‘Til We Meet Again

Chapter 17: Blame

The sun began to set. Marjorie was just a 20-minute run from her pack's borders. She was still angry with her mate, but she couldn't wait to see her pups. The snap of a stick somewhere in the distance made her wolf pause. Her ears perked up.

"Luna!"

The familiar voice made her relax, as she turned to see a white and grey wolf with blue eyes coming toward her.

"Christian was abducted. We need to get to the packhouse now. The Alpha has been trying to reach you all day."

Her blood ran cold. Abducted? Oh, no. Not this. She knew exactly who was responsible. Her attempt to make things right didn't matter. Her precious pup was taken by a ruthless enemy.

They sprinted to the packhouse and shifted. Marjorie threw on a dress from the basket on the porch and hurried up the stairs to Chris's office. He was seated at his desk with his head in his hands.

"What are you doing?" Marjorie was rather appalled to see him sitting there when their boy was gone. She took a deep breath. Chris looked up at her. She thought to herself how awful he looked. There were bags under his puffy red eyes. His skin looked pale. His hair was disheveled. Not the look of a strong Alpha. Marjorie shook her head at the thought. If she hadn't been so focused on strength and rank, her son would be home.

"Chris, we have to do something."

He sighed. "My trackers are out chasing leads. There isn't anything else to do until I hear from them."

"I know where our son is and who took him." She swallowed hard, unsure how to tell him the secret she had held from him for years.

"Who?!" He growled slightly and stood, knocking his chair over in the process. His eyes read "blood-thirsty" and it was a little terrifying to witness.

"When I was pregnant with Christian, I made a promise to ..." She trailed off, wringing her hands.

"Marjorie!" Chris moved quickly to stand directly in front of his mate. She jumped at his sudden movements. She had never seen him like this.

"I, uh-- it's--"

"Spit it out." He growled as he spoke, also something she hadn't ever heard before until the day Christian ...

Her thoughts were interrupted by his large rough hands grabbing her arms and violently shaking her.

"What the f**k did you do?!" His growl was ferocious. Before she could answer, his eyes softened as he looked past her toward the doorway. He released her and took a step back. She turned to see Trinity's frightened eyes welling with tears.

"Trinity ..." He cleared his throat. She turned and ran down the hall. Marjorie heard her footsteps on the staircase.

"I'll go after her." Sam was shocked, but managed to shake it off. She hurried down the stairs.

"I tried to fix it." Marjorie's voice was a choked whisper.

"Where is he?" Chris was breathing heavily.

"Sapphire Rock."

Chris's breath caught in his throat. A chill went up his spine as he processed the two words that came out of Marjorie's mouth.

"Alpha Braden's pack?" He knew. He needed to be sure. He needed to make sure he heard her right.

"Yes." Her voice was barely above a whisper. He tried to hold in his rage.

"Come get Marjorie from my office now!"

He mindlinked Giovanni, who was there in record time.

"Come on, Luna. How about we grab some food?"

Marjorie glanced at Chris, who was pacing the floor.

"Chris--"

"Leave, Marjorie."

"Let me explain."

"No need. You will be prepared to meet with Hennessey in an hour. Giovanni ..."

"Let's go, Luna. He needs some space."

Beta Giovanni lightly pat Marjorie's shoulder. She held back tears as she gave Chris a lingering glare. How dare he? After risking so much. After everything he had done. She followed Giovanni out of the office.

"You know what, Gio? I think I need some alone time too." She gave him a small smile. He nodded and watched her walk down the stairs.

Trinity

I was shocked and a little shaken after seeing the Alpha rough his Luna up. That was my first time seeing him lose his cool. I had always known him to be so calm and collected. In a way, I understood his anger. I had overheard their whole conversation. It didn't sound like an easy one to have. I was furious that the Luna could make such a decision without telling her mate. I was also disappointed in the Alpha's reaction. He didn't have to shake her like that. I sighed to my self and threw water over my face. I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror. My reflection was giving exhausted, can't stop crying, and regretful. I sighed again. If only we had been able to help him.

"Trinity!" It sounded like Beta Sam. She had been following me around all day. I was quite frankly annoyed. What did they think I was going to do?

I sulked over to the door and opened it. She had a sympathetic look on her face.

"Are you ok, Trinity?"

"Yes. Just overwhelmed."

"That's normal. Especially when your mate has been abducted." She shook her head and gave me a sad smile.

"It's going to be ok. Christian will be home before you know it. We have a strong and loyal pack." She pat my arm.

I mustered up a smile to give back. I really just wanted everyone to leave me alone. Her face changed. Must be a mindlink.

"Alpha Chris wants to see you." She waited for me to walk out of my room and followed me down the hall. Alpha Chris was seated on his desk with his arms folded across his chest. He was staring down at floor.

"Yes, Alpha?" My voice came out a little shakier than what I expected.

"I apologize for my behavior earlier. I was out of line. As Alpha of this pack, I will commit to solving conflict amongst my pack members better."

I only nodded and waited for him to continue.

"As Christian's mate, you may be able to pick up on his scent more than the rest of us. You will accompany us as we make the journey to Sapphire Rock. Be ready to leave tonight. You don't have to bring anything. Accommodations are being prepared."

I gulped. Carmen was pacing.

"Alpha?"

Hennessey filled the doorway with his large frame.

"Just a moment."

"You need to see this."

Alpha Chris glanced at me and then rushed out with Hennessey.

I wondered what was going on now. I had to join them? I had no fighting skills. I was too jumpy. This was going to be all bad. Carmen shushed me and tried to calm me down, but it was no use. I was terrified.

How was I going to help?

I yawned, suddenly feeling exhausted. I hadn't slept much. It was finally catching up with me.

"Trinity?"

I forgot Beta Sam was still there.

"I'm just ... I'm going to go to my room and take a nap. I should probably be well-rested if I'm going to travel." I hurried past her and to my room, locking the door behind me. I missed Christian already. Carmen whimpered. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep.