Page 71 of Campfires & Canines
Onyx has been moved by the time I hurtle down the gravel road. I shift back and start jogging towards the clearing, only pausing to pull my sweats on. Heath steps out of Sable's cottage across the clearing. Hawthorne reaches him before I can, but I don't hesitate to interrupt.
"They took her east," I shout. "To Ironcrest." I finally stop, bracing my hands on my knees and breathing hard.
"East," Heath repeats. "Did you see the vehicle?"
Shaking my head, I explain, "I only smelled alcohol and exhaust fumes. The wolves must have shifted and gotten into the car because I couldn't smell anyone along the road."
"Damn," Heath mutters.
"We should take a car to Zephyr, immediately. Intercept them before they can move her again," I demand.
Hawthorne raises his eyebrows at Heath. "I doubt they'll let us in."
Heath nods. "Gather enough wolves for an exit strategy." He strides towards our trucks.
Hawthorne and I gather seven other wolves, as many Thetas and Zetas as possible, and we all pile into two vehicles.
Hawthorne insists on driving my truck. My blood is still full of adrenaline, so I want to argue, but I know he is right. I’m shaking.
"It's going to be okay," Hawthorne maintains.
"You don't know that," I say through gritted teeth.
"They could have killed her right there on our lands. But they took her, so they want her alive. And we are going to get her back," he reassures me.
My rage isn't quelled. "Zephyr betrayed us."
"Maybe, but they could have only driven through Ironcrest. It’s still the highway."
"They sided with Granite Ridge." There is no doubt in my mind.
"We'll see. I hope you’re wrong."
We roll onto Ironcrest land, stopping when we reach the dirt road leading to their compound.
Hawthorne rolls down the window. Heath drives the second car behind us, but Hawthorne is our Gamma. This is his specialty.
Three Ironcrest members stand by the road, arms crossed.
"Gentlemen, we need a word with your Alpha. Following up with yesterday's business. It’s urgent." Hawthorne's tone is diplomatic.
One of them steps away with a handheld radio.
I grind my teeth together, trying to wait.
We are waved through. She could be here. Or we could be too slow. I will never forgive myself if she gets hurt.
We pull into an open area. A small group waits for us, led by Zephyr. At least he has the decency to come meet us himself. We unload, Hawthorne and Heath stepping forward. A warning look from Heath keeps me at the back of the group.
Closing my eyes, I breathe deep, trying to catch any hint of Hazel. Nothing.
"Unfortunately, rogue wolves have invaded our land again, and they targeted my niece. She's been taken." Heath gets right to the point.
"I'm sorry to hear it. Please let us know how we can help." Zephyr’s words are kind, but his rigid stance contradicts them.
"May we walk through to check for any sign of where they may have gone?" Hawthorne says.
"I'm afraid my pack isn't up for that much of a disruption."
