A Wolf's Claim

CHAPTER 35

*Jace*

I was buried in paperwork of all kinds. If it didn't have to do with the remodel, it was about closing all our old deals. With this new packland, the soil isn't meant for growing crops, so we'll need to determine another way to make money. We have plenty saved up, so that's not a crucial concern, but it will have to be dealt with.

It was almost five in the evening, and I decided it was time for a break. I left the office and headed toward Stella's room, knocking on her door. I didn't get an answer, so I opened it, finding the room empty. Walking downstairs, I ran into Adam on the way, who was also searching for someone.

"Hey, have you seen Sienna?" Adam asked, and I could sense his concern.

"I haven't," I shook my head, "I also can't find Stella."

"I've looked everywhere for Sienna and haven't seen Stella either," Adam responded with furrowed brows.

I felt my stomach tense, and my entire body grew stiff. I sniffed the air and came to the horrific realization that neither of them were here, but where the hell could they have gone? Adam and I scurried through the house, asking others if they had seen either of the girls. Almost everyone said no, until finally, Adam was talking to a woman named Bee. She was an older woman, a teacher for young children.

"I saw them leave, but I didn't know where they were going." Bee shrugged.

"What direction?" Adam desperately asked.

Bee pointed and Adam looked at me. I nodded, already knowing what he wanted to do. I wanted the same thing. We were going to search for them. I didn't want to leave the house unattended, so I asked Ford to stay behind. Instead, I took Blake and Deker. Ford was Gamma, so I wanted him to be the one to keep an eye on the house. Normally I'd ask Adam, but I knew he wouldn't stay behind.

We left immediately, following the faint scent the girls left behind. There were also tire marks to follow, lucky for us. The four of us piled into a truck and sped off through the forest, in search of Stella and Sienna. Adam suddenly started groaning and whimpering. He growled and began breathing rapidly, but I knew he wasn't in pain.

It was his bond with Sienna, she was experiencing pain, and he could feel it. I cringed, hoping Stella wasn't in the same position, though I knew better. Once we realized where we were headed, I started flooring the gas pedal. Why the hell did they come back to Ma's house?! What were they thinking?! Ma tried to kill Stella the last time they saw each other!

As soon as we set foot in her front yard, though, I could smell the stench of someone else. Adam looked at me, briefly, before we both sprinted inside the house. Blake and Deker were shortly behind us, as the scent lead us upstairs. We all shuffled into Ma's room, where Sienna was knocked out against the wall, Ma was being held captive, and Stella was in the hands of Solomon. He had his mouth up to her neck, he was about to mark her as his mate!

"Solomon!" I roared, my voice echoing throughout the room.

Without thinking, I threw myself into the room and toward Solomon, tackling him to the ground. Stella fell to the side, clutching her neck with wide eyes. Without shifting, I started repeatedly punching Solomon in the face, until someone pulled me off of him. Chaos took over inside the room, soon everyone shifted into their wolf, and a battle started to take place. Stella was leaning against the wall, watching in absolute horror.

Sienna was conscious again, joining in the battle without another thought. Deker, Blake, Sienna, and Ma fought against the guards that accompanied Solomon. While Adam and I tag teamed Solomon, he was a strong Alpha, so it was warranted. Solomon was known for his fighting skills throughout the packs, as he won every single tournament he entered. I knew it would be tough, but I was also skilled in the art of battle.

One of Solomon's guards was howling loudly, until a loud c***k filled the room, and he lost one of his people. The battle stopped, and Solomon escaped with the remaining guards that followed him. The only reason I allowed it, was because I didn't want Stella to get hurt. I still wasn't sure if he marked her or not, but it was a good sign that she was still awake. Usually, when you mark someone as your mate, fatigue takes over, and they sleep for a good amount of time.

I shifted back, pulling on my shorts, slowly walking over to her. She was curled up against the wall, hugging her own knees, with her head buried. I gently placed my hands on her shoulders, and she peered up at me with teary eyes. Using my thumb, I wiped her tear-stained cheek, smiling gently. My hand fell to her neck, where I moved her hair and saw her perfectly unharmed flesh. I got here just in time.

"Are you okay?" I asked, letting my hand rest on her shoulder.

"Yes... I am now." She released a heavy breath, nodding.

I pulled her into my arms, carrying her bridal style, and we all left Ma's house. I noticed Ma was following us. I wondered why, but thought I'd ask later. She doesn't seem bothered by Stella anymore... is that why they came here? To make amends with Ma? A smile started to form on my lips, as I glanced down at my amazing mate. If she was able to achieve her goal, then I would willingly allow Ma to return to the pack.

We return home, where I situated Stella in bed and tended to her minor wounds. I left her room, where Ma was waiting for me. We entered my office, just down the hall from Stella's room. I sat at my desk and Ma sat in the chair in front of me, fidgeting with her hands. I'm still angry at her for her behavior, but I'm curious to know what changed things between them. What did my courageous mate say to change my stubborn mother's mind?

"You were right, Jace." Ma started, sighing heavily. "Stella is a strong woman, especially for being human. She let me see into her past, somehow, and I witnessed for myself what she endured with Solomon. I realized she is just what this pack needs, and what you need..."

"How do I know I can trust you?" I growled.

"Jace, there's a reason why Solomon wants to steal Stella for himself. There is something about her that brings out special abilities in people like us; shape-shifters. I've heard of it happening before, but can't explain how it happens. Sometimes, humans possess something that enhances our abilities." Ma explained, her expression distraught.

"That's not the only reason anymore... I also... killed Ziggy. He's probably pretty pissed about that too." I grunted.

"You killed Ziggy?" Ma repeated, dumbfounded with wide eyes.

"Yeah. He marked Stella for death." I growled again, clenching my teeth so hard I could hear them grinding.

"I see." Ma nodded, her face morphing into fear.

"I couldn't help it..." I muttered, furrowing my brows in frustration.

"It's okay, son. Your father would have done the same thing." Ma smiled gently, revealing a death mark of her own.

"Ziggy?" I asked.

"Yes. I guess it was something he enjoyed." She growled, "Your father could never get close enough, though it wasn't from a lack of trying."

"I'm sorry, Ma." I mumbled, feeling sorrow for her lost mate.

"It's alright, son. You are a very strong Alpha. If anyone could take Solomon down, it'd be you. Especially with your Luna by your side." She smiled, resting her palm against my cheek.