Raymand
Ash leaned over a table with a map laid out. His fingers hovering over a point and he didn’t move a muscle when Raymand strolled in with Maple. Drake marched in with a pen in his hand.
“What’s going on?” Maple scanned the map near Ash’s finger.
“We’ve been looking over satellite images of the area we lost them,” Ash started.
“The Wolfbase has the software to do hour delay feeds. It’s a recent addition to the database,” Drake added in.
“What did you find?” Raymand wanted them to get to the point. Maple grabbed his arm, the sensation calmed him while his wolf resumed his pacing.
“Over the last few hours, there has been activity here.” Ash put his other finger next to the one he had down already.
“Anne suggested we go back to when they took Catty, and the same place lit up,” Drake added.
“Do you think Catty is still there?” Raymand looked at the place on the map. If they could find the group of hunters taking the pups, then his problems would be over.
“We aren’t sure,” Drake pitched in. “Two days after Catty vanished, the place turned dark. This might be our only shot.”
“We should leave right now.” Maple returned to study the map before stepping away.
“She’s coming?” Ash whispered out the question, curiosity filling his eyes.
“She either came with us or left on her own. I’m not testing her on this one.” Raymand tried to keep himself from growling out the answer. “Zac put the rest of the pack on alert.”
“What am I telling everyone?” Zac took a bite of fresh toast.
“To be watchful. There may still be hunters in town and if we don’t get them all they might retaliate.”
“On it.” Zac pulled out his phone while Drake marked the spot on the paper map Ash had his finger on still. Raymand didn’t know how well this would work but he hoped this was the spot where they had Catty, Cora, and Mark. He needed this to end today and make sure his pack would be safe again.
“I’m ready,” Maple called over to Raymand. When he turned he didn’t expect to see the knife strapped to the outside of her leg or the bag on her shoulder.
“What’s in there?” Raymand pointed to the hot pink bag.
“Clothes for Cora, a pair of lock cutters and a few knives.” Maple shrugged. “Are you boys ready?” She turned toward the truck before anyone could answer.
“Damn that’s hot,” Ash whispered. Raymand growled low and Ash bowed his head for a moment.
“Let’s go. We’re taking my truck.” He turned to Drake. “Do we need to leave you with Anne?”
“No, she left for my parents’ house today with the kids. My father is watching out for them.” Drake grabbed the map. Ash the oldest brother smiled at Raymand before slipping out, if he didn’t keep his comments about Maple to himself the guy would soon be seeing stars.
“I’m good to go.” Zac waved his phone after filling in the manager of the hotel he owned then followed Ash out to the truck.
“Are you ready for this alpha?” Drake turned once they were alone.
“I’m not sure but Cora better be there. It might shatter Maple if she isn’t home tonight.” Raymand glanced toward the area he had found Maple less than 24 hours ago.
“So, you’re planning on keeping her then?” Drake raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. Once we get her safe at home we will need to talk about adoption.” Raymand grabbed his keys. The look of surprise crossed Drake’s face for a second then vanished.
“Let’s try to get all the kids home tonight.” Drake patted Raymand’s shoulder. They walked out together, Zac and Ash argued over who would sit in the middle back.
“Pick a spot. Now!” Maple yelled at them from the front seat. Zac scowled at Ash before climbing in. Drake shook his head and hopped in behind Raymand’s seat. Raymand’s wolf liked seeing Maple in charge of the wolves. There wasn’t a doubt she made a good alpha female. He climbed in and the truck roared to life. Maple grabbed his arm as she glanced around the quiet neighborhood.
“Let’s go get her.” Maple never relaxed as they made their way toward the spot on the map. Tension hovered in the truck as Raymand weaved through traffic.
“Turn off in a mile.” Ash pointed toward the right as they headed south. In mid-day light things looked different than late last night with only the crescent moon giving them light. He wondered if the day light would help or hurt them in their attack as he eased the truck off the highway. Maple turned and looked behind them.
“What?” Raymand checked his rear-view mirror even after she shook her head. His wolf paced at the edge, ready to save Cora and the other missing pups.
“Nothing. Just double checking to make sure no one is following us.”
“Left here,” Ash called out and Raymand jerked the truck onto a dirt road. Dust plumed behind them as they raced down the road.
“Is there a road leading right up to it?” Maple asked and turned toward Ash.
“There might be a dirt road in three turns.” Ash tapped on the map twice and Raymand resisted the urge to grab the map himself and look. Instead, he focused on the horizon.
“When are we leaving the truck?” Maple asked Raymand.
“Soon. You’ll ride on my back with Cora’s stuff.” He double scanned the area again to make sure nothing felt out of place.
“I-” Maple started when Raymand turned again from Ash’s last-minute warning.
“It’s the best way.” Raymand turned again. A building came into view seconds later.
“Shit, is that it?” Ash hissed. Raymand slammed on the brakes. He turned to glare at Ash. “You were driving faster than I thought.” Ash shrugged and checked the map.
“Is it the place or not?” Raymand growled. Ash scanned the area and then rolled down the window. Maple and Zac stiffened in their seats.
“What?” Raymand asked. He hated not having the best nose in the fucking pack. Brute strength had been on his side along with ease of tongue but not his fucking nose.
“I can smell the one who attacked me.” Maple rolled her shoulder.
“I think I caught Cora’s scent with the hunters,” Zac added.
“Looks like you can walk since we aren’t too far.” Raymand turned toward the guys. “Keep it fucking tight. Only keep the oldest hunter alive if you can.”
“Why?” Maple asked through her teeth. He liked her bloodlust but they needed answers.
“If the other kids aren’t there we will need them for information.” Raymand turned to his mate. “Then we will kill him.” He didn’t doubt his mate’s passion toward the pup and she had proved herself to be a strong alpha female. Thankfully they didn’t have to worry about the human justice system as long as the mayor didn’t question the alpha. Raymand had a good relationship with his mayor and knew exactly how to explain the fucking events.
Maple nodded once and jumped out. Her bag close to her hip. The rest climbed out and Raymand took the lead with Maple at his side. Cora better be in here.