by Reese Morgan
She knew that. She was afraid of the same thing. “You know what Cole means to me,” she tried to reason. “I’m the only one who can track him quickly. You and the others need to continue Cole’s earlier plans of meeting Adolf. He and the other Alphas need to know about Celeste.”
Blake rounded on her, clearly upset. “You’re not going alone with him.”
“We have no other choice,” Hayden insisted, growing just as angry.
“I will go with you.”
She scoffed. “The pack needs someone to protect them, Blake.”
“Nathan—”
“Isn’t capable of defending Fergus and Addie by himself. You know that.”
Blake shut his mouth and peered at her intently. He was deep in thought until an idea struck. “Come with us to meet Adolf. We’ll explain the situation, leave the pack with Adolf, and then you and I will rescue Cole.”
“If you want to prolong Cole’s suffering, then yes, that sounds like a great idea.” Nicolas was quick to interject, his tone scathing. “The fewer people, the higher the chances of clandestineness. Hayden needs someone who is versed in the ways of the rogues. And I need Hayden to track Cole. Two people are enough.”
If it hadn’t been clear before, it certainly was now. Nicolas had somehow known that Hayden and Cole were life mates. She wondered when and how he’d known.
Blake drew her attention by nodding animatedly, as if he agreed full-heartedly with Nicolas. But his sarcastic compliance fell way to quick anger. He lunged at Nicolas and had the man pinned against the kitchen island, a strong forearm pressed against his vulnerable neck.
Nicolas merely endured it, his expression blank, and his eyes steadfast. Hayden shifted uncomfortably, knowing Nicolas could retaliate just as savagely.
“Celeste may be the mastermind behind this, but it hadn’t slipped our minds that you haven’t explained your part in all this.” Blake’s amber eyes were dilated and his breathing was ragged. “What you’ve done to Cole, to Addie, to all of us is inexcusable. Cole would never forgive me if I entrusted his life mate to you.”
“Blake,” Hayden started desperately, but she was at a loss for words. She couldn’t fault him.
“We’re wasting time.” Nicolas shoved at Blake, but Blake pressed into him even harsher. “I have no interest in hurting her. She is useful.”
That only seemed to enrage Blake further. The beta pressed his forearm into Nicolas’ throat and curled his other hand around the back of the man’s neck. He squeezed tightly. “She is our Alpha and very important to us. If any harm comes to her while in your protection, I will do everything in my power to make you suffer.”
“You aren’t seriously considering letting her go!” Nathan interjected.
“Let them go.”
Hayden and the others turned to the unlikely voice. Addie slowly moved out from behind Nathan, her mouth set into a stern line. She avoided Nicolas fervently and only looked at Hayden.
“I remember when Xavier and Marie were apart. It was impossible to keep them separated and content. Hayden would leave doubtless of our interference.”
“But Cole and Hayden aren’t mated,” Nathan growled.
Pushing off from the kitchen counter, Hayden approached the middle of the kitchen, her mind made up. All the uncertainties and speculations were abruptly tossed from her conscience. “No, we aren’t.” She adjusted her coat with an air of finality. “But I can still feel him and I know he needs help doubtless of who accompanies me.”
She then turned to Blake, who still had his forearm pressed into Nicolas’ throat. “I’m going,” she insisted. “And I need to know if you are capable of bringing the pack to Adolf. I need your cooperation with this, Blake.”
The beta studied her with firm resolve before sighing. Removing his hold on Nicolas, he approached Hayden and engulfed her in a hug. “We will stay with Adolf until you bring Cole back to us. Stay safe, Hayden.”
Fergus shoved past Nathan, never one to miss out on a group hug. He folded his arms around both Hayden and Blake, holding them close.
“Do you have a car to get you there?” Hayden patted Fergus on the shoulder in a consoling matter, sensing the omega’s distress.
Blake nodded. “We found a truck.”
“Stole a truck,” Fergus whispered in shame.
The beta ignored him. “We came back here to see if you or Cole showed up. I’m glad we did.” He eyed Nicolas, who had transformed back into his wolf and was making his way to the exit of the cabin. “We’ll leave as soon as you do.”
Addie stopped in Hayden’s line of sight. “Bring Cole back to us.” She leaned into Hayden’s arms and embraced her firmly. “Keep your eyes open and take care of yourself.”
When Hayden faced Nathan, the man simply folded his arms over his chest, warding off any attempt of a hug. Nonetheless, his face did soften marginally and he nodded his farewell.
“We will try to contact you as soon as we retrieve Cole.” She looked at each of them and smiled sadly. “We’ll see each other soon.”
Nodding confidently, Hayden moved past the pack, reluctant to stay behind any longer. It was difficult to leave them, but even more difficult to stay separated from Cole in such dire circumstances.
As she escaped into the frigid night, she spied Nicolas in the front yard, his dark pelt contrasting sharply with the snow-covered grounds. He sat on his haunches and gazed at her expectantly. It took her only a moment to realize he was waiting for her to lead the way.
Forcing away her uncertainties and worries, Hayden gathered her strength and inhaled deeply. She stood next to Nicolas and closed her eyes. Angling her head towards the heavens, she focused on Cole and their weak, battered link.
Still cloaked behind a murky wall, Cole’s presence was relatively easy to pinpoint. Hayden enveloped herself with memories of Cole, driving everything else aside but him. As a result of her frenzied concentration, the link seemed to strengthen. Unfortunately, with the stronger link came echoes of pain from his side of the bond. She swallowed past her hysteria and turned her body in his direction.
Though he probably couldn’t feel it, Hayden channeled strength and reassurance through their link. She would find him, doubtless of who stood in her way. And for the first time, Hayden understood Cole’s change of heart regarding their bond. He claimed he never wanted that chance to slip through his fingers, the chance of seeing where fate would take them, of seeing what they could accomplish together.
Not only did she understand it, but she also felt the same.
Gathering her courage, Hayden opened her eyes and began traveling south.
End of Book Two