Sold To The Untouchable Alpha novel Chapter 48

[Ivan's POV]

The feeling of the sun's rays dancing along my skin roused me from my first nightmareless dream since going to war. I suppose I could thank Arissa for that. I was sure it was the comfort of having her beside me that kept them away.

Letting out a sigh, I rolled over and reached out into emptiness.

Confused, I opened my eyes and took in the empty bed beside me.

Where the hell had she gone and how long ago was it that she left?

Sitting up, I placed my hand on the sheet where she laid and sniffed the air. It seemed it was quite some time now. All her warmth was gone and her scent barely lingered.

"Damn woman." I grumbled, getting out of bed and stretching. "Think you can use me and run. Think again."

Throwing on a robe, I made my way out and towards Arissa's room.

Outside my room the halls were abuzz with motion and nervous energy that instantly put me on alert.

Looking around, I grabbed the maid that was closest to me, causing her eyes to widen and her face to pale with fear.

"M-master…" She stammered, looking around for help. "H-how can I h-help you?"

"What is going on out here?" I demanded in anger.

I didn't know why, but I was beginning to develope a bad feeling about this. Whatever was happening was clearly something that was going to set me off. This woman's reaction said as much.

"W-well…" She began only to stop when Christine rushed forward with a frantic look on her face.

"MASTER!" She yelled, rushing forward and grabbing my arm. "YOU MUST COME IMMEDIATELY!"

Feeling my stomach drop, I released the maid I was holding and allowed Christine to lead me away and towards the infirmary.

"What is going on, Christine?" I asked once we arrived at our destination. "Who is here?"

I didn't think it was Arissa since I wasn't catching her scent, but I didn't quite recognize the scent I was picking up either.

"It is Elder Theodore." Christine puffed. "He is demanding the capture of Arissa!"

"On what grounds?" I hissed, controlling the urge to break down the door that was separating me and that old man.

"You'll have to see for yourself." Christine sighed, grabbing the door's handle and turning it.

I remained in place as inside the room came into view.

Hans was busy dressing and cleaning wounds on Elder Theodore who sat atop an examination table looking all sorts of disgruntled.

Moving slowly, I waited until the old man's enraged gaze found me before saying a word.

"There was a broken window where we found the elder." Hans reported, finishing his task. "We found some blood left on the glass and a few strands of blonde hair."

"What?" I hissed, tearing my gaze away from Elder Theodore and fixing it on Hans. "You said you found evidence of escape?"

Keeping my calm mask in place was becoming difficult as Hans' words sunk in. Arissa was actually gone? Where could she even go?

"Hans you come with me." I ordered, turning and storming out of the room. "Carina, help the elder back to his quarters."

"Ivan!" Carina wailed, rushing forward and attempting to grab me. "Where are you going at a time like this?"

"That doesn't concern you." I growled, shooting a glare at her.

Taking the hint, Carina backed down and remained in place as I exited the room with Hans in tow.

"Alpha," Hans murmured once we were out of earshot. "Do you believe Arissa was actually responsible for the attack?"

"No," I snapped, turning and grabbing Hans' shoulder. "I don't and right now I need you to show me that window."

If anyone else was involved, there should have been a trace of their essence. If I could pick up on it, I could figure out who Elder Theodore and Carina were helping.

Not many were aware of my ability to detect essences and in this moment I found myself relieved for that. If the others knew I probably wouldn't stand a chance of finding Arissa before it was too late.