Chapter Nine: Jace

Jace

Walking back into the kitchen I see Renee is still at it plating the food with skills I will never have. I take a big inhale of the air through my nose and see that it has returned to her normal honeysuckle scent, nothing burnt to it. Though it seems to be muted then what it should be. I keep sniffing trying to figure out why that is. But the longer I do it starts to spike with the smell of anxiety. Which I do not want. Not when she was just calming. As much as I hate it, I know it's me being there causing the reaction so I once again reluctantly leave her to her work.

Thankfully this time when I walk out into the main room, no one is at each other's throats everyone is sitting in their chairs talking like normal fucking people. I return to the alphas table. I am met with a few strange looks and some raise eyebrows they want to ask but after my display earlier no one wants to voice it. As I sit down, I unbutton my suit jacket, only to realize when I ran into the kitchen I never rebuttoned it. Oh well.

I sat before the other alphas, feeling a sense of guilt and responsibility weighing heavily on my shoulders. I knew I had to apologize, to explain the situation that had led to my absence and apparent disregard for my duties as an alpha.

"I apologize for my sudden disappearance," I began, my voice steady and composed. "But I could sense that my mate was in some trouble. It was a small feeling, barely noticeable, but it was there."

The other alphas exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. "Is there anything we can do to help?" one of them asked, genuine concern evident in his voice.

At first, I didn't think there was anything they could do. But then it hit me. I didn't even know who the man with my mate was. He had been brought here in a suit, which meant someone from our pack had brought him. I had been too focused on finding him to even consider who he might be.

"I don't know who he is," I admitted, feeling a pang of guilt for not even knowing my mate's identity. "But he was in a suit, so someone who came with your pack must have brought him here. I need you all to look around and find the missing alpha."

There was a moment of silence as the other alphas processed my words. They look around. Then, Jamie spoke up. "It's Alex from the RedWood Pack who's missing," he said, his tone serious.

I felt a surge of anger go through me as I heard his name. But beneath the anger, there was something else. A feeling I couldn't quite place. Not quite pride, but definitely a sense of satisfaction.

"Thank you, Jamie," I said, trying to keep my voice calm even as my hands clenched into fists at my sides. I could tell by the way Jamie shifted and avoided eye contact that my smile was probably more threatening than friendly. But I didn't care. I needed him to understand the gravity of the situation.

"He is an ally to my pack," Jamie said carefully, clearly trying to diffuse the tension in the room. But I wasn't about to let this go.

"He hurt my mate," I stated firmly, my jaw clenching at the memory of seeing her bruised and broken in the kitchen. "He is no longer allowed here. Make sure he is removed from my land as soon as possible. Back to his own if possible."

Jamie's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly masked it with a neutral expression. I knew he was processing the information and trying to figure out the best course of action. I was counting on the fact that Alex wouldn't want to share what happened with anyone else. If I was wrong, I couldn't keep him from trying to see Renee. She didn't live on my land.

"I will be sure to inform him when I return to the hotel," Jamie finally said, his tone betraying a hint of reluctance. I didn't like it, but it was the best I could make happen for now.

I need to try and make sure Alex can't get to her. It was clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. But if he was around their bond could start to heal. And I in no way wanted that. Call me selfish, but he didn't deserve her. I didn't know where she lived or how to find her. But I would find out.

She had to have just moved to this town or I would have found her sooner. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease of her leaving here alone tonight, not with Alex around. I knew I had to do something to ease my worries, and that's when I came up with the idea of having someone follow her home tonight.

I quickly mind-linked Michael, I explained what happened in the kitchen to him and could feel his own anger rising after all that was his future Luna.

"Send someone to follow and find out where she lives. Tell them to be discreet and not scare her." I said and he gave me a small nod, indicating that he understood. With his help, I would be able to know where my mate was staying by the end of the night.

I watched as Michael discreetly leaned over to Max. He is one of our best trackers and knows how to hide in the shadows. But if she does see him he is an easy going energy it shouldn't scare her. He is perfect for the job.

I watch as Max easygoing smile spreads across his face as he makes eye contact with me, I see the happiness as he learns I have found my Luna, then it drops, and his face harden I bet that Micheal is giving him every detail of what has happened tonight. Another thing about Max is he is a Gamma. Gamma are always swore to the Luna for service. The are the best protectors outside of an Alpha and trusted with the Luna. They would give their life's for hers. His eyes never leave mine. When Micheal stops talking. Max nods. I see it in his eyes. Though he had never met her. He has already chosen her. He will protect her even against me if necessary.

I nod back to him then turn back to the others. "Now where were we? "