C10 They are all after me

Third Person's POV

"I want every inch of this perimeter searched, every nook and cranny torn apart. I need her found before the end of the day"

Elias paced back and forth, his heart pounding with worry. He barked orders at the pack guards, urging them to find Emma as soon as possible. His mind was consumed with thoughts of her safety, and he couldn't bear the thought of her being alone in the forests, especially with the rogues that they were yet to deal with. His wolf, Ryder was restless and fought for dominance to come out and destroy anything in his way to finding his mate.

Elias realized the gravity of vulnerability and exposure he was putting the pack and the whole werewolf clan in by sending more than half or the soldiers out in search for Emma. But this time, it wasn't just the safety of the pack at stake, but his mate as well.

Just as his anxiety reached its peak, His mother, former Luna Anya, approached him, her silver hair gleaming in the light from the chandelier that hung above.. Her weathered face, etched with the lines of a life lived and loved, mirrored none of his panic. She could sense his distress and wanted to know what was happening within the pack. Elias hesitated, the words sticking in his throat and with a heavy sigh, he knew he couldn't keep the truth from his mother any longer.

"Mum," Elias began, his voice filled with a mix of apprehension and vulnerability. "I need to tell you something... I met a girl."

Her eyes widened with curiosity and worry. She had always been a pillar of strength and wisdom for Elias, he took a deep breath and continued, "And I believe she is my second chance mate."

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise, but a glimmer of excitement shone in her eyes. She had never expected Elias to find another mate after the loss of his first, and the idea filled her with joy amidst her skepticism.

"What pack is she from? Is she from a nearby pack? Was she the one that Isabella saw the other day? She mentioned a girl you brought in with you who passed out. Oh my God!" She exclaimed, bringing a hand to her mouth. "Is she okay? Did something happen to her?"

"Mum", Elias called out to no avail.

"Hey, hey, mum, calm down would you? I'll answer all your questions but you need you let me hear them one after the other first"

"I was so scared that you would end up with Rose. I really don't like that bitter young girl" she said laughing as she wiped a stray tear off the corner of her eye.

"Rose? As in Rose Talon?" He asked in shock.

"Mum you know I have no interest whatsoever in Rose" he groaned bringing a hand to his face. "I have more pressing issues on ground right now than anything about Rose" he continued with seriousness evident on his face.

Elias briefly ran his mother through what had happened with Emma down to her disappearance. She sat dumbfounded for a few seconds before Elias stood to his feet.

"I cannot sit here for a moment longer mum, I have to find my mate". His mum nodded at him and gave an encouraging smile.

.

.

It had already gotten dark, Elias, alongside his pack guards, had scoured every inch of the forest surrounding their territory, yet, no trace of Emma emerged. Frustration gnawed at his insides, twisting his gut into a knot of anxiety.

He rejoined the remaining pack members at the front of the training grounds, his shoulders nearly slumped, defeat threatening to drown him but he kept a straight face.

His beta, Daniel, urged him to the side.

"Any sign?" Daniel asked, his voice laced with empathy.

Elias shook his head, the movement heavy with despair. "Nothing," he growled, his voice raw. "It's as if she vanished into thin air."

Daniel placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll find her."

What if Daniel was wrong? What if Emma, overwhelmed by everything in his world, the dangers hidden amongst the shadows, had retreated back to her life, choosing the familiar and safe over the fantastical and scary? He could almost see her in her tiny apartment, sipping coffee, the mundane routine offering a sanctuary from the chaos he had unintentionally dragged her into. He saw her with a perfect man, married with the perfect human kids. No drama, no interference, no life threatening routine. Just peace and happiness.

This thought spurred a burst of anger within him, hot and blinding. He whirled on Daniel, fangs bared in a snarl. "She wouldn't do that," he roared, his voice echoing through the lodge. "She wouldn't just abandon me after… after everything!"

Daniel backed away, startled by the Alpha's sudden hostility. His head bowed in submission, he listened to Elias' outburst, a storm of accusations and wounded pride. He spoke of how he'd opened his heart, shared his world with her, only to be left empty-handed. He accused Emma of cowardice, of not being strong enough to handle the truth.

As quickly as it erupted, the storm inside Elias subsided. Shame washed over him, leaving him feeling raw and exposed. He looked at Daniel, his best friend, now cowed and apologetic.

"I lost a mate once, and the thought of losing another… it drives me mad."

Daniel stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I understand," he said gently. "We all fear loss, Alpha. But anger won't bring her back. Let's focus on finding her, not tearing ourselves apart."

Elias nodded, taking a deep breath. He needed to think rationally, logically. Perhaps there was something left behind, a clue on why she left like this, in the room Emma had spent the night in.

"Come," he said, turning to the path that led to the pack house. "Let's check her room. Maybe she left something behind, anything that might point us in the right direction."

Daniel followed him, the silence between them thick with unspoken understanding. As they entered the room, Emma's lingering scent hung in the air, a bittersweet reminder of her presence. Elias scanned the room, his eyes searching for any hint, any trace she might have left.

On the nightstand, Daniel found a small paper clearly ripped from a notebook, tucked discreetly beneath a folded scarf.

"Alpha, I think I found something"

His heart leaped as he took long strides to meet his friend at the other end of the room.

There were scribbles of strange words, and sketches of a strange creature. Amidst the cryptic words and drawings, he found something else, something that made his blood run cold.

A single line, stark against the swirling ink, sent a jolt of icy fear through him. It read: "They are all after me."

.

.

.

.