CHAPTER 11

Darius

I returned to my palace, and to my surprise, there was a sense of panic all over. My wolf grunted as I had a gut feeling it was about Aurora. I saw Raven pacing around, so I called out to her.

“Raven! What’s all the fuss about?” I snapped. She averted my gaze, and she slowly bent one of her knees in respect.

“Forgive me, my Alpha..I seemed to have lost Aurora.” She hesitantly replied. My wolf hissed in anger. It wanted to lash out and smack her on her face. I had to clench my fists to cool it down. Raven was one of my strongest warriors. She was the only one I could trust with the safety of Aurora. My eyes darkened in annoyance.

“I entrusted Aurora’s life in your care, but... You failed me, Raven,” I grunted. She looked up to me like a child looking up to her parents with tears in her eyes. 

“My Alpha-” Raven replied with a sympathetic look. I dismissed her hurriedly as I rushed out. 

Moments later, Cameron rushed out to meet me. “My Alpha, I’m so sorry, I take full responsibility.” He respectfully bowed to me. I can’t dismiss him as he’s my Alpha, also we were together. Hence, there was no way he could have done anything to stop it.

I let a deep sigh as I glanced at him. “It’s not your fault, Cameron..right now, the most important thing is to get her back. Contact all the soldiers at the border patrol; no one should be allowed out of the kingdom. Also, I need you here to handle the search in case she comes back.”

“We will get her back, Alpha. I’m sure she hasn’t gone far.” Cameron tried to comfort me. But my heartbeat kept racing. “She’s still new to the area…I wonder where she’s off to?” I mumbled quietly to myself.

A million thoughts ran through my head simultaneously. Could it be a rival gang? Could it be a power move? Did Damon try to capture her back?” So many questions. My wolf grunted in restlessness as I pondered what could be the reason for the disappearance.

Suddenly, my wolf became fully alert. All my senses were highly sensitive. My wolf became tuned in as it can pick up a familiar scent. The scent was subtle, but it still had the allure that was mistaken.

“This Aurora’s scent.” My wolf quietly agreed. Since I met Aurora, her scent was unique from all other she-wolves. It wasn’t too strong and repelling, yet it had a signature scent soft like morning dew. 

It was simply too irresistible to forget. My wolf signaled that we followed the scent as it grew stronger with each step I took.

I quickened my footsteps as I followed the direction that led to the shady parts of the city. “ What will Aurora be doing here?” I mumbled to myself. Yet, I remained focused till I found her first safe and sound.

After a long walk, I reached a lonely alley, and it became quieter as the overcast of the sun was clearly visible. From my peripheral vision, I could see four burly men who looked shady. They were chasing a young girl who had features with Aurora.

“Aah!” I heard her painful scream. I could no more restrain my wolf than I could restrain my transformation. The scent of blood lingering in the air made me lose all control of my wolf as we tore their limbs without hesitating. Starting with the one who seemed to be their gang leader, who stared at her lustfully, which infuriated me and my wolf.

“Please-” he tried to beg, but we weren’t listening. I tore out the hands that tried to touch her out of its socket.

I didn’t spare the rest as I used my sharp claws to tear their flesh apart. My wolf finally calmed down, and I transformed back to my human form. I rushed to her side, but she was unconscious.

“Aurora…Aurora?” I called out to her while I drew her body towards me. She had minor bruises on her knees, but she remained relatively unharmed. \

My breath was caught in my throat. My wolf whimpered in sadness as I stayed anxious. I placed my ear on her chest. Luckily, I could still hear some faint heartbeats, which brought some relief to my heart. A wave of comfort washed over me, and immediately, I picked up her petite body and rushed back to the palace. 

I got back at lightning speed, due to my rare alpha hybrid strength. The eyes of my palace guards widened in shock as they saw me holding her body in my arms. They hurried to me to pick her up, but I shook my head. I walked into the palace on my way to my inner chambers.

Raven and Cameron rushed to me to also pick her up, but I declined. “Get the healer and bring her to my room immediately!” I yelled.

They slightly nodded their heads and departed quickly. My palace warriors escorted me till I reached my chambers.

“No one enters inside except Cameron and the healer. You all stay on guard.” I instructed them. They replied, nodded in sync, and instantly positioned themselves in front of the door.

I gently dropped her on the king-size mattress. I wiped the sweat beading on her forehead. 

“Come back to me…Aurora.” I asked in a hoarse voice. I knelt beside her while I placed my hands in mine.