Page 18 of Forced Alpha Bride
“How so?” I ask, cocking my head. I was resolved to the idea of being hated in this town for the rest of my life.
“A lot of people know her, man. She’s hung around with Krista since they were kids. The whole family and most of the pack know her and love her. If she sticks up for you, your power will be absolute.”
Dylan’s words give me a warm, tingly feeling as I imagine the triumph of passing laws that will help the town and having people support them instead of fighting me. My emotions twist again, though, when I remember the one thing I need to make this plan work.
Winnie.
“Yeah, well, she got away from me,” I snap. “Do you see her anywhere here? No. Because she fucking took off. I have to find her—now.”
“Shit,” Austin mutters. “If she got to the mountains or the next town, you’d never get the ceremony done on time.”
“I know!” I yell. “Find her!”
“I know some friends of Krista’s live nearby,” Dylan says. “Let’s check them out.”
I follow my boys as we start down the street, where I watch them bang on doors and question people. Even though I know all of them would protect Winnie with their lives, I can tell that none of them is lying when they say they haven’t seen her. They didn’t even know she was in town. Everyone’s scared to stick their head out. Instead, they pray that my position is forfeit and tthat hings can go back to normal when one of the others takes my place.
Just as we’re about to hit the fourth house, a strong blast of cold wind rushes down the mountain. There’s ice on the peaks and a snowstorm gathering strength across the Range, ready to hurl itself into the town.
If I don’t find her before it hits, I won’t have a chance!.
Then, I catch it. Just the slightest hint of strawberry and vanilla, teasing my tongue. I close my eyes and open my mouth a little, rolling the scent in the back of my nose.
Luscious.
“Guys,” I mutter. “Back to the manor. I think I’ve got her.”
Behind me, one of them says some sharp words to the resident of the house and slams the door. I shift and start to lope down the street, keeping my eyes closed as I fully lock on to the scent.
Soon, we’re tearing through the side streets and then the wide, tree-lined road that leads to the manor. The scent gets a little stronger, and I pick up my pace.
She has to be there! I’ll destroy anyone who thinks they can keep her from me!
As I get to the main drive, I see more of my boys gathered out front—Flint, Giles, and Logan. They are acting as security for the elders, just like I told them to. I can’t let any of those wily old fucks out of here. They could plot against me, raise up their loyal pack members, and depose me by force.
I’m not going to let that happen—and luckily, I’ve got a pack of fiercely loyal brothers to back me up.
“What’s the word, boss?” Flint asks. “I heard the howl, but sent the others out so I could keep watch here.”
“Good,” I answer once I’m human again. I stride swiftly towards the doors. “No one has left the manor, have they?”
“No. We’re running patrols around the house to make sure the exits are clear. Council members and the Brents are safely locked inside.”
“Okay. Has anyone seen Winnie Ramses?”
“No,” Flint begins, then frowns in confusion. “Wait, what?”
“She’s my mate,” I hiss. Flint’s my best friend, but I’m beyond endurance right now. “I met her at the park, and she took off. I tracked her here.”
“I don’t know her scent,” Flint admits, his eyes going wide. “I wouldn’t know it if she were here.”
“Fuck,” I growl, realizing I have nothing of hers I could use to help the boys track her.
I shove Flint out of the way and barge into the foyer, where a large group of people are milling around, most of them in the parlor. I notice others coming out to see what the commotion is.
I stride into the foyer, walking so quickly that people have to dive out of my way. It’s mostly the extended family of Roderick’s here for the wake, but all official council members are here, too.
When I come into the doorway, I see the elders sitting around the fire. They appear to have their heads together in a conspiratorial manner. A low growl rumbles from my throat and echoes around the room.
