Page 111 of Knot So Lucky

"Why would she leave, though?" I ask, because nothing about Aurora's behavior suggested flight. "She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and clearly not feeling well. But leaving without telling anyone? That doesn't track with her personality."

Jenna mutters something that makes everyone go still.

"Do any of you have bad blood with anyone? Because the only reason Rory would ever leave without telling Cale is if she was forced. She knows he'd lose his mind if she disappeared."

The implication settles over us with horrifying clarity.

Forced.

Abduction.

"She's ten minutes from here," Cale announces, eyes still on his phone screen. "Moving. Vehicle-speed based on the rate of change."

"So she was kidnapped," I say slowly, rage beginning to simmer beneath my carefully maintained calm. "Someone took an Omega who's going into Heat right out from under our noses."

Adrian groans—a sound of pure resignation—and slowly turns to look at Luca with an expression that clearly communicatesI told you so.

"Luca..." he says, the name carrying volumes of accusation.

All eyes turn to Luca, who's suddenly looking distinctly uncomfortable under the scrutiny.

"What?" he demands defensively. "Don't fucking blame me for this."

"The threats," Adrian says flatly. "The ones you thought were a joke."

"Threats?" Cale's voice drops to that deadly calm register again. "What threats?"

Adrian's entire demeanor shifts from frustrated coordinator to serious professional.

"Follow. Now. I'll explain on the move."

We're racing down the hallway toward the side exit before I can formulate questions, adrenaline overriding the need for immediate answers in favor of action.

Adrian leads us through a service corridor I didn't know existed, past storage rooms and equipment cages, to an unmarked exit that opens onto a loading area.

A black van is pulling up as we burst through the door—completely unmarked, windows tinted beyond legal limits, moving with the kind of purposeful efficiency that screams professional operation.

The back door opens before we reach it, revealing an interior that looks more like a mobile command center than a vehicle.

Agents in black tactical gear. Walls lined with computer screens displaying maps, data feeds, and communication channels. Equipment that probably costs more than most people's houses.

Adrian orders them without hesitation, voice carrying authority I wouldn't have expected from his mild-mannered coordinator persona.

"Track Aurora Lane. Her tracker information is on Mr. Hart's phone."

Cale doesn't ask questions. Doesn't demand explanations for why Adrian apparently has access to what looks like a private intelligence operation.

He just passes his phone to the nearest agent and hops into the van with the kind of calm that suggests this isn't his first experience with kidnapping situations.

Luca climbs in after him, already explaining in rapid-fire sentences.

"I got threats before the race. Anonymous messages saying I'd better withdraw or there would be consequences. But it's not racing-related—it's connected to some business dealings my family's involved in."

"Well, clearly it's racing-related now," I snap, hauling myself into the van and watching Adrian and the last agent follow. "Seeing as they just kidnapped your new racing partner."

Jenna appears at the door, looking torn between wanting to help and knowing she'd be useless in whatever's about to happen.

"What should I do?" she asks, directing the question at Cale.