon as they arrived.

~••••~

Waiting felt like hours when it was just thirty minutes. When Kelin, Olivia, and Dylan walked in, they were handed clothes as they shifted back to their human form. "What did you find?" I asked impatiently.

"Alpha, there were ten rogue guards around this concrete block with one door. They seem to be protecting something and I saw one of the men go in, and come out with damp feet, which means that three was water was there." Olivia answered and I nodded.

"I am sure there were more than ten guards because the rogue packs are usually huge since they attack and take over other packs. But, good job, we might have a lead as to why they are attacking us and why they took Lionel." I explained. "We need to think about our plan and then attack, I don't want to forget anyone's life. For now, rest up to everyone and train harder from tomorrow on."

As the groups started to leave, Gina and Luke came up to me. "Are you doing okay?" Luke asked as he sat in front of me while Gina was at my side.

"No," I sighed. "I just want him to be back, with me."

"I miss Lionel too but we can't be rash and rush in because they would use his safety against us." Gina reasoned and I nodded knowing what they might do to win and I didn't like it. "You should get some rest while Luke and I train the warriors and come up with the plan. You can come back when you're well-rested."

"But–" I began but Luke cut me off.

"I don't know what you're going through but, if you're not fully invested in it, you could risk more than Lionel's life." His words were harsh but true. I sighed as I got up. When I did, Gina and Luke came to hug me. I hugged them as closed my eyes and not let the tears fall.

Gina and Luke were right. I need some rest but whenever I went home, I would smell Lionel's faint scent which made me miss him even more. Our room had an even stronger scent so I would lie in the guest room every night to get some rest, which was about three hours. I was stressed and worried but I knew those two things won't get me anywhere.

It was eight at night when I decided to call the Alpha Ronan of the Shadow Keepers pack. He was an old man whose son was a few years from taking over to run the pack. Along with Alpha Ronan, I called all the neighboring packs, warning them of what had happened to me and if they would like to help. Not all of them agreed but I had Shadow Keepers, Hallow Stalker and Devil's Edge on my side. They were willing to lend a hand and try to keep an eye out.

We had a meeting soon, and there we would discuss the plans and everting so every pack can protect themselves against the enemy.

'' An urgent voice linked to me.

I got up and quickly put on my shoes before running out the door towards the West side of the woods. There was a small crowd of people surrounding something that smelled terrible. "Move," I commanded as I made my way towards the center of the commotion. "What is going on?" I asked around and the person who linked me, Keith, came up and handed me a note that smelled familiar.

It read: 'A little gift.'

I looked to see a scrawny looking man, who looked dirty and smelled but with him was the scent of Lionel. "Who are you?" Luke spoke from behind me. I don't even notice when he has come.

The man didn't speak but looked directly at me with disgust. "We should stop crowding him and get him cleaned before asking questions," Gina suggested.

I nodded and ordered Kian and Like to take care of him and everyone to get back to what they were doing. I crumbled the note and looked between the tree lines to see a rogue staring at me from afar, he had yellow eyes and drolls that made him look rabid.

I quickly shifted and ran towards him but before I was even ten feet away, he was gone.

Fuck, the only clue is the scrawny man.

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