4. Mysterious female wolf

Keith

I walk down the sterile hallway of the healing quarters, my boots clicking against the linoleum floor as I move toward the room of the Blue Rock packs Alpha’s daughter, Hope's.

I’d already had a word with Oliver, the young warrior got a bit overzealous during training. He was adequately remorseful and gearing up for his extra cleaning duties for his lack of self control.

The hit wasn't life threatening, still, I wanted to check on the female myself.

The scent of antiseptic hits my nose, but there's something else mixed in with it. Something sharp, sweet, intoxicating—like jasmine on a breeze, with a hint of pine.

That scent... I know it.

My wolf perks up, moving to the edge of my skin with a frantic excitement.

It's the second time he's reacted this way in the span of minutes.

It's intoxicating, haunting in its evasiveness.

And it's right inside this door.

I pause outside of the room, my fingers brushing the cold metal handle, and I let the alien feeling of dread settle into my chest.

Something about today feels different, like the world is about to shift.

I can’t shake the feeling, like the rumble of thunder before a rainstorm or the silence before a battle.

I’ve never let fear stop me, never let it's claws sink deep enough to affect my choices and I wouldn't stop now.

With a steadying breath I twist the knob, and step inside.

I expected to see Alpha Clinton or at the very least one of the warriors that accompanied the Blue Rock packs Alpha. What I didn't expect to see is an empty room.

My wolf growls with a frustration I can't quite understand.

It’s pristine, the bed made neatly, the sheets untouched. I frown, my heart quickening as I sniff the air and inhale the traces of the honeyed scent mingling with the scent of the Alpha and a few others.

I stalk over to the mattress noting how it gets stronger where her body would have lain.

The strange urge to press my face into the sheets and suffocate myself in the fading traces of her scent causes my limbs to shake.

What the fuck is happening to me?

I push aside the odd reaction and refocus on the present.

I was told she’d still be here. A momentary flicker of unease runs through me.

Why would she leave?

The longer I stand in the room the clearer the scent becomes. It's as if it's pushing itself in front of the others, reaching for me. Overpowering.

Reminding me of its importance.

The connection slams into me certainly.

The jasmine-pine blend I’d caught earlier when a car passed by me outside. This was it. It had lingered in the air as if the driver had been waiting just for me.

The female from the Blue Rock pack is quickly forgotten as a tug pulls from somewhere deep inside of me.

I can find her later. She is probably with her father anyway.

I take a deep breath, wanting to sustain myself on the sweet fragrance filling my lungs, and immediately mind-link my guards at the gates.

Find out who just left the premises.

Normally, only mates pairs would have access to each other's minds but my Lycan blood allowed me to create a deep bond with my pack. One that made us as formidable as the rumors said.

Not only were we bonded through a pack link like other packs but I was able to sense their emotions and speak to them as well.

Jace, my head warriors, voice flows across my mind.

The Blue rock female, Hope. She is being escorted back to her territory on her father's orders.

I swallow hard. So it is her. A mixture of trepidation and a ridge of anger disturbing my usual peace.

Was she injured more than I thought?

Did she appear to be hurt? I asked Jace.

Not that I noticed, Alpha. Should I send someone to retrieve her?

Not necessary.

I quickly leave the healing room and head down to the private cabin I assigned to the BlueRock Alpha and his partner.

I need answers and he is going to be the one to give them to me.

As I walk along the path, my beta and best friend, Linc, materializes beside me, matching my pace.

“What's wrong?” He asks without preamble.

“Nothing,”

“Ah, so we're starting the day with lies.”

I huff. “Nothing life threatening.” I amend.

Though if this is what I suspect it will alter a few lives, namely mine.

“And we're rushing to the Blue Rock Alpha’s quarters because?” he pushes, unwilling to drop the subject.

I halt in my tracks. I don't keep secrets from Linc.

Being at odds with your beta is the quickest way to destroy a pack.

“I smelled something. A female.” Jace's hazel eyes reflected his confusion so I continued. “it stores something in me.”

“The bond?” Jace said with incredulity.

“I’m not sure but my wolf won't let it go.”

“What does Alpha Clin— his daughter,” Jace surmised putting this pieces together.

I nod confirming.

His large hand claps me on the shoulder, a broad smile on his face. “Well what are we waiting for? Let's go get your female.”

“Never would have pegged you for the romantic type,” I teased to hide what he called hope my female did to my insides.

“Romantic no,” he shrugs a rounded shoulder. “But I am aware of how much you wanted to avoid the barrage of females getting ready to throw themselves at you at the banquet. What better way to do it than to start your ascension by annoying your mate.”

“ Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's just… a peculiarity that's all.”

Memories of last nights nightmare, of sweating and gasping for breath I ran for her, heart pounding in my chest? The female I’ve seen fall from a cliff, the one I’ve leapt after—again and again, every time—no matter the consequences, fill my mind.

She was—is mine. I know it.

That curling feeling in my chest grows. Like a tether squeezing my heart yanking me west in the direction of the Black Rock packs.

Could it be?

Hope.

The name reverberates in my mind.

I didn't get a good look at her when she first arrived, a mistake I need to rectify.

My wolf growls and thrashes pushing me to take action.

He wants to chase her.

“Keith?” Jace asks, concerned.

Shit I must have spaced out again.

“I’m fine. Let's go,” I say walking with haste to Alpha Clinton's quarters.

Jace follows, silent though I know he has questions.

When we reach Alpha Clinton’s sweet partner, Karen opens the door with a smile on her face. I know it's meant to be inviting but something about the female displeases my wolf.

“Alpha Keith. What a pleasure.” She says amicably.

“I don't mean to disturb you,” I say deciding politeness is the best course of action. “I was wondering if Clinton was available to speak.”

She waves her hand as if to wave away my concern. “It's no bother. He's right this way,” she says, leading me into the sitting room.

Jace follows, giving the older female a curt nod.

I still don't understand what Clinton is doing with her, his voice projects in my head.

Neither do I. I heard Luna was beloved. Not sure how he ended up with Karen.

I didn't have a problem with Karen but I could see how much she desired status. The fact that Clinton couldn't always felt odd to me.

Rumor is she bewitched him.

I resisted the laughter building in my throat.

Alpha Clinton stood up when we entered the room.

“Keith, what brings you by? I know there must be much to do before your ascension.”

“I was headed to the healing building to check on your daughter but it appears as if she left. Is everything alright?”

I older Alpha nodded. “Hope is fine. Thank you for checking up on her. It's my other daughter, Tessa, who was in need of her sister so she left early to be with her. Hope send her regards for not because ng able to stay for the ceremony.”

My instincts prickle. I doubt I am receiving the full story but I feel no ill intention coming from Clinton so I let it slide.

“Of course. She should be with her sister if she needs her.”

“She is a good girl,” Clinton said fondly.

I give him a nod. “I look forward to seeing you and Karen tonight.”

Before I leave, the same jasmine and pine scent flows into my nostrils.

I search for the source, noticing a folded sweater on the back of a chair.

I have to clench my fist to keep from reaching for it. From holding it close and inhaling her scent.

My eyes blow wide when I spit a picture above it.

On the mantelpiece there is a family photo of Clinton and his daughters.

And right in the center is her.

The woman I’ve been dreaming of for months now? The woman who has haunted my nightmares and kept me awake at night.

I shake my head, trying to clear it as I walk out with Jace on my heels.

I’ve always dismissed it, chalked it up to coincidence. But the scent... the way it’s latched onto me, that’s not a coincidence.

Neither is the face staring back at me.

Find her. My wolf growled.

There was nothing more I wanted. But I had a duty to perform.

After my ascension, I promised.