37

Alpha Dominic’s P. O. V.
As I stood in the empty cell, the only remnants of Katarina’s presence were the faint traces of her scent, slowly fading with each passing second. The emptiness echoed around me, amplifying the growing void in my chest. My voice, strong and steady, betrayed none of the turmoil churning within. “She’s gone,” I declared, though the words felt like shards of glass slicing through my resolve.
My Beta’s voice cut through the fog of my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. “They can’t have gotten far. Her scent is still fresh.” His observation brought a glimmer of hope, one I clung to desperately.
Turning to the assembled warriors, I demanded, “Are any of you skilled at tracking?” Silence fell over the group until one man, scarred and weathered by years of battle, stepped forward. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, his face etched with the lines of experience.
“I’ve got a knack for it,” he replied, his voice steady and assured. He approached the cell, inhaling deeply, his eyes narrowing in concentration.
I nodded at my Beta. “Go back to the dungeons. Get more information from Gabriel. Link me immediately if he says anything useful.” My tone was laced with urgency as I redirected my focus to the tracker.
The tracker moved with purpose, entering the cell and closing his eyes as he drew in the scents around him. After a moment, he opened his eyes and nodded, “It’ll be difficult if they’re driving, but if we’re quick, I might be able to pick up her trail.”
The urge to threaten him, to make it clear that his life depended on finding her, was strong. But I swallowed the impulse. Instead, I turned to the rest of the men, “Let’s move.”
The tracker led the way, his steps sure and confident. I stayed close, my senses on high alert as we navigated through a labyrinth of corridors. We soon entered a large room, the cracked tiles beneath our feet and flickering light bulbs overhead casting an eerie glow. The sight of blood on the floor-a vivid scarlet stain-stirred a deep growl from within me, one the tracker acknowledged with a sympathetic glance.
“She was in here,” he confirmed, and the rage simmering beneath my skin threatened to erupt. But there was no time for anger. Not now.
“Let’s go, Alpha. We have no time to waste,” the tracker urged, already moving toward another doorway. We followed him down a dimly lit corridor until we reached a set of stairs leading to a wooden cellar door. As the tracker pushed it open, we stepped out into the crisp night air, the stark contrast between the cold outside and the stuffy confines of the church startling me.
“We’re farther from the church than I expected,” I muttered, scanning the area as we pressed on into the woods.
The tracker jogged ahead, nodding in response to my unspoken question. “There are tunnels like this all over the town. But I’m certain she’s not down there anymore.” He pointed toward the main road visible through the trees. “Her scent is stronger here. They likely put her in a vehicle and headed out of town.”
His words were a trigger, and I felt Hunter, my wolf, surge forward, ready to take control. The sensation of shifting was one I had long grown accustomed to, and I let it wash over me, embracing the transformation as my bones cracked and realigned. Hunter’s keen senses came alive, every sound, every scent heightened as we prepared to hunt.
“Alpha,” my Beta’s voice cut through the mind-link, “The prisoner mentioned a safe house, but he’s not giving us much else. He did make sure to mention they have plenty of backup and allies.”
A low growl rumbled in my chest. “Torture him if you have to, but keep him alive. I want to deal with him myself. And inform the other towns. We need to be ready for battle. Gather all willing warriors and ensure the safety of our people. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women must be evacuated to a safe location. If they’re planning an attack, they’ll aim for our town.”
“Understood, Alpha,” came the firm reply before the link disconnected.
There was no guarantee that this would end in war, but the hunters had overstepped. They had become too brazen, too reckless. The time for leniency was over. Once I had Katarina back, I would hunt down every last one of them.
“Conserve your strength,” the tracker advised, his voice a calm anchor as we sprinted through the forest, staying close to the main road.
As we ran, the tracker’s voice echoed in my mind. “I lost my mate to hunters years ago. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
The pain in his words resonated with me, and I fought back the rising fear of losing Katarina. But I would not allow myself to succumb to it. I would find her. I would bring her back.
“These hunters have grown too bold,” I growled, pushing myself to run faster, fueled by a burning rage.
The tracker matched my pace, his eyes hard. “In my day, hunters were a rarity. Now, they think they can challenge packs.”
“That will change,” I vowed, the promise laced with lethal intent. “When I’m done with them, they’ll be nothing more than a distant memory.”
“I look forward to that, Alpha,” the tracker replied, determination sharpening his tone. “And if I may, I’d like to be the one to end the life of the hunter who took my mate.”
“His name?” I asked, my voice a low growl.
“I don’t know his name, but I know his face. His son’s name is Oliver.”
The mention of Oliver stirred something dark within me. “He’s yours,” I promised, understanding the deep-seated need for vengeance.
The tracker’s pace quickened, and I felt a growing respect for the man. His loss mirrored my fears, but I would not allow my story to end the same way. “Focus on finding Katarina. My story will not have the same ending.”
“Agreed,” he nodded, his eyes reflecting a shared resolve. “We won’t let them get away.”
Hours passed, the forest blurring around us as we ran. I felt no fatigue, only a relentless drive pushing me forward. The thought of Katarina in danger fueled my every step, each passing second strengthening my resolve.
“The warriors and citizens from the other towns have arrived. The others are safe,” my Beta’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “There’s quite an army gathered, Alpha. They’re all here for Katarina.”
My heart swelled with pride and gratitude. “Make sure they’re cared for. Let them know their sacrifice is appreciated.” Every cruel decision I had ever made was for moments like this-to protect my people.
“There’s one more thing,” my Beta hesitated, his voice laced with unease.
“What is it?” I growled, impatient.
“Gabriel said to be prepared. They know you’re coming.”
The words hung in the air, a cold reminder of the battle ahead. But it didn’t matter. I would find Katarina, and I would tear apart anyone who stood in my way. The hunters had made a fatal mistake. And soon, they would pay the price.