Page 74 of Waiting for Fate
“This is a fucking mess.”
I raise a brow in Lex’s direction, following his gaze to the covered body. Today’s attack only claimed one victim, while the previous two totaled six. That is seven lives taken by this ridiculous new drug. Who the hell would even risk taking a drug that makes alphas feral?
We walk around the square, cataloging everything we see to break it down later. My stomach riots at the sight of tear-streaked faces as the victims from the bank are finally released. Being here, seeing this mayhem, only drives my desire to go back to New York higher.
“Why choose weekdays? If you wanted to cause chaos by unleashing a drugged, feral alpha into a crowd, wouldn’t you choose the weekend when a market like this would be busier?”
I consider Lex’s question as we walk back to the hotel. The other incidents were also during the week when there weren’t as many people around. “Without knowing their motive, it’s difficult to understand why they’ve chosen those times.”
As we turn the corner, fliers hanging in the sheltered bus stop across the street catch my attention. I jog across when the street is clear. Photos of missing teens and young adults cover the left side. Ten in total. Scanning the dates, I swear under my breath.
Of course, this has to turn out to be an actual lead and not just another dead end.
Snapping a picture of each one, I cross back over to join Lex. He’s leaning against the wall outside of our hotel, arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face. Everyone walking by leaves a large berth between them. His ability to clear a sidewalk never ceases to amaze me.
“I’ve got something,” is all I tell him as I head inside. Only when we are in our hotel room, and he’s made sure no one has entered since we arrived this morning, do I show him the fliers. “Almost half of them line up with the feral alpha outbreaks across the city.”
He grabs a laptop and powers it on. After half an hour of scouring social media posts, he sits back and stares at the wall above the desk. “If we follow the ferality drug, we find the breeding ring.”
“This whole set up is sus, right? If Silverstone PD could have over a dozen uniformed officers on the scene in under ten minutes, how were they unable to apprehend that alpha without killing him? We know from all the information Jericho sent us that this drug only copies the symptoms of ferality. It isn’t nearly as intense or long lasting as a true feral rage.”
My feet carry me across the room, pacing back and forth as I try to work out the off feeling I felt when we were talking to Chief Orelta. We’re missing something.
“If they have had this many people go missing in a single week, all lining up with the alpha attacks, why isn’t there an ongoing investigation in these disappearances?”
Lex grunts and pulls out our work phone. I flop onto one of the twin beds and listen as he updates our team lead at the FCDA. They’ll be able to gain access to the police servers here to see if they are looking into these missing persons’ reports. If they are brushing this off… There is a chance their police force may be involved in either the breeding ring or the drug running. Neither of which would be good for our investigation.
It looks like I will be staying on the case after all. I send up a silent apology to my omega, hoping she’ll forgive me after this is all over.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
JANE KNOCKS ONmy office door, stepping inside when I answer. “Mr. Acherley, I’m leaving for the evening, but I wanted to remind you about the label’s charity gala this weekend. Your suit has been dry cleaned and is ready. Is Miss Powell going to be attending as your date?”
Shit. I forgot about the gala. As a Soulbound executive, I cannot skip attending. And I don’t feel comfortable leaving Sabine at the apartment alone while I am in New York overnight.
“Thank you, Jane. Yes, Miss Powell will be with me for the evening as myguest. Could you make the proper arrangements at the hotel tomorrow? A single room is fine, but please book double beds.”
She nods and steps back, but pauses in the doorway. “If I may suggest something?”
“Of course. I value your opinions.”
“Miss Powell will need a gown to wear.” Jane gives me a knowing look before she leaves, closing the door behind her. I doubt Bea packed evening wear when she fled her apartment, which means my secretary is correct.
Opening my laptop, I pull up the website of a local boutique specializing in dresses for social events and pack bonding ceremonies. Every gown is only sold once, giving the wearer an exclusive look for their special occasion. Scanning their current collection, I smirk when I find the perfect dress. It looks like it was made for my omega. From the color to the deep cut on the bust. With a peek at the clock, I call the store with only ten minutes to spare before closing.
Perhaps these gifts will help thaw the ice Bea has built around her heart since her heat two weeks ago. Outside of the short drive to and from the office during the week, I’ve barely seen her. She has taken to hiding in the guest room when we are at home, and outside of meetings she avoids me at work, too.
It’s frustrating, but I recognize that the blame for her lukewarm reactions lies with me. Yet again, my selfishness is hurting those around me.
This is precisely why I cannot pursue a relationship with Bea. I will continue to hurt her when I drive her other mates away.
Sighing, I head to the second floor to find Bea. I find her in the studio with one of our producers, Emanuel Alfaro. She’s sitting on the couch, hair pulled up in an artful pile of curls on her head, leaving her neck exposed. I miss the sight of my love bites on her skin. Visual reminders of the amazing heat we spent together.
As I hover in the doorway, she laughs at something he says. The tinkling sound fills the small room with a brightness I hadn’t realized I was missing.
Rapping my knuckles on the open door, I wince when her laughter immediately cuts off. Replaced by the stony expression she’s taken to wearing around me.
“Ready, Miss Powell?”
