Page 44 of Alpha's Claim
Etta’s hands twisted anxiously in her apron. “That was hours ago. She hasn’t been back, and one of the ATVs is missing.”
The light mood that had filled the house vanished in an instant, replaced by a sharp, jagged tension that settled in Colt’s gut like a stone. His wolf stirred beneath the surface, sensing the shift, the undercurrent of danger that laced Etta’s words.
Colt’s jaw clenched, his mind already spinning.Briar wouldn’t just leave without saying something.She knew how important it was to stay close, especially with members of her coven sniffing around. Something was wrong—he could feel it.
“You sure she took the ATV?” Colt asked, his voice low, controlled.
Etta nodded, her concern deepening. “The ATV is gone, I checked. I asked around, and no one else has it. I can’t find it or Briar.”
Colt’s wolf growled inside him, restless and agitated, ready to hunt. “Where the hell would she go?”
Bryce exchanged a tense glance with Landon, the easy humor gone from their faces. “You don’t think…” Bryce began, but Colt cut him off with a sharp look.
“I don’t know what to think yet,” Colt said, his tone cold and clipped. “But I intend to find out.”
Landon stepped forward, his expression serious. “You think Elle’s involved?”
The name alone was enough to send a wave of fury surging through Colt’s chest. His wolf snarled, clawing at him from the inside. “My guess it’s either her former coven or Elle.”
“There’s no way she’d agree to meet with those men, but she’s got a soft heart. She might meet with Elle,” said Etta.
“I wouldn’t be at all surprised to hear it’s Elle,” he growled. “But if she’s hurt Briar...”
He didn’t finish the sentence. He didn’t need to. The air around them seemed to vibrate with the unspoken threat, the promise of violence if anything had happened to Briar.
“Landon,” Colt said, already turning toward the door. “I need you to gather the pack. Make sure everyone’s accounted for. I want patrols doubled.”
Landon gave a sharp nod, already moving toward the back door. “On it.”
“Bryce, saddle up,” Colt said, his voice edged with command. “We’re going after her.”
Bryce didn’t hesitate. “Right behind you, brother.”
Colt strode out of the house, the fire in his blood growing hotter with every step. He forced himself to stay calm, to think, but it was difficult with the sharp edge of fear gnawing at him. He couldn’t afford to lose control—not now. Not when Briar needed him.
They reached the barn in record time. Bryce grabbed two saddles from their racks, tossing one to Colt with practiced ease. Within moments, they had their horses saddled and ready to ride. Colt swung up into the saddle, his hands steady on the reins despite the storm brewing inside him.
As Bryce mounted his own horse, he cast Colt a sideways glance. “We’ll find her, Colt.”
Colt gave a curt nod, his gaze hard. “We’d better.”
He didn’t waste another second. Heading over to where the ATVs were kept, Colt studied the ground until he found the most recent set of tracks. Following them, he galloped away from the barn and toward the open land beyond. Bryce followed close behind, his horse kicking up dust as they charged across the ranch.
Colt’s mind raced, every instinct telling him time was of the essence, and might well be running out. Briar was out there somewhere—alone, vulnerable—and he had no intention of letting her stay that way for long.
His wolf prowled beneath the surface, eager to be unleashed. Colt held it in check, forcing himself to focus. He would find her. He would bring her back. And if Elle had anything to do with this…
Colt’s jaw clenched so hard it ached. He didn’t finish the thought, but the promise of retribution weighed heavily in his mind, like the sharp edge of a blade, waiting to be drawn.
Colt’s horse charged across the open prairie, hooves pounding the earth in a steady, urgent rhythm. The wind whipped through his hair, and the sun burned low in the sky, casting long shadows across the landscape. Bryce rode beside him, his face grim and determined. Colt’s gaze remained locked on the tracks left by the missing ATV—the only evidence of where Briar had gone.
His pulse thundered in his ears. He could feel his wolf pacing inside him, anxious, furious, and ready to tear apart anyone who stood between him and Briar. The bond between them tugged at his senses like a lifeline, but it wasn’t enough to tell him exactly where she was or if she was safe.
They followed the trail through the hills and towards the stream, where the trees crowded together, their branches heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth. The path grew narrower, more winding, and the horses slowed to a canter, their hooves muffled by the thick underbrush.
And then, just ahead in the clearing, Colt saw it—the missing ATV, abandoned. His heart skipped a beat, his hands tightening on the reins. Something was off.
“Up there,” Bryce called out, pointing to a crumpled figure lying next to the vehicle.