*Blair*
Maddox slowly opened the door and glanced at the sleeping Austin.
“Is he asleep?” he asked through the mind link. I nodded, my gaze fixed on Austin’s innocent face.
Maddox sighed and gestured for me to join him on the balcony. I followed his lead, stepping out into the cool night air as he gently slid the door open and closed it behind me.
“I can’t believe Selena could do something like this,” he said, voicing the thoughts that had been haunting us since her departure.
“It seems like something is off like we’re missing some key points,” I mumbled.
“That’s true,” he agreed. “Zander let Selena go too easily, and he didn’t fight the Vampire as hard as he normally would. This isn’t like him.”
“It was shocking for me too, considering Selena’s strong attachment to her son. She’s not heartless to leave him alone for a vampire,” I mused aloud, contemplating the situation.
“They both seemed compelled to act, as if under some invisible force,” Maddox muttered, lost in thought.
“It seems you share my thoughts,” I remarked, my eyes widening with realization.
“I believe the same. This could be the only explanation. But if it involves an external force, then the situation is grave, and I’m unsure if Zander is aware,” Maddox sighed deeply. “He’s refused to discuss Selena.”
“I need to reach out to Selena,” I asserted, reaching for my phone.
“Wait! Now might not be the right time to contact her. If my suspicions are correct, Damon could be on high alert. It’s not safe to make a move yet,” he cautioned earnestly.
“But I can’t leave her alone among those cunning vampires,” I protested.
“Trust me, Blair. She is my Luna, and I feel duty-bound to her. But we need to wait for some time, let Damon and the vampires become overconfident and relaxed,” he coaxed me.
“But Selena is alone there,” I interjected, worry evident in my voice, shaken by the thought of her pain from being separated from her son.
“Don’t worry, Blair. She’ll be fine. She has her Wolf now, and we know she’s the bravest and smartest hacker,” Maddox smirked confidently.
“I know, Maddox, but I still want to find a way to contact her and know her situation,” I insisted as I needed to know she was alright.
Selena came to our pack as my brother’s mate and our Luna, but over the years, we had built a strong bond, and now I consider her as my sister. I truly felt more connected to her than my brother, maybe because she understood me and always supported me without asking for anything in return. She had proven herself time and again, earning my trust without question. She was there for me, holding many secrets close, while I couldn’t divulge even the existence of Maddox, my mate, to anyone. In fact, she had become my best friend, and I felt it was my responsibility to support her and stand by her when she needed. Right now, my heart was anxious, and I knew something was not right. How could I leave her alone in this dangerous situation when she had no one else to rely on?
“I can find a way for you, Blair. But I suggest we trust Selena this time and refrain from contacting her. If this is truly a plan and she’s taking a risk by living among vampires, we shouldn’t escalate the danger,” he reasoned. I knew he was right.
“You’re right, Maddox. I was acting on impulse. But… but I can’t help it,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. “I feel like my family is falling apart.” I sighed, feeling the weight of my words settle heavily upon me. Maddox wrapped his arms around me from behind, a comforting embrace that momentarily eased my troubled mind. His lips brushed against the sensitive skin of my nape, sending shivers down my spine.
“Blair, I’m here for you. You know that, right?” His voice, deep and resonant, washed over me like a soothing balm. I leaned into his embrace, finding solace in the warmth of his presence. His lips pressed against my cheek in a tender gesture of reassurance.
“Baby, your brother is my Alpha and my best friend. He’s as important to me as he is to you. So don’t worry. I won’t let anything trouble my Alpha. I’ll find the missing piece and solve this mystery,” he whispered, his words laced with determination and unwavering loyalty. And in that moment, wrapped in Maddox’s embrace, I felt a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos that threatened to consume us.
“I know what my mate is capable of doing,” I breathed out, completely in awe of him, as I turned into his arms to face him.
I had known him since my childhood, and he had always been my hero: the most powerful and invincible.
“Then you should know your mate wants you right now,” he husked out, his hooded eyes full of hunger watching me.
I bit my lip as desire burned through my core.
“But…” I gestured to the sleeping Austin. “I can’t leave him alone. He needs me.”
“I know, baby,” he sighed, cupping my face in his large hand, his eyes fixed on my lips. He lowered his head and captured my mouth in a hot, scorching kiss. I melted instantly, letting myself lose in his embrace.
“Sweetheart, I want you to move into my room,” he murmured against my lips.
I wanted to protest, but he seemed to anticipate my thoughts.
“Until the matter between Selena and Zander is resolved. Austin will stay with us,” he declared. His kindness and understanding, so contrary to his rough exterior, warmed my heart.
I nodded, encircling my hand around his neck, and pulling him closer as I stood on my tiptoes to deepen the kiss. His hands slid under me, lifting me to meet his height.
“We have to stop, honey, or we won’t be able to control ourselves,” I sighed.
“Hmm, at least let me kiss you to my heart’s content, my mate,” he demanded, his intentions clear as his kisses continued unabated.