Page 93 of A Second Chance for the Beta

“Very well.” Aloysius is back to smiling dashingly, and I make sure to return it. “Do you want to do that here or go back to your pack? We can meet when you know more.”

Unfortunately, I can’t leave this place before I’ve gotten my answers. “I’d like to stay,” I say. “But I want one of my own guards with me.”

“Was Julianus’s service not to your satisfaction?” he asks a hint of venom in his voice.

Wow, I could totally throw anyone under the bus here, but I have an inkling that I might need one person here to talk to. I don’t trust Julianus at all, but the way he reacted earlier, the short moment of him showing he was upset, was interesting and worth digging into. “No, he is fine. But I want someone I know around me. I’m sure you understand.”

“I do,” Aloysius says. “Make your call, Beta Ella. And we will have the person of your choice picked up.”

thirty

Plotting

*DANTE*

I’mashamedtoadmitI lost my cool for more than a minute. The moment the luna called Liam and told him that they were attacked and that Ella is missing, it felt like the world stopped spinning. I was close to shifting and running to them to see for myself.

My urge to find Ella and save her was stronger than anything else.

Liam managed to hold me back. He made me calm down and see reason. Ella won’t need me going berserk here like an idiot, and through our bond I don’t feel any pain. She seems to be well. Not that this lessens my immense hatred against this hitmen group… and against the vampire asshole who hired them.

Fortunately, Alpha Marcellus, Lord Silas, and Ella managed to capture some of the attackers, so I have at least a chance to get rid of some of my pent-up anger.

“I am sorry,” I mutter towards Liam.

“Don’t mention it,” he says. “It’s not like I would have reacted any better.” He furrows his brows, anger flashing in his eyes. “I can’t believe they dared to attack Annalise. Those fuckers are going to pay.”

“They will,” I add grimly, cold anger filling me. Compared to the panic I felt before, I’m much calmer this time. I want to rip everyone apart who even dared to lay their finger on my mate. And if they dare to harm her, I will bring each and every one of them down.

For the next couple of hours, Liam, Aryanna, and I try to gather as much information as we can while waiting for Luna Annalise to return. To our surprise, Liam informs me that she will return with company. Raffy and Jun are with her as expected, but also… Silas, one of the renowned vampire lords and co-leader of Sunset Hills.

“Why is he accompanying the luna?” I ask Liam.

“I have no idea,” he says. “Annalise just linked me and told me he would come along. She thinks we will need him.”

It’s only a few minutes later that three cars halt in front of the packhouse. Two of them are transporting the prisoners, and we have them taken to the dungeons instantly. They are all still out of it, making transferring them much easier. In the last car, I spot Annalise, Jun and Raffy, and Silas. I have only met him a few times when I accompanied Liam to Sunset Hills Pack.

“Dante!” Annie gets out of the car and hurries towards me. She hugs me. “I’m so sorry this happened.”

“No need to apologize, Annie. This is not your fault,” I say quietly.

Annie draws back a bit. “I reassure you we searched the whole area, and there was no blood or anything.”

Liam has waited impatiently for Annie to stop consoling me before wrapping her in his arms. I can see how the tension leaves his expression now that he knows she is safe. How I wish I would be able to feel the same about my mate. But Ella is still missing.

I feel a painful churn in my chest.

I cannot lose her. I just can’t. I… she is my whole life. She gave it meaning again.

“I’m certain she wasn’t hurt,” Silas says calmly.

“How can you be so sure?” I ask shortly.

“I am certain because I’m sure my brother is behind it,” he explains. “And he is not stupid enough to attack the beta of Red Claw and go to war with the lycans.”

Liam and I exchange a surprised glance.

“It’s a long story,” Annie tells us. “Come, we need to talk somewhere privately. You need to hear what Silas told us.”