Page 71 of Alpha Chained
Jagger’s eyes widen, his expression growing more serious with each word. “The Consortium? What is that?”
Shit. I never told him.
But who could blame me? There’s been no time. “The Chimera Consortium. It’s the organization that has been abducting all the wolves,” I explain quickly. “They’re the ones who took Sierra and Savannah. And Cedara and the others. All of them… Parker’s been running an entire network. They’ve been taking wolves and selling them, Jagger. For years!”
Jagger’s jaw clenches, his eyes hardening with a mix of anger and determination. “Raura, we need to go back to my office. We have a lot to talk about.”
I nod, feeling my anxiety dissipate a little. We’re one step closer to getting out there to him. But it’s still not enough. Because even as I’ve been talking to Jagger, something’s been gnawing at me. Something that tells me we may not be able to help him.
I think I know what he’s going to do.
Chapter 26
Riot
I drive through the night, my mind a mess of turbulent emotions. Every mile that passes takes me further from Raura. Her touch, her scent, the way she looked at me – these memories are seared into my soul, a bittersweet reminder of what I’m leaving behind.
But I have no choice.
He has Willow. I’m certain of it.
And I know where he has her. I’ve been around the man long enough to know how his mind works.
Guilt gnaws at my insides as I think of this. Getting Raura out of that place is what put my sister in danger. But what choice did I have? He was going to kill her…or worse.
All I can do now is try to minimize the fallout. And that means handing myself over. It might destroy me, but I can’t let them hurt her.
You survived before. You can do it again.
With a heavy heart, I navigate the winding mountain roads leading back to the Enclave. The isolation and rugged terrain only amplify my sense of dread. Each twist and turn of the road feels like another step toward my own damnation.
The sensation deepens as I pull into the parking area at the base of the mountain. It’s hard to think that just a couple of days ago, I was here with Raura.
She saved me here.
The thought almost makes me smile. Her determination, her bravery. The woman is unstoppable.
And for a short while, she was mine.
My mate.
The words still unsettle me. When she’d said it last night, it had knocked the wind from my lungs. But I couldn’t deny that it felt…right.
That’s something I can hold onto. A month ago, before all of this happened, I would never have believed I could have had any of this – even if only for a moment.
Killing the engine, I swing the door open and step out, taking a moment to let the cool air touch me. There’s a watery winter sun melting the snow that’s settled on the scrubby grass since we were here last. It’s warm on my skin, but not warm enough to melt away the icy grip around my heart.
Straightening my shoulders, I abandon the vehicle in the parking bay, the finality of my decision sinking in.
There’s no turning back now.
I steel myself and begin the trek up the mountain, ignoring the back path I took with Raura and heading directly to the route that leads to the towering glass and steel entrance.
No guards halt my progress, confirming what I already suspected.
He’s waiting for me.
I pause at the doors to the main foyer. It’s flanked by a pair of guards who slant a cursory glance at me before turning their attention away. They’re not afraid of me. I pose no threat. I was chained when I lived here, and I return in chains now…even if they’re not visible. He still owns me.