LUCAS

    His spine straightens in an instant, and his face goes blank. "Of course not, Alpha. I only worry that this obsession with the Blackwood girl is distracting you from what really matters."

    I stand in a swift motion, my chair scraping against the floor. Inexplicable rage fans the flames of months of irritation and frustration. "What matters is the safety and security of our pack. If the alpha of Blackwood is plotting against us, if they''re using Ava as a pawn in their twisted game, then it is my duty to uncover the truth. Don''t you agree?"

    He takes a step back, his head bowed in submission. "I understand, Alpha. Forgive me for overstepping."

    I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my temper. "Your concern is noted, Delta. But I need you to trust me on this. I know what I''m doing."

    He nods, his expression still blank. "Of course, Alpha. I''ll leave you to your work."

    With that, he turns and leaves the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. I sink back into my chair, rubbing a hand over my face. The letter from the scout lies on my desk, taunting me with the promise of new information.

    I close my eyes, taking a deep breath as I try to quell the maelstrom of emotions raging within me. I know I need to approach this situation with a clear head, to separate my personal feelings from the cold, hard facts. But it''s easier said than done when it comes to Ava.

    With a heavy sigh, I unfold the missive, my eyes scanning the contents. Each word is like a punch to the gut, and I feel my heart sinking lower and lower with every line. The letter shakes in my hands as I read, a cold fury seeping into my bones with every damning word.

    To:

    From: [email protected]

    Subject: URGENT: For Alpha''s Eyes Only

    Attachment: Report.docx

    Alpha Westwood,@@@@

    My source within the Blackwood Pack has provided crucial information regarding Ava''s circumstances. She has been enduring severe mistreatment and neglect from her own family, with Beta Alexander Grey being the primary perpetrator of cruelty. Furthermore, her mother and siblings have displayed little regard for her well-being, demonstrating indifference or outright disdain.

    Ava is consistently subjected to assault by numerous pack members and is treated as an outcast within the community.

    It is, my wolf growls. And you threw our mate away.

    Shit.

    I blow out a shaky breath and try to shove all that to the side for a moment. If I don''t, I might just throw my fucking desk through the window. Son of a fucking bitch. My mate. And I let her go.

    Let her disappear.

    Fuck!

    My wolf howled incessantly in my head as I picked up the letter again, re-reading it and letting every word stab into my heart. Mistreated. Neglected. Assaulted.

    My Ava. My sweet, perfect mate.

    Fuck.

    And to know the plans Alpha Blackwood had made for that sweet girl?

    The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place, painting a picture far more disturbing than I could have imagined. My wolf stirs within me, a low growl rumbling in my chest as the urge to protect Ava surges through my veins.

    But I can''t let my emotions cloud my judgment. I need to approach this situation with a level head, to gather more information and devise a plan of action. The safety of my pack, and now Ava''s as well, depends on it.

    I crush the letter in my fist, a growl building in my throat. How could they treat her like this? Their own daughter, their own blood? The thought of Ava suffering at the hands of her so-called family makes my stomach churn with revulsion and rage.

    And now she''s missing, disappeared into the night like a ghost. The memory of her in my arms, the feel of her soft skin against mine, the taste of her lips... it all comes rushing back, tainted by the knowledge of her pain.

    I should have known something was wrong that night. The way she trembled in my embrace, the desperate hunger in her kisses, was more than just desire. It was the actions of a woman starved for affection, for the simple warmth of human touch.

    And I pushed her away. I let my own fears and suspicions cloud my judgment, let my anger at the Blackwood Pack blind me to the truth of the woman in front of me.

    I need to find her, to make things right. But where do I even begin?