Page 72 of Noah

Adrian had plans for Noah.

I had known he wouldn’t take Noah’s rejection lying down. Knew he had too much pride, too much arrogance, to just accept it and move on.

But I had thought—even hoped—that he wouldn’t be reckless enough to try something in the middle of a summit, with so many packs gathered in one place.

I was wrong.

“What plans?” I demanded, my voice like gravel.

Carter hesitated before answering. “I cornered them. Made them talk. Adrian drugged him, Jackson. Knocked him out and took him somewhere. They said it was a cabin at the northern edge of the pack lands, but I couldn’t get an exact location.”

I was already moving, throwing the car into gear, tires screeching as I sped back toward the pack lands.

I called Griffin. He answered immediately. “Jackson?”

I didn’t waste time. “Noah’s been taken. Adrian’s got him.”

A beat of silence. Then Griffin’s voice turned deadly. “Where?”

“Carter said a cabin on the northern side of the territory. I don’t know the location.”

“I’ll gather some of our pack mates and start searching. Let’s all meet up.”

“No.” My knuckles turned white on the wheel. “I’m not waiting. I’m going ahead.”

“Jackson—”

“Noah’s my mate,” I growled. “I’m not sitting around waiting for backup while Adrian does who knows what to him.”

Another pause. Then Griffin exhaled. “Fine. I’ll send you potential coordinates. There are two abandoned cabins in that area. One of them has to be it.”

I gritted my teeth. “I owe you.”

“You just bring him back safe,” Griffin begged.

The call ended. My heart hammered as I floored the gas pedal, the trees blurring past me. My wolf was raging, clawing at me, desperate to take over.

To run. To hunt.

Noah needed me. I wouldn’t let him down.

By the time I reached the edge of the pack lands, I could barely keep my hands from shaking.

I abandoned my car at the trailhead and took off running, shifting mid-stride.

My wolf hit the ground hard, muscles bunching as I tore through the forest.

The night air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth as I sprinted through the trees, my paws thudding against the soft ground.

My lungs burned with exertion, but I didn't slow down. I couldn't. Every second counted.

Griffin had given me two sets of coordinates. The first cabin had been empty, its wooden walls caving in, abandoned for years. A dead end.

My frustration had nearly boiled over, my wolf snarling in my head, demanding action, but I forced myself to focus.

Patience. If I lost control now, I might miss something, and I couldn’t afford that. Noah was waiting for me. He needed me.

I pushed forward, my body sleek and agile as I raced toward the second location. The scent hit me before I even saw the cabin.

---