6: What the Hell?

**TORA**

Sitting in Jericho's office, wearing the same outfit I had on earlier, just now realizing how much I stink. Waiting on him to go over the evidence we have, which isn't much.

I still haven't informed my mother of the news but I have also told the whole pack through link, excluding her, that no one is to tell her but me. It's going to be as if she is losing a son, and if I don't have a handle on it before I tell her, she will be at the front lines trying to figure it out herself.

"Tora?" I hear Jericho's voice ring through my ears, when I look at him I see his brow furrowed.

"Sorry man. Just trying to wrap my brain around how I will tell my mother. What were you saying?" I asked rubbing my face exhaustingly. Trying to focus myself.

"I told you I'll help you tell her. But I was saying between you and Cree calling all of the packs surrounding us, it looks like only ONE Alpha can't make the trip. Did Alastar say why?" I shake my head no. "Just that he couldn't but would be able to recieve us at 11am tomorrow morning. And then the conversation was cut short." I pause, sighing. "Something bad is fixing to happen, Jer. I can feel my gut twisting and turning. My gut is never wrong. This is going to be so much bigger than we think it is." I exhaled.

"I agree with your intuitive gut. But until it happens, all we can do is be vigilant and cautious. We don't know who is involved and we can't point fingers without evidence. I know this is going to be tough for you, so if you want to sit this.." Before he could get the words out, I looked at him. "No, Jericho. It is my job as a protector of this pack to ensure our pack members safety. I am not going to bury myself in small pack duties while there are people being kidnapped and now murdered." A small smirk lined his lips.

"I know, Tora. I was just going to say if you wanted to sit this traveling meeting out, you can. To prepare for the other meetings." He said chuckling. "But that answers my question. What about you, Cree?" Cree sighs, rubbing his eyes in exhaustion. He has been right next to me this whole time trying to figure this shit out. He really is a true Gamma and friend.

"I'm in. Just put me where you need me. Just, Goddess have mercy, feed me and let me nap before and after." Silence stifles the room. And then we all burst into a hearty laugh. Damn, I needed that.

Jericho dismissed us for the night. Told us to get some rest and relax. Tomorrow starts a big part of the investigation. Questioning other packs who may be having the same problem. Hopefully finding a connection and see if anyone else is missing to add to this already huge pile.

Something is irking me about my call to Alpha Alastar. He's the closest pack to ours, but he didn't want to make the trip, And for some reason that bothers me more than it should.

'Don't read too much into that. There is something else big coming. Maybe a mate or something else but I feel it.'

'That's the last thing we need right now, Argos. It's not safe for a mate right now. I would love nothing more than to find out mate but we can't bring our mate here where she would possibly be in danger.'

Even saying that makes my stomach turn. I'd give anything to find my mate, even with how I feel about Adrienne, I have always wanted my mate. But never found her, and I don't think that is going to change. At least I hope it doesn't right now amyway. I couldn't even protect my little brother from whatever is happening, how would I be able to protect the other half of my soul?

*The Next Morning*

Ready and waiting downstairs with Jericho, waiting on Cree to drag is butt down the stairs. I know Jericho isn't worried about the time. We have plenty to make it to Black Dawn pack in time. I am just agitated. Argos is pacing in my head today, but hasn't said one word to me.

"Are you okay Tora?" Jericho asks me. "I have no idea to be honest. I haven't told my mom yet, and I am leaving. Adrienne hasn't stopped texting or calling me, and now Cree is taking his sweet ass time. I am on edge.. I want to find whoever has done all of this and put an end to it all." I say sighing, while leaning against the black SUV that is lined up in front of the packhouse.

"Everything is going to work out. Maybe not in the order you would like. But it'll happen. Just trust in that weirdly smart gut of yours, and the Goddess and all will be fine. We will catch this kidnapping murderer, we will find our mates and live happily ever after. But it is HIGHLY doubtful it'll happen in that order." He chuckles slightly.

He's right. Cree finally opens the door to the pack house and walks out as if he hasn't been asleep. Red lipstick on his neck. I just laugh and shake my head. I can't even blame him. I should've answered Adrienne last night before bed. I should've done what Cree obviously did and relieved some stress but it's too late now.

"On the road again... I can't wait to get on the road again.." Cree starts singing while we all pile into the same SUV with one following us with a couple of our warriors.

"Oh god, not another jukebox session.. I can't take it today.." Jericho says dramatically.

"The life I love making music with my friends, and I can't wait to get on the road again." He said even louder. From the backseat. Causing laughter to burst from Jericho and I.

'Tora. Trust yourself today. Your instincts are unmatched. Your gut is never wrong. You know yourself and me better than anyone. No doubting us today.'

'Good morning to you too sunshine. Thank you for that weird peptalk.' I say to him with a smirk. Keeping my eyes on the road while Jericho drives, there is no such thing as too much caution.

"What the fuck is that?" Cree says from the back seat, causing me to turn my head to my side of the road. Something is in the woods, 10 feet tall. With red glowing eyes, looking right at us. And just as quick as Cree mentions it and we see it, it's gone..

Jericho stops the car and we get out to inspect where it stood. No scent. No foot prints.. Nothing..

That was it.. Whatever the fuck that was is what is terrorizing our pack. "With no way to track it, we need to keep going to Alastar's pack. Maybe he has some weird happenings or someone from his pack could shed some light on what is happening or what that thing was.." Jericho said, walking back to the car..

I agree, but I am curious as to why I felt like I could follow that creature..

Something WEIRD is fucking happening.. And I am freaking out about it..