Page 20 of BeWolfed

Unlike the previous quarries, this one showed immediate signs of current use. Fresh tire tracks marked a service road. Wooden crates stamped with magical containment symbols sat stacked near a small outbuilding. Power hummed in the air, a mixture of natural ley line energy and something more disturbing.

"This is it," I whispered, my witch sight revealing layers of magical protections around the perimeter. "Their main base of operations."

We moved closer, keeping to the cover of trees along the quarry edge. From our vantage point, we could see into the main quarry floor, where a ritual circle far larger than the others had been meticulously carved into the stone. Seven crystalline pillars stood at points around the circle, each glowing with faint magical energy. Nine steel cages—wolf-sized—waited empty nearby.

"They're preparing for the full moon ritual," I breathed, recognizing the magical configurations. "Those crystals are meant to channel and amplify witch power."

"And the cages are for wolves," Rudy added grimly. "Forced participation."

Movement below caught our attention—a figure in a tailored suit examining one of the crystal pillars, making notes on a tablet.

"Oscar Katz," Rudy growled.

I placed a restraining hand on his arm. "We don't know which side he's on yet. Rose's note said he knows the truth, not that he's responsible."

Before Rudy could respond, more figures emerged from the outbuilding—two pack enforcers escorting a woman whose hands were bound with spelled silver chains.

"Rose," I gasped, surging forward instinctively, a mixture of relief and fury burning through me.

Rudy caught me, pulling me back into cover. "Wait. We can't just charge in. Look at the security."

He was right, but it took every ounce of self-control to stay hidden when Rose was right there, so close I could almost call out to her. Beyond the visible enforcers, magical wards shimmered around the perimeter, and I could sense moreguards stationed at various points. A direct rescue attempt would be suicide.

Rose looked thinner than when I'd last seen her, and her shirt and pants were torn and dirty, but she stood straight, her expression defiant as Oscar approached her. They spoke briefly before the enforcers led her toward one of the crystal pillars.

"They're testing the channeling capabilities," I realized, watching as Rose was positioned beside the crystal. "Using her magic to calibrate the system."

Oscar made adjustments to the crystal, then stood back as Rose was forced to place her hands against its surface. Even from our hidden position, I could see her resistance, her refusal to cooperate fully despite her captivity.

Pride and rage warred within me—pride at her continued defiance, rage at those who dared to bind her. Through our bond, Rudy's emotions mirrored mine, his protective instincts extending to Rose.

"We need to get her out," I whispered fiercely. "But not like this. Not against these odds."

Rudy nodded. "We need reinforcements. Lola's loyal wolves, maybe. And a plan to counter those magical barriers."

"And we need to know exactly what they're planning." I watched as Rose was led back toward the outbuilding, her head held high despite the chains. "The full ritual, what it's meant to accomplish."

"Katz," Rudy growled, watching the professor continue his work. "He's at the center of this. Whether he's helping Rose or hurting her, he knows what's happening."

"We talk to him tomorrow," I decided. "Directly. No more speculation."

As darkness fell, we retreated from our observation point, careful to leave no trace. The trek back through the mountainforest was conducted mostly in silence, both of us processing what we'd seen, planning our next moves.

Rudy

Midnight Creek College sprawled below Main Street, its campus a blend of modern buildings and restored historical structures. The supernatural studies department occupied Blackwood Hall, a gothic stone edifice that seemed more suited to an ancient European university than our small mountain town.

I kept my senses alert as we climbed the steps, tracking heartbeats and scents throughout the building. My wolf remained on high alert, protective instincts heightened since forming the mate bond with Elowen.

"His office is on the third floor," Elowen said, her determination flowing through our bond. "Charlotte says he's usually there before classes."

"You're sure about this?" I asked, not for the first time. Despite Rose's note mentioning Katz, distrust still coiled in my gut. I'd seen him at the quarry, handling the very crystals designed to drain witch power.

"I'm sure we need answers," Elowen replied, her steady pragmatism balancing my suspicion. "Whatever his role, he knows more than we do about what's happening to Rose."

We reached the third floor, following a corridor of carved wooden doors bearing professors' names in gold lettering. Oscar's corner office was distinguished by additional magical wards subtly worked into the doorframe—the kind designed to prevent eavesdropping.

Before we could knock, the door swung open.

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