THE ALPHA'S UNWANTED OMEGA

CHAPTER 12. THE STRANGER

Ava

"This is Logan, the first to emerge, followed by Noah, the second, then Jamie, and Kyler," I said, pointing to each face and addressing each one as though I were presenting them to their father for the first time. Rae's eyebrows were furrowed in confusion. In the children's faces, there was no mistaking his own features.

"Logan is the one who most resembles you, both in terms of appearance and personality."

Although the photo didn't show their movements or scent, Rae could still see himself in them. He sensed the bond between them. They looked very strong and happy.

"Aren't they safer than you, Ava? At least their wolves are awake." Rae said, c*****g his head to stare at me. He took the picture out of the frame and hid it in his pocket.

"You seriously shouldn't be walking around with your head held high."

"I do not care about that," I said, glancing around the house in an attempt to find a hint that might take us to the quads. "Are you able to sniff anything?"

With an irritated tone, he asked, "Really, Ava? Do I look like a street dog to you?" and he walked away down the corridor.

Rae explored the whole house and saw my whole life these past seven years on display in every nook and cranny. He was secretly annoyed at me for living so nicely all those years without him. Despite the doubts of many in the pack, I always seemed happy and accomplished things. Toys were strewn all over the children's room when he arrived.

The living room, where Leila had been killed, had a path of dirt and an oddly placed carpet. Rae pictured the scene — the kids watching the woman being killed in front of them, then being carried away by the abductors.

Although Rae could feel the children's strength, it was a frightening scene for them. He made his way back slowly to the living room, where I was still standing. His wolf growled within him. It signaled there was a problem.

My senses took over when I heard Rae scream, "There's someone here and he's watching us, Ava." My eyes grew wide as I studied every square inch of the house until a shadow brushed the window. The man was forced against the wall on the house's balcony by Rae, who outran him in his dash.

He became frightened by Rae's aggressive touch. "You're not a human!" The man yelled. The majority of his face was hidden by his hair, making it almost impossible for me to identify him. "Who are you and what the f*ck are you doing here?"

His voice wavered as he replied, "I was only driven by my curiosity, I've never seen a crime scene. I only came to check it out."

"That's a lie," Rae pushed the man more forcefully, causing his head to collide with the wall. "Answer my question before I smash your head."

The man's eyes expanded, and I could see every muscle trembling in his body.

"It's okay, it's alright," he raised his hands, but Rae held on to him. "I am aware of who abducted the boys and where they may be found."

That seemed strange to me. Within twenty-four hours, another individual revealed details about their kids, but I trusted Rae and refrained from interjecting.

"What is your name?" Rae enquired.

"Arthur," he answered, sensing the moist wall pressing against his body.

"Listen Arthur, if I discover that you're lying to me, I'll hunt you throughout this city and you'd pray to the goddess that something remains of you when I find you. Just to be clear, you'll have nowhere to hide."

The stranger was trying to divert his attention with meaningless chatter, and Rae felt his blood boil.

"You do know who I am right?" Once more, Rae shoved the man. Arthur had a cut behind his head that was bleeding profusely, and his head was pounding with pain.

"It doesn't matter who you are, my friend," he laughed and flashed his yellow-colored, filthy teeth in response. "We follow human rules because we live in a human city."

"Oh really? Sure, why don't you go ahead and keep reminding me that, might stop me from actually mailing you. Don't f*cking test my patience."

Raising his hands over his head, the strange wolf replied in a panicked tone, realizing that Rae was serious.

He nearly pleaded, "Okay, I can take you there."

"Where?" I cried out in desperation, then I moved forward and went up to the men.

"Back off woman, this is a conversation between men," he said.

The sexist f*cker.

"Are you out of your f*cking mind? We're talking about my kids here. Have you ever witnessed a mother wolf become enraged because her pups were taken?" I yelled angrily. "If you would like, I can show you right now."

I felt as though something inside of me was awakening as I drew nearer to the man and my wrath grew. For a moment, I thought that was my inner wolf, but then it vanished and I was just upset.

"Don't we need to move quickly?" In addition to the disgusting breath emanating from his mouth, the man had a terrible sense of humor, which made Rae want to kill him — "but you'll have to let me go first."

I looked at Rae and tried to see if there were any signs that we had come to the same conclusion. I was familiar with Rae's thoughts and understood them completely.

"I assume you've already encountered an alpha," he murmured, pondering taking a step back. "My name is Alpha Rae, and should you attempt to flee from me, you have no idea what I'm going to do to you."

He nearly yelled as he answered, "Yes, Alpha. I will lead you to the people who abducted the boys." He sounded quite terrified.

When it became clear that he knew too much, Rae let him leave. His wolf cautioned him to exercise extreme caution, even though it was evident that he probably had too much information. He had a feeling it was a trap.

I went to my former room and reached into my closet for a black coat with a hood. I covered my face with my hair knotted back. Rae was correct when he warned it would be too risky for me to wander the city's streets, particularly after I was charged with murder. I felt a chill go down my spine at the prospect of going to jail. I was innocent, but I couldn't take that chance. Finding my kids was my only focus.

I noticed that Rae and Arthur had left the room as I walked out. I walked quickly into the living room, hardly realizing that I had trodden on some dried blood belonging to Leila which left a little trail behind me when I arrived at the gate.

"What were you doing?" As soon as I got inside the car, Rae inquired.

"I had to get a few things," I remarked, turning to face Arthur, who was now acting more nervously. "Where are we headed?"

I was outraged when he said, "To find your kids."

"Rae, they're not just my kids, they're yours too. What's your problem?" I remarked, glaring at him. "You own them too."

He responded, "Not so sure about that though," as he turned a curve and Arthur pointed him where he needed to go.

"Why are you here if you're not so sure?"

After a brief pause, I just made out that a man with a baseball bat was standing in front of the car.

"Let's postpone this conversation till later, Ava." I looked where Rae was looking, and when I saw more men encircling the vehicle, I was shocked.

"Arthur, what the f*ck is going on?" Ava yelled slightly. Rae hardly noticed that the man was already getting ready to run.