CHAPTER 5

EMMA'S POV

I wake up with a start, my heart racing as I remember where I am and why. I'm in Gabe's house, and he's planning to go find our children without me. I won't let that happen.

I throw off the covers sheet and rush out of the room, my bare feet pounding the floor as I search for Gabe. I find him in the living room, talking to Luca and a few other pack members.

I don't hesitate, I run straight to him and tackle him to the ground. "You think you can leave me here and go find my children without me?" I shout, my eyes blazing with anger.

Gabe looks up at me, surprised, but he quickly recovers. "Emma, calm down—"

"No, I won't calm down!" I interrupt, my voice rising. "Wherever you're going, I'm going. You're not leaving me behind."

Gabe sighs and tries to sit up, but I pin him down. "Emma, this is pack business. You're can't be involved atleast Not yet."

I laugh, a bitter sound. "Can't be involved? They're my children too, Gabe. I have just as much right to find them as you do."

Luca tries to intervene, but I glare at him. "Stay out of this, Luca. This is between Gabe and me."

Gabe tries to reason with me, but I'm beyond reason. I'm fueled by anger and determination. "I'm going with you, Gabe. Whether you like it or not."

Finally, Gabe relents. "Fine, Emma. You can come. But you have to follow my orders and stay out of the way."

I nod, triumphantly. "I'll do whatever it takes to find our children."

Gabe gets up, and I follow him as he starts to plan our next move. I know I've won this small battle, but I also know that the war is far from over.

As we prepare to leave, I can feel Gabe's eyes on me, but I refuse to meet his gaze. I know he's still hurt by whatever decision I was about to make.

*****

As we approach the abandoned warehouse, I can feel my heart racing with anticipation. I'm finally going to find my children. I'm finally going to bring them home.

I glance over at Gabe, his eyes scanning the perimeter of the building. He's protective of me, I know. But I don't need his protection. I need my children.

"Stay close to me," he whispers, his voice low.

I nod, my eyes never leaving the warehouse. I know he's trying to keep me safe, but I'm not afraid. I'm a mother on a mission.

Luca and Joseph, our beta, move stealthily around us, their senses on high alert. They're ready to fight, their bodies tense and alert.

As we approach the entrance, I can feel my senses heightening. I'm ready for this. I'm ready to face whatever is inside.

Gabe's hand brushes against mine, a subtle reminder that he's here for me. But I don't need his reassurance. I need my children.

"Let's do this," I whisper, my voice barely audible.

We're about to enter the warehouse, our senses on high alert. What will we find inside? My children? Or something more sinister?

As we step inside the warehouse, a sharp nail pierces my foot, making me scream in pain and agony. I feel a surge of hurt and frustration as I hop on one foot, trying to assess the damage.

Gabe is immediately by my side, his face etched with concern. "Emma, I've got you," he says, moving to scoop me up in his arms.

But I'm stubborn, and I push him away. "I'm fine, I can walk," I insist, trying to put weight on my injured foot.

Gabe's eyes narrow. "Are you sure? You're hurt."

I grit my teeth, trying to bear the pain. "I'll be fine when I see my children," I say, my voice firm.

Gabe nods, but I can tell he's not convinced. He stays close to me as we move deeper into the warehouse, his eyes scanning the space for any signs of danger.

As we round a corner, we see chairs with rope on them, but no one is there. My heart sinks, and I feel a wave of frustration and fear. Where are my children?

Gabe's face is grim, and I can tell he's thinking the same thing. We move closer to the chairs, and that's when we see it - an empty piece of paper, taunting us with its blankness.

I feel a surge of anger and desperation. Where are my children? Why are we being toyed with like this?

Gabe's hand brushes against mine, and I know he's trying to comfort me. But I'm beyond comfort. I need my children.

Gabe's face is grim as he helps me into the car. We're both disappointed and frustrated, and I can tell he's trying not to show it. But I know him too well. I can see the tension in his shoulders, the tightness in his jaw.

As we drive home, he tries to contact the kidnapper again, but no one answers. He's silent, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

I know he's trying to process what just happened. We were so close, and yet...nothing.

When we get home, he helps me inside, his arm around my waist. I'm still limping from the nail, and he's careful not to jostle me.

As we sit down in the living room, he turns to me, his eyes searching. "I'm sorry, Emma," he says, his voice low. "I thought we could find them, and we didn't."

I shake my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "It's not your fault, Gabe. We'll find them and please stop saying we couldn't because we will ."

He nods, but I can tell he's beating himself up over it. He's always been like that - taking responsibility for everything, even when it's not his fault.

I reach out and take his hand, trying to offer what little comfort I can. "We can do this, It's just a matter of time ." I said my voice unsure and my heart portraying a different emotions from my words.

He looks at me, his eyes softening. "Your right.. we'll find them" he repeats, his voice barely above a whisper.

We sit there for a moment, hands clasped, trying to draw strength from each other. We know we have a long road ahead of us, but we're- I was determined to find my children, no matter what it takes.