HUNTED-Chapter 428: Ongoings at Silver Crescent (2)

Marcus Black, as in Esme Snow’s best friend. He was a ruthless rogue, one who’d killed many. Then again, so was Esme, the Vampire King’s girl.

"Look, nobody likes the guy, we get it," the Gamma sat back down in her chair. "But he’s not important right now."

"Are you sure about that?" Eamon questioned, looking between his mum and dad suspiciously. He’d caught onto them mind-linking each other once that rogue was mentioned.

Chiara looked at the Alpha Heir. "What else is there to say? He is not working with us." Then that means he’s either against them or doing his own thing. Why was he so bothered by Keira’s disappearance?

She wasn’t 18 yet, so it couldn’t be a mate thing…

’You sure about that?’ His wolf, Lyall, questioned as he quietly observed everything in the room, from the relationships, side glances, and body language with unspoken words to planning what they could do next with the information given in the meeting.

’I don’t want it to be true,’ Eamon admitted to the only one he couldn’t lie to.

’He looks older, maybe 22?’ Lyall added. ’He would know before her…’

"Defences have been tripled," Chiara explained after Aila continued with the meeting. "Rogue Lycans also agreed to keep an eye out."

Rogue Lycans weren’t the same as the rogue’s werewolves, which were used to type 1 and 2. These were the independent lycans who separated from Aila and started their own lives. Some turned into small packs scattered, and their population had been growing. Technically, they were stronger than all werewolves, but they didn’t go against Aila’s reign.

"Alright, Kane, you should get some rest. Nairi has missed you," Aila said and turned to his son, the next Beta. "Zayden, think you can collaborate with your dad and continue with some of the lycans?"

It was a big responsibility, but Aila knew the next Beta would be up for it. He was a capable individual, strictly trained by the Beta and kept up with Eamon’s training. Growing up, they’d both surpassed their peers and trained those three years older than them.

Zayden and Eamon were inseparable, and if Eamon wanted to lead this, giving her mate some much-needed rest, then she would ensure his closest ally and friend was by his side.

Zayden had been sitting beside Eamon, quietly observing everything. He was the spitting image of his father, but he’d kept his dirty blonde locks cut short to differentiate himself from the Beta. Their personalities were similar too: strict, direct, and to the point, and they were always trying to see how he could further aid his Alpha.

"I will do as you wish," Zayden bowed his head respectfully.

Aila wanted to tell him to relax, but it was Kane’s training that taught him to act so stiffly at times. She’d been brought up differently and thought the pressures on the children were too much, but it had always run this way through the packs.

Aila nodded, then looked to her friend, who had been so uncharacteristically quiet she thought he might have died. "Ajax," she called, his head tilted up and his lost gaze bursting. Maybe he was just bored?

"Can you take to the skies again?" She hoped she wasn’t asking too much of him.

In this day and age, there were technologies that helped, which was what Cato was using to search for Keira, but using a shapeshifter really did help. He could get around without being noticed.

Ajax nodded and stood immediately. He walked around the table and left a soft kiss on Chiara’s cheek before continuing out of the doors. The Gamma watched his movements, her brows furrowed. When Ajax was quiet, she was always concerned.

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The shapeshifter left the meeting, his thoughts darkening the longer Keira hadn’t been found. It reminded him of the time he’d been a prisoner at the hunter’s compound, and he didn’t need an overactive imagination to know what the young princess was probably going through. They all knew it was the Order, and they had the same mindset from years before.

"Dad?" Ajax stopped as his youngest daughter called out to him. He had the sudden urge to keep her close to his chest. The shapeshifter squished her into a crushing hug.

"Too… tight!" Sora patted on her dad’s back. Ajax loosened his grip but didn’t let go. She snuggled into his chest a little more, understanding her dad was in one of those moods. He was the fluffiest, soppiest dad who would do anything to bring a smile to his children’s faces, but there were times when he couldn’t hide some of the darkness within him.

This was one of those times. Sora didn’t question it as she let him hold her for longer than she’d normally allow. "I’m so glad you’re safe," he whispered, squeezing her tightly again before releasing and staring at her.

"Dad… I want to help," Sora stated. She held her breath after seeing how much her words crushed him.

"I can’t let you do that." Ajax shook his head, squeezing her shoulder in a comforting manner.

"Why not?!" Sora scowled. All she wanted to do was help! "My friend is out there dealing with Goddess knows what! I should be soaring through the skies with you, searching for her!"

"And how would your old man feel if you got captured too, eh?" Rhea’s heels clicked against the marble floors as she stopped by the father and daughter. She’d been leaning against the wall, allowing them to have their moment, but then Sora had to try to act like a hero and ask her dad something that would make him worried about her.

Ajax grinned, though it wasn’t his usual smile. "Keira would be happier knowing you two are safe than out there searching for her, don’t you think?"

That did sound like her. But when the fuck did Rhea always follow what her bestie did? Still, Ajax’s words did douse out some of that fire, straightening Sora’s back and glimmering in her eyes.

"Come on… She’d rather us be chilling than losing sleep and looking like shit. It would only make her feel worse when she returns," Rhea added, watching further as the fire that had been burning brightly within her friend was slowly dimming. "Besides, your dad’s the best at what he does. No offence… but a blackbird can’t keep up with a hawk. You’re better at spying…"

Sora nodded along. "She’s right." Ajax then looked to Rhea gratefully. "Why don’t you go back to the guest room and put one of those scary movies you like on?"

"Alright," Sora sighed, accepting her dad’s hug again before he walked away, his back quivering slightly, meaning he was close to shifting.

Rhea took Sora’s hand and tugged her away from the hallway and towards the famous library all the Cross children loved. Sora frowned at her friend. This wasn’t the way to the guest room.

Once Ajax was out of sight, Rhea turned around, closed the library door behind her and grinned. "Wanna do some recon of our own?"

Sora’s eyes widened. "Really?!"

"You saw what happened… I think we should speak with Kodi."

Sora’s smile dropped. "What? Why?"

"You saw his reaction. That rogue is going to do his own thing to find her. I don’t know if it’s out of some sadistic part of him that liked to bully Keira because of her royal roots or if it’s something more. But I get the feeling he’s more resourceful than we all realise."

Sora flopped back against the door, crossing her arms. "He’s definitely suspicious, but how the hell would we find him?" The school had been on lockdown since Keira’s disappearance, but it would open again soon. The girls knew Kodi Black wasn’t going to be there.

Rhea smirked. "He’s a rogue… Where do all rogues go to get information?"

Sora stared at her, her mind blank. "I honestly don’t know. Do you?"

"You’re forgetting who my mum is…" Rhea trailed off, and Sora’s mind pinged with the realisation that Esme Snow could help.