By the time our people got set up and got the drones going, it was early morning. The Wild Tail territory is pretty expansive, and it would take a while to get the footage we need. We are recording the footage, but the men on the ground are also checking the footage live. We are trying to find where the cabin is, as well as where the guards are throughout the territory. I barely slept during the night, extremely anxious about my mate. I know I need to rest up and be prepared to get her back, but it’s hard to be without my mate right now. Lennox chose to take over morning training, and I’m grateful for that. I don’t think I could be focused on training, and I’m not skilled enough to take Zahara’s spot. I go through the day in a funk. I try to focus on some of the work that Zahara had on her desk, but it is all Greek to me. I have been training with Luna Amara and then Alpha Byron. I know some of the ins and outs of running a pack, but I could use a lot m

~Laslo~ My anger is taking over, and I can feel Zahara’s breath leave her. I could snap her neck right now and end her life. A part of me would be satisfied if I were to do so, but the bigger part of me needs her by my side. I use my free hand and stroke Zahara’s face while I squeeze tighter with my other hand. I feel Zahara’s body go limp in my hand, and I let her fall to the floor. A warrior walks up to us and injects Zahara as she lies on the ground. Another warrior is carrying Nona’s limp body down the hallway. This is not how I wanted things to go. I definitely didn’t think that I would be found. They were smart enough to fly drones over my territory, and I feel stupid not considering that to be a possibility. I follow the warriors out of the cabin, and we make our way across the forest. “Did you get the two that the elders left?” “Yes, sir, they are enroute as well.” I nod in acknowledgment and watch my group head out to my

~Zahara~ “Where are the elders' spies?” “I left them in the cells.” “Do you think that was wise?” “What else would you have me do, mother? They had to be somewhere they couldn't contact the elders, and it’s best if they stay out of sight.” “Watch your tongue. You may be the Alpha, but I’m still your mother.” My head is pounding, and the loud voices are not helping the situation. I move slightly, and there is nothing but hard ground under me. Wherever I am, I’m sure it is not even close to being comfortable; forget about luxury. I try to move my arms, but they are tied at the wrist. I go to move my legs, but they are tied at the ankle. “I wouldn’t bother; you won’t be able to get free.” I adjust my body so I’m lying on my side. I don’t make a sound while I do so, even though I’m in a good amount of pain. “Nothing to say? You weren't so tight-lipped when you were telling me how much you’d rather die than be with me.”

We make it there in record time. A warrior is at the backdoor of the packhouse, holding out shorts for myself and Lennox. We grab the shorts, placing them on as we walk. We are led up the stairs and to an office that has been torn apart. My warriors made good work looking for any and everything that could be hidden here. “Cory?” I look up and into the eyes of a man I haven’t seen in a long time. He could have been a second dad to me if he had been given the opportunity to do so. He was always sent away on diplomatic missions, and I always suspected that was because it was found out that he was trying to help me with food, chores, and anything else he may think I needed. “Beta Cyrus.” He grabs me and engulfs me in a bear hug. I haven’t laid eyes on him for so long, and he was truly missed. “When I heard you were gone, I hoped that wasn’t true. I hoped that you had gotten away from your horrible family and found a better life for yourself.” Cyrus

Time went by fast but slowly at the same time. I tried to sleep and eat, but the anxiety of what's to come took over. I'm beyond ready to start this because I will have my mate back when it's over. I will be able to breathe again once I get my mate back. I head downstairs and out the door to meet with everyone else. Lennox is waiting for me with Elder Langston, Beta Cyrus, and a bunch of our warriors. We have a plan and are ready to go with it. It will take us about 45 minutes to get to the area of caves. We plan to travel in three groups and come from different angles. The plan is to take the site with as little bloodshed as possible. The only blood I want spilling is Laslo's, and I want to take care of it myself. We divide into groups, and half of us in each group shift into our wolves. The rest of us get on all-terrain vehicles to back us up. They will stop a bit away from the area and pick up anyone who tries to flee. We start to run, and I