A Hidden Crown

Chapter 4: Back at the Pack house

Michael

After leaving the party, I lay in my bed staring blankly at the ceiling. All I could think about was Lyla. I wanted us to start where we left off at. I needed to let her know that I would fight for her.

Knight had sent an image of her in the black blazer to the front of my mind. Almost every inch of her was covered except her legs. The dress stopped at her mid-thigh. Mm. I wanted to claim her. I let out a sigh as I got up. Splashing freezing icy water over my face, I realized I wasn’t going to make it till morning.

Are we going to see mate? Knight asked.

Yes, we are going to see mate, I replied.

The only problem was I didn’t know where she stayed on the pack grounds. She should be staying at the pack house since her dad was the beta. I heard John had moved out of the pack house when I left to go to alpha training. I never understood why.

Outside of the alpha suite, the beta suite was just as good. They had the whole east wing to themselves. There was only one person who I knew for certain would know where she lived. I mind-linked my Uncle Donnie.

Uncle Donnie, are you up?

Yes, Michael, is everything all right? he asked. I could hear sleep in his voice.

Yes, do you know where Lyla lives?

He chuckled, Yes, she stays near the outskirts of the pack on the north side.

One last question. Do you know the guy she is seeing? I didn’t want to ask, but I needed to know if my mate was in love with someone else.

Lyla isn’t dating anyone that I know of, he paused. John is away taking care of something urgent. Maybe she has someone staying over to keep her occupied.

Occupied? Knight growled, baring his teeth. I didn’t like the idea of Lyla staying so close to the pack’s borders. But now I was pissed, thinking about her and this guy shacking up together.

Thanks for your help.

Glad to have you back, Alpha.

Glad to be back.

I cut the mind-link and took off toward the north border.

Using Knight’s speed, I ran as fast as I could. Knight was just as eager as I was, taunting me on how he could have been there already. I could smell her scent the closer we got. I took over, and a low growl came from within me. This was no place for her to live. What was John thinking, moving her out here so close to No Man’s Land? This land was unclaimed and mostly belonged to rogues. She had no way to defend herself. No wolf to help keep her safe.

I walked around the one-story house, picking up a scent of another male. This scent was different from the one I smelled on her. The first one you could tell was a werewolf. This scent was stronger and was not of werewolf lineage. Who the hell was this guy? I walked to the front porch. Whoever this other wolf was, he had left a note for her. I didn’t know if I wanted to read it or tear it into pieces. What if he mentions how much he enjoys making her come undone? My alpha aura began to leak out all over the place. I clenched my jaw at the thought of someone touching her. Now that we know we are mates, if she is intimate with anyone else, I would feel it.

I left the note there and knocked on the door. I stood there and waited, but she never came. I tried to open the door, but it was locked. As I gripped the brass knob, I could feel Knight coming closer. Without saying any words, I knew what he was implying. He wanted us to storm inside and claim what is ours.

But I knew force was not something Lyla took too well. I had worked hard to leave Lyla’s and I relationship in good standing. If I were to lose control and let my animal instincts take over, I would lose her for good. Besides, I would look crazy if I broke into her home.

Focusing on the inside of Lyla’s house, I used Knight’s ears to listen. There was no sound of anyone moving around or even breathing. She wasn’t home.

Maybe mate is at a friend’s house, Knight said.

She left alone, I said. Why would she go to Shantel’s house knowing she was still at the party?

I decided I would sit on the rainbow painted bench and wait for her.

The scent of dew filled my nostrils. The rays from the sun shining through branches stirring me from my sleep. I stretched my neck from side to side trying to loosen the tension. Lyla hadn’t returned home.

Suddenly, a mind-link from my uncle, Donnie, ripped through my head. The tone was sharp and demanding.

Michael. I need you back at the pack house now. This is a matter of pack urgency.

I’m on my way. A wave of panic crashed over me. My mind raced, jumping to every worst-case scenario.