3

I’m in the woods running when I smell her again. That scent is so alluring my wolf sped up trying to locate her. Just up ahead there she was. My dream angel. Her solid white fur, the purple swirls matching my own blue ones a contrast to the evergreen forest.

She knows I am here, she looks my way, then takes off. She enjoys the cat and mouse game as much as I do. I keep going until I almost get her. This time she doesn’t disappear. There is a beautiful woman standing there stroking her fur.

“Hello Dominic. We have been waiting for you.”

“Who are you? Why are you both in my dreams?”

“My child, I am Serene. I have heard your cries for a mate. One of your own. However, now is not the time to discuss this. You must go back; you must save the missing females. Things are much worse than they appear! Call all the packs, spread the word, Dominic. They will rely on you. The wolf in your dreams was the first taken. You must save her.”

I started to feel as if I’m being sucked away. I wanted more answers.

Beep... Beep... Beep....

As I try to open my eyes I am blinded by the bright light. I know I’m not dead by the beeping of the heart monitor. The last thing I remembered was Elizabeth’s scream as Liza’s dragon bit down, just before swallowing her whole. Good she deserved it. How do you try to kill an infant?

My throat was dry and I tried to cough. Barely got a wheeze out when Liza’s worried face appeared.

She slapped my chest and said, “Dominic Baine, I swear if you fucking scare me like that again it won’t be death by silver. I will kill you bring you back just to kill you again. Do you understand?”

I tried to chuckle but my throat was too dry so it came out as a cough.

“Oh shoot let me get you some water.”

She hurried to the sink filling up one of those cheap plastic cups, and quickly returned. She helped me as I greedily drank every drop.

“It’s only been a night woman.” I finally managed to get out.

“No. It’s been a month. The blade was silver but it was laced with poison. Alaric has been beside himself.”

There was a loud bang down the hall then heavy foot prints getting closer. Speaking of the ass.

“Couldn’t have given me a few more minutes could ya?”

She just smirked as I waited for the ogre to enter. He ran in and just like Liza, punch my arm. I winced as the pain radiated to my ribs.

“Damn asshole, what's up with you two hitting a man while he’s down.” I teased.

“Well, should have thought about that before you scared us. We didn’t think you’d survive. There has been another female wolf go missing. It’s Aura.”

My sister was taken. I could feel the rage building as the machine started beeping crazily. Ignoring the pain, I quickly ripped every wire and tube off my body. I look straight to Liza knowing it’s time.

“Liza, it’s time to gather the council. Serene visited me while I was out. She said this was just the beginning.”

They both shared a shocked glance before she nodded. They left me to get dressed. We needed to figure this out and fast.

I grabbed my phone and called my Beta Johnathan. My wolf was still sleeping so mind link wasn’t an option.

“Finally, you’re awake Alpha. I am sorry I failed. They took her when she was out hunting. The stench I will never forget. All we could smell all around us was rotting flesh.”

“Johnathan, I know you would have fought till the death to protect my sister. I am calling you because I need you to call all the Alphas. No pack is to be left out. We are calling a council meeting about the missing females; we need them here as of yesterday.”

“Yes Alpha.”

With that I hung up and walked towards the castle. I quickly ran and scooped up my nephew when I seen his tiny smile form as he tried to walk to me. Ruffling his hair, I placed my forehead against his breathing him in. I am so glad he is safe.

“Hey there munchkin. Uncle Dom missed you.”

He just looked up at me and smiled. We snuck into the kitchen and I placed him in his chair. Quickly looking around for Liza, when I know it’s clear I grab the chocolate and we dig in.

“DOMINIC! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING MISTER?” Liza yelled smilingly.

I scooped up Aero and made a run for it.

“MINE! Chocolate is great for breakfast momma! Find us if you can.”

Aero’s laughter made the get away more determined. Jumping behind the bushes we settled in to finish our chocolaty feast.

“I know buddy. Be very quiet so mommy doesn’t find us.” I whispered.

This little guy will make you feel like a big kid again. I love my nephew so much, but he’s starting to give me baby fever. I want what my brother has so bad. Why can’t the moon goddess just give me a second chance mate already. I can hear Liza coming down the cobblestone walkway.

“Dominic, come on you over sized toddler. We have to get the guest house ready for all these guests.” She says laughing.

“Fine. You win this time.” I chuckled.

We exit our hiding spot and she sighs at the now chocolate covered munchkin in my arms.

“I will go help Alaric then I am going for a run to clear my head. That vision while I was out is still lingering.” I say sadly.

Alaric and I quickly get the rooms prepared. I still cannot believe how quickly everyone will arrive. Nor the actually number of female wolves missing. So far there have been 90 females ranging from 25 years old to 6 years old. We must find out who is taking our women. I am growing more and more restless waiting for this meeting to begin, I really need to run.

“Alaric, bro. Are we done for today? My wolf really needs to be let out.”

“Yea Dom go ahead. Our first guests will arrive in 8 hours. Your pack should be here in half an hour. I can put them on cooking detail. Go blow off some steam.”

The moon sits high above in the sky, and for a brief moment I am lost in its beauty. I quickly strip and take off towards the waterfalls. I have been going to that spot for past few days now. Something keeps calling me there. I take my usual spot at the top of the falls just staring at the moonlight.

“Serene, what am I suppose to do? How can I even begin to find the missing females? Why would someone want that many?”

As usual silence. Damn what do I have to do, almost get killed again for her to respond.

“Serene! DO YOU HEAR ME CALLING TO YOU! I NEED HELP, POINT ME IN THE RIFHT DIRECTION! SEEERRREEENNNEE!!”

Of course, silence.

I drift off to sleep when I am suddenly awakened by the awful scent of death. I noticed just below on one of the trees, now sported a note with what appears to be fresh blood. Quickly look around for whoever could have placed the note. Not having any luck, I link Alaric.

"Bro, come to waterfalls on the eastern borders. I dozed off but someone was here. They left a bloody note on one of the trees.”