The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 27

"Alpha Ryker!"I see one of my best warriors, Leon, racing toward me. 

"Leon," I greet him. 

"Alpha Ryker, we have some good news and some bad news. First, we picked up Astrid's scent in the city. It's faint, but it's her. The bad news is we haven't found her yet, but with this lead, we'll hopefully have your mate home soon," he says. So what would Astrid be doing in the city? She doesn't know anyone there.

"Excellent, Leon. I'll join you in the city. Show me where you picked up her scent," I command. 

"I'll get Seth to drive us. It would be quicker in wolf form, but we can't look for her naked," Leon points out. Nodding, I mind-link Seth to get the car. On the way there, I'm hopeful we'll find her. I should have her back in my arms today. I want to inhale her scent, feel the sparks between us, and taste her lips.

We split up when we arrive in the city. It's her scent, but it's so faint that we can't follow it. So, I decided we'll spend the day in the city looking for her.

Mind-linking Leon and Seth, I tell them: Maybe she is working in a shop? It might be worth looking in the stores for her. I enter hundreds of stores. There is no sign of her, and I can't trace her scent anywhere else.

Nightfall nears when Seth mind-links me and says he'll stay the night in the city to keep searching. Leon drives me back to the house for food and rest, promising to return in the morning when we will take over from Seth.

It's an arduous drive home. I was so sure we would find Astrid today. Finally, arriving, Alice opens the front door. 

"Alpha Ryker, I want to apologise for this morning. Unfortunately, I was out of line. I hope you'll forgive me," she says. I can't be bothered arguing with her. Forgiveness is easier. 

"I forgive you, Alice, if you accept Astrid as your Luna," Alice pauses in thought and nods. 

"Of course, Alpha," she says with a hesitant smile.

'I made a special dinner for you tonight, Alpha," she says.

She was gesturing to the food on the table. I sat at the table and ate alone. Everyone else ate and left before I got home. After eating, I feel unnaturally tired.

"Alpha, you look tired. 

May I suggest you rest for the night?" Alice says. I nod, making my way to my room-everything in my room sways. I grab onto the armchair and sit down. Kicking my shoes off, I wait for the swaying to stop. My door creaks open. 

"Is someone there?" I ask, squinting at the figure I can barely make out.

"It's me!"She says. 

"Astrid? Is that you?" I ask and try to stand, but my balance is off. I feel a hand gently press against my chest. 

"Sit down, Ryker. I'm here now. I'll take care of you," she whispers. She straddles herself on my lap. 

"Astrid, you came back." 

I try to stand. 

"Vanessa! Astrid hasn't had her first shift yet. She can't mark me even if she wanted to!"I yell in anger and fall to the ground.

"What have you done to me?" I yell. 

"Ryker, please! Astrid is not coming back. I'm doing you and the pack a favour!"She yells. I try to mind-link Leon and Kane, but I can't connect. 

"Did you poison me?" I ask. 

"Not exactly," she says. I try to crawl towards my door. But unfortunately, I'm about to lose consciousness and fall into darkness before getting to it. 

"He is too heavy, mum. We can't even roll him," Vanessa says. I squint, letting my eyes adjust. I haven't moved from my spot on the floor.

My head is pounding, and nausea creeps over me. I mind-link Leon and Kane for help. I'm still groggy but can see clearer. 

"Quick, do it now, Vanessa!"Alice yells, shoving Vanessa toward me.

Vanessa straddles me and bares her fangs over my neck. I want to push her off, but Alice hits me across the head with a heavy object. Her fangs caress my nape when Leon and Kane barge in and pull her off me.