Page 44 of Whisper of an Alpha
“It has to be,” I reply, my voice steady. “Lena wouldn’t lie about that cabin. It’s our best shot. Besides, my wolf is stirring like crazy and he does that most when he’s close to his mate.”
“Then let’s find it,” Harrison chimes in, his eyes focused on the horizon. “We’ll get our Luna back.”
The sky is paintedin hues of orange and purple as we approach the edge of the forest. My heart races, the fear of what I might find gnawing at me. But I can’t let that stop me. I won’t let it.
As we turn down a narrow dirt road, the trees close in around us, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation. I can feel the presence of something dark lurking just beyond the shadows. The weight of the world seems to hang over us, a storm brewing on the brink of chaos.
“Keep your eyes peeled,” I command, my senses heightening. “We’re getting close. I can feel Octavia.”
The cabin comes into view, nestled among the trees like a secret waiting to be uncovered. The air feels thick with tension, and I can sense the danger lurking just beyond the threshold.
“Stay alert,” I warn, stepping out of the car. “We don’t know what we’re walking into.”
Dalton and Harrison nod, their expressions serious as we approach the dilapidated structure. The wood creaks beneath our weight, the windows darkened and foreboding.
I reach for the door, my heart pounding in my chest. “On three,” I mouth, glancing back at my friends. “One… two… three!”
The door bursts open, and we step inside, the stale air hitting us like a wall. The interior is dimly lit, shadows dancing along the walls as we scan the room for any sign of Octavia.
“Clear,” Dalton calls out, moving deeper into the cabin.
“Nothing here,” Harrison adds, his voice echoing in the silence.
I step forward, desperation clawing at my insides. “Octavia!” I shout, my voice ringing out into the emptiness. “Are you here, baby?”
Silence.
My heart sinks, a wave of panic washing over me. I can’t lose her. Not now. Not ever.
“Let’s check the upstairs,” Dalton suggests, his brow furrowed with concern.
We ascend the creaking staircase, each step heavy with uncertainty. The air grows colder as we reach the second floor, our breaths visible in the dim light.
“Octavia!” I call again, my voice trembling with urgency. “Please, if you can hear me, answer!”
And then, from the shadows, I hear it — a faint whimper, barely audible but unmistakable. My heart races.
“Over here!” I shout, charging down the hallway, the mate bond guiding me.
I burst into a room at the end of the hall, and there she is — my Octavia, tied to a chair, her brown eyes wide with fear. My breath catches in my throat as I take in her disheveled appearance, the remnants of her gown stained with tears, blood and dirt. Her lip is split, dried blood caked on her hairline and bruising around her neck where it looks like she was strangled for a time. I also don’t miss the small knife stuck in her thigh, and it makes me see red for a moment.
“Wyatt!” she cries hoarsely, her voice breaking.
“Octavia!” I rush to her side, panic surging through me as I kneel before her. “I’m here, baby girl. I’m so sorry I took so long.”
She shakes her head, fat tears streaming down her cheeks. “You have to get out of here! Rachel — she’s coming back! Rachel said she was going to sharpen an ax, and would be back for me. Ican’t break the bindings, I’ve tried, then the knife. Wyatt, it hurts so bad.”
The urgency in her voice sends adrenaline coursing through my veins. “I won’t let her hurt you. I promise.”
I pull out my knife, the blade gleaming in the light as I slice through the ropes binding her wrists. Then I grasp the handle of the small blade lodged in her flesh. “Baby, this is going to hurt but I need you to bite down and not scream and alert her if she’s close.”
I pull quickly then place her dress against the bleeding gash to quelch the flow of blood. “We have to go. Now.”
As soon as she’s free, Octavia throws her arms around me, her grip tight and desperate. “I was so scared,” she whispers, her voice trembling.
“I know,” I murmur, holding her close. “But I’ve got you now. You’re safe.”
Just then, we hear it — a rustling sound coming from downstairs. My heart drops. “We need to move!” I urge, pulling her away from the chair.
