POV: JACKSON
"I'm not entirely sure yet, but I suspect Evelyn is involved too. She acted really strangely when we visited Blake the other day. I genuinely believe she knows that Blake was the small whisperer," Saint said to Chris and I as we sat in my study.
He recounted what Tom had shared with him about Blake being the child in his head, as well as Mateo's suspicions regarding Sam. He also mentioned Mateo claiming to have seen Sam hiding behind the trees the day Ava attacked him. This only reinforced what Owen had said: Sam is behind all this chaos. One of my trusted friends.
But why?
Sam, Chris, Lyn, Samantha, and I all grew up together. During our teenage years, we spent a lot of time together, even though he and Samantha were a few years older than us. We got along well, which is why it was easy to choose who would lead alongside me. I had already decided that Chris and Sam would be my beta and delta, respectively.
Sam and I never had any conflicts during our teenage years that might explain his current actions. Our relationship was always peaceful. In fact, it was hard to find issues with him because he was so reserved and mature about everything.
"I never imagined he would be the one behind this. What could he possibly gain, and more importantly, why?" Chris asked.
"Enough to involve his child with witches? His motives could very well be significant. What does he have to offer Ava and the rogues? What's in it for them?" If the rogues are willing to collaborate and attackmy pack, one of the largest packs in Europe, then whatever Sam is offering must be substantial.
"If what Saint says about Evelyn is true, then perhaps it's power and status? But that would be foolish. Is he really trying to take over the pack with the help of rogues and witches?"
"Regardless of his motives, we need to act quickly. Detaining him would be stupid. He isn't just an ordinary pack member; he's third in command. The pack will question our lack of evidence and gradually lose trust in our authority and judgment," I explained.
"And I doubt Blake would go against his parents," Saint added.
"Our first step is to search his house for anything that could link him to this situation. We need something solid enough to justify detaining him or his mate."
"Wouldn't it raise suspicion if you or Chris went there?" Saint inquired.
"That's why you, Mateo, and Marcus will conduct the search. We'll schedule another pack meeting on Thursday that will last for hours—just enough time to look around his house."
"What about Evelyn? She'll be home since school isn't in session."
"Lynn is friends with her. I'll ask Lynn to invite her over for a chat or something similar. That should buy us the time we need," Chris suggested.
"Meanwhile, let Mateo and Marcus know about this plan. We can't afford for anyone else to find out, especially since we don't know who might be working for him," I concluded.
POV: SAINT
Lately, I've had the unsettling feeling that I'm being watched and followed. While in my room, I can sense a wolf lurking by the windows, but when I check, there's never anyone there. Even when I leave the house, it feels like someone is trailing me. For instance, on my way to see my mum, I was convinced I had a follower, yet I couldn't spot anyone behind me.
I know this isn't just my imagination.
Right now, I'm sitting at the table next to the window, waiting patiently for that elusive wolf to appear. After about two hours, I finally see a figure hesitantly approaching my window. He pauses for a moment, as if contemplating whether to come closer, before turning to leave. From the shadow, I can tell it's a man. He hesitates again and turns back toward my window, letting out a sigh before walking closer. I position myself to the side, half-prepared for whatever might happen next.
The figure knocks on the window, catching me off guard. Aren't stalkers supposed to refrain from knocking?
Slowly, I peek through the curtains and see it's the alpha who opened the door when I was in heat. What could he possibly want here?
My curiosity gets the best of me, and I find myself opening the window. "I'm so sorry for showing up like this. I just needed to apologize for the other day," he rushes out. Apologize?
"I swear, I didn't mean to get so close to you when you were in heat. I didn't even realize it at the time until it got out of hand. I'm really sorry if I scared you," he said, his tone genuinely sincere.
Hesitantly, I replied, "It's okay. You didn't do anything that seriously harmed me, so it's fine."
He sighed in relief. "Thank you. I really don't know what came over me. I promise I usually keep my distance from omegas when they're in heat. This has been bothering me for days, and I felt I needed to apologize and clear the air with you."
"It's fine, really."
"Could you please tell the alpha for me? I'm afraid if I go to him, he might rip my head off," he said, his tone serious.
I chuckled. "Of course I will."
He nodded. "I'm really sorry again. I'll be leaving now," he said, turning to walk away. But I still had one question.
"Wait, why did you come in? Did you have work to do that day?" I asked, stopping him.
"Not exactly. I was really surprised to find out you were in heat. At first, I was confused when I was told to go inside because someone needed my help. But since it was the alpha's sister, I thought it must be urgent."
Alpha's sister? "Wait, did you say the alpha's sister? Samantha?"
"Yes, she told me to go inside. She said someone needed my help."
But she knew I was in heat. Why would she send an alpha in at that particular time? I had told her to call Jackson, not some random alpha I didn't know!
Was she trying to set me up? Why would she do that? Didn't she like me? What in the moon goddess is happening?
"Uh, are you okay? Is something wrong?" the man asked, looking confused.
"No, I'm fine. I'll sort out the misunderstanding with Jackson; you don't need to worry." He nodded in response and then walked away.
I closed the window and took a seat. Why would Samantha act this way? If Jackson hadn't arrived in time, that man could have really hurt me, and it might have ended with him marking me.
Samantha had always been kind to me. Why would she want something like that to happen? Did I do something to upset her? But even if I had, it didn't justify going to such extremes to get back at me.
Or was that man lying? His words seemed genuine, though. Maybe it was a misunderstanding. I should confront Samantha about this.
Just then, I heard voices coming from downstairs. I left my room to see who it was. Chris and Jackson were standing in front of Sam, who looked scared and dejected as he spoke.
"What's going on?" I asked as I descended the stairs. All eyes turned towards me.
Sam turned to me, fear evident on his face as he said, "Evelyn and Blake are missing."