ABBY

Chapter 16

Lawrence is feeling the tension as he walks into the office of the Pack House. His father, Grandfather and Dominique is waiting for him. Looking each in the eye, he’s a bit confused at the stoic expressions he gets. “What is going on?” He asks while taking a seat on one of the brown leather couches. Dean is stirring under the surface.

His wolf has been restless since Abby disappeared two weeks ago and he’s not making it any easier. Dean keeps hounding to go after her. But where do they go. The ocean is vast and treacherous at some levels. He doesn’t know the first thing about boats, sailing or the sea.

Clearing his throat, General Collard takes a seat behind his desk. Dominique sits on the corner of the desk and Sebastian; his father goes and sits opposite him. The silence between them is enduring and Lawrence feels as if he wants to hide somewhere.

“Lawrence, thank you for coming at such short notice. I know the hospital is quite busy. Dr. Hugh gave me quite the lecture.” General Collard says. “But this is important as it concerns you and your possible mate.” He continues.

Hearing this, Dean’s ears perk and Lawrence is at full attention. He was quite nervous when a very agitated Jack Hugh told him that there is an emergency meeting to be held at the pack house and that he must attend. Dr. Hugh didn’t mention any particulars and he thought it was simply another boring pack meeting. This is something else, though. There is no threat or danger to the pack he knew of.

He told his parents about his mate when they cornered him one night. He was in the worst mood ever and no-one dared approach him. He felt like a poisoned dog. His insides were torn apart, his heart broken. Dean was not faring any better. They missed their mate and the fact that the bond is this strong before they’re even mated, speaks for itself.

Dominique is concerned for his brother. The pack feels his pain and the questions are flying. His Grandfather and father are having their hands full to try and calm the pack. Dom looks at his brother where he sits on the couch across from him. Law hasn’t slept in days and it shows. Dark circles under his eyes and his pale face is worn. His hair is dishevelled and his shoulders slumps. Lawrence is usually a perfect picture and a true example of a gentleman. But the last couple of days, that photo went flying out the window.

“We have a proposition for you.” Their father spoke. Law turns his head and looks at Sebastian. Seb can see the hurt and confusion playing tag in his son’s eyes. Christy refused to join the meeting. Her heart is broken for her son whose mate disappeared.

When Lawrence doesn’t answer, he continues. “Do you know Captain Davidson of the Black Swallow? He is the commander of Lord Bolton’s fleet.” Seb explains, but Law is just looking at him. It’s as if his mind is elsewhere, yet his body is in autodrive.

Sighing in frustration, Sebastion looks at his father and then at Dominique: “I think this speaks for itself. I’ll make the necessary arrangements. Law is going to go with Sean on the Black Swallow tomorrow. They will be sailing by dawn. Sean is on the hunt for Abby, who is not only his daughter, but Law’s mate. If there is anyone who will be able to find her, it’s him.”

Knowing better that to argue, Dom bites his tongue. It has been decided. Lawrence will be leaving his side for the first time since they were born. Will Lawrence be able to cope? Dominique was usually the one protecting his brother. Law is a healer not a fighter. Who will protect him now?

“Don’t worry about me, brother. I’ll survive. I’ve heard great stories about Captain Davidson. I will be safe.” Law speaks suddenly, making Dom and the others jump. Lawrence gets up and walks up to the door. He turns around and looks at eh three faces in front of him.

“Maybe it’s time I spread my wings beyond Windy Acres, too. Maybe it’s time to see what is pulling Abby away from here. What lies beyond the horizon that is so important that she can vanish in the blink of an eye?” He says. Turns and walks out the door leaving the rest in a stunned silence.

“I know who he takes after now. And it’s not you, Seb.” General Collard mumbles as they all still stare at the now open door. “I figured that out a while back, but thank you for the info, Father.” Sebastian replied. Dread is crawling up his gut. He still needs to inform Christy that Lawrence is going on a trip for an undetermined time. He hopes it all goes well. For his sake.

Getting up from the couch, Sebastian starts for the door. He needs to choose his words well when informing his mate that one of their sons is going away. She’s bee protective ever since they were born. Something the Moon Goddess told her before they were born. She turns into a rabid wolf when anyone even tries anything. How will she take this small piece of information?

Walking down the hall, he passes Lawrence’s room. The door open. He looks inside and sees Law putting a suitcase on the bed. An arrangement of clothes, books and shoes are neatly packed in heaps. Ready to be packed into the suitcase. Law comes to a stop and looks up at his father.

Sebastian feels his heart swell with pride. Not only is Lawrence a Future Beta but he’s also one of the best Healers around since Christy lost her ability . Think that is why Dr. Hugh threw such a fit when they informed him about the arrangements.

“I am sorry about this, Law.” He says when their eyes connect. Looking down at the open suitcase, Law sighs. “I think it was bound to happen, Dad.” He simply states and starts to pack his clothing into the suitcase. Sebastian knows that the topic was closed.

He takes his leave in silence, wandering if Law will make it on the Black Swallow. Captain Davidson did not sound to happy by the fact the Abby was mated to a Lycan. Call him old school, but the Captain does have his way of thinking. And the supernatural does not fall in that part.

If this was Dominique, that ship would’ve turned around within the first day or sunk. With Law, it’s a totally different story. He’s patient, well-mannered and approachable. Hopefully the Captain picks up on those trades and don’t see him as someone who want to steal his daughter.

Lawrence packs his suitcase with a newly found vigour. The possibility to find his mate is something to look forward to. He’s also bound to get a glimpse into the life she’s had since she left Windy Acres at the tender age of sixteen. He will get the chance to walk in her footsteps and see things she saw. The question is: “Will he be able to?”

He’s never been out at sea and he cannot imagine sailing for a week out in the open waters with no sight of land for miles. The closest he’s ever been to sailing, was watching the ships and smaller boats leave the harbour from an open window at the hospital. This is way out his comfort zone, but also a promise for a new adventure.

Once he’s finished with packing, Lawrence makes his way downstairs to the kitchen to get something to drink and a snack to eat. As he rounds the corner, he’s stopped dead in his tracks by a load shriek. It sounds like his mother and she’s not happy.