Chapter 5: Worried

Nolan’s POV

I could not tell if it was hurt from the mate bond or the pain of not seeing Elva but I was far from okay.

Worried was an understatement as I was even more worried something might be wrong with her. What if she was really dead? What if…

No. I shook my head. I was not going to let such thoughts dominate my mind. I was not going to allow such thoughts to mess with my reasoning. I let out a sigh as I turned to her parents.

“Be calm. We will find her” I answered. I was not sure if I was assuring them or myself, but I really hoped we would find her.

“Of course, she is safe” John nodded. He seemed to be so much assured that she was fine. His wife on the other hand had become an emotional mess. Even though she had tried to not act scared or look worried, her emotions failed her and it was boldly written all over her face.

I took a final glance at the cliff and turned to leave. I really wished she was not in there.

“Take your wife home. I believe she needs to rest. I will find Elva and bring her home to you” I assured and faked a smile.

“No. You do not have to worry about that. We would join you to search for her” John objected.

I needed to be away from them as I had begun to feel bad about it as I believed it was all my fault.

“Come on. Your wife is quite worried. I believe you should take her home so she could rest” I urged but their mind seemed to be made up.

“No, there is no need for that. I want to see my daughter when you find her and know what is wrong with her. My daughter does not leave the house whenever she likes. I believe she is hurt. Something must have gone wrong with her”. Mrs. Williams complained as we walked away, going deep into the woods to find her.

I rolled my eyes as I was tired of her non-stop complaints although I knew it was my fault. Regardless, I did not regret my actions. I had to put the pack first before anything else.

I however hoped no one would find out about what had happened.

“She must be really hurt. My poor child!” She cried. Her husband embraced her quickly as he continually assured her that she would be fine.

It was surprising how she had suddenly changed so quickly. One minute, she was assuring us that Elva was fine and the next minute, she was a ball of emotions crying so loud.

I was quite scared Father would not allow me to be the Alpha. I let out a sigh as we had gotten to the last edge of the woods. There was possibly no way we could go further. I knew we had to return.

“We have to leave now, it is getting late. She would definitely return” I assured them and they nodded.

“Thank you so much. We really appreciate it” Mr. Williams nodded as he thanked me. His wife on the other hand still had a sober reflection on her face.

She suddenly jerked up and looked at me, making me arch my brows. Was she aware of what had happened? I however decided to act like I was not bothered about anything.

“Are you not supposed to know where she is?” She suddenly questioned, looking at me as though I had the answer to where she was. I was taken aback as I had not expected it.

“The mate bond is supposed to help you know where she is. You should be able to connect with her” She answered almost immediately as if the knowledge had just clouded my mind.

John nodded as well and all eyes were on me. I was confused and I did not know what to say at that moment. I could not tell everyone that I had broken the bond.

“Well, I….” I stuttered as I looked at them, thinking of the easiest lie to tell but my mind suddenly went blank. I knew I had to think fast. Everyone kept staring at me, waiting for a suitable explanation.

“Yes, but I have no idea why that has not happened. Perhaps, she is… she is … she might have returned to your house” I answered. Even though it made no sense, I was relieved they believed me as no one stared at me with a questioning look anymore.

“Do not worry. We will find her and bring her. Nothing would go wrong” I assured them again for a second time. They nodded and turned to leave.

“I believe she would be at her pack. It is time for the celebration, let’s go” I added and they all agreed with me. I was quite relieved everything had been settled. Well….. Temporarily.

Father was outside, his hands crossed behind him as he paced up and down the hall. Seeing us all approaching, he looked at us, his eyes widened as he searched for her in our midst. I was sorry to disappoint him but I was doing my best for the pack.

I was an Alpha… a soon-to-be Alpha. I had to put the interest of the pack first.

“Father, we could not find her” I informed him as he looked at me with so much expectation. His face dropped as soon as he heard what I had said.

“This could possibly be a bad omen!” Mother started, drawing Father’s gaze as well as mine to her as she proceeded to join us from wherever she had been. I rolled my eyes as I had expected that but even though it was not at that moment. Mother was too dramatic and she would not hesitate to draw meaning to every little thing. How could I tell Mother that Elva had left because I rejected her?

“Mother, whatever happened is nothing. She might have been bothered or perhaps, she felt the need to go out for something important. She would be back soon” I explained as best as I could.

“Why are you not bothered about her missing? She is your mate and you should feel the impact of her absence the most.” Mother answered angrily.

“Because I know she is gone and would return soon” I furrowed my brows.

“Your Mother might be right, son. “ He let out a sigh and turned to look at me. 

“We should cancel the celebration for tonight”

“What?”