Chapter 353
Chapter 353
28 – Ben
“What’s going on with you two? You’re acting like you’ve never spoken to someone of the opposite sex before. And I know that’s not true for either of you,” Tommy teased, raising an eyebrow as we sat in the car.
“There’s nothing weird between us,” I replied sharply, stepping out of the vehicle to end the conversation. “Right now, she’s the only real target. Everything else feels like a distraction. She doesn’t accept help unless it’s forced on her. She trusts no one. Honestly, I think that’s because someone manipulated her into being that way.” Tommy met me at the back of the SUV, ready to switch shifts on patrol. But he wasn’t finished talking about it yet.
“Okay, I think I’m starting to get it,” he said with a smirk.
I was already peeling off my shirt and tossing it into the back of the vehicle. “I’m almost too scared to ask-what’s your take on me p>
“You’re a control freak with a hero complex. You thrive on this mess,” he laughed, stripping off his clothes and shifting before I could even fire back a response. Typical asshole.
After changing, I shifted and prepared to jump into patrol mode. So far, everything was running smoothly, but with everything happening back home and Ryker’s reputation on the line, we weren’t taking any chances. Just an hour remained on the trip before Danny and Josh, Ryker’s Delta and Beta, would join us for backup.
“Speak of the devil,” I muttered as Josh’s wolf appeared, running up to us and falling into line.
“There’s been a slight change of plans,” Josh said, his tone grim. “The last couple of days have been a complete nightmare p>
“What’s going on? Is everyone okay?” My mind immediately went to Kennedy. She’s human-she needs all the protection she can get.
“It’s a long story, but the Luna Josh began.
“What happened to Kennedy?!” I snapped, my wolf stumbling at my outburst. “Does Jeremiah know p>
“Calm down. Our pack has been through enough in the last 48 hours,” Josh said firmly. “And my Luna—your friend,” I could hear the growl in both Josh’s and his wolf’s voices, “handled one of the threats early this morning, all on her own. And before you lose it, she’s fine. She’s at home resting, where she’ll stay undisturbed until Ryker says otherwise p>
Tommy jumped in, sensing my frustration. “So, where are we headed now? I know that explanation won’t cut it with you, and you’re about to start something your wolf will have to back up p>
My wolf cared for Kennedy too, but not the way I did. The internal battle raged harder inside me.
“We’re going to the arena. A rogue pack has been lingering near our borders, and the Luna gave them refuge after one of their own killed a traitor with her bare hands p>
“Wait, Kennedy did that?” Tommy laughed in disbelief.
“Yeah. Amy had it coming. Kennedy hates being underestimated just because she’s human. Amy thought she could just waltz in and take the Luna’s place. Kennedy beat her down-after Amy had her kidnapped, no less. Then Kennedy forced Amy to accept her mate’s rejection so he wouldn’t have to watch her die, and finally strangled her to death. Like I said, the last two days have been insane p>
“How was Kennedy taken? How long was she gone? And who even thinks about a mate’s feelings before delivering a killing blow?” I asked, still trying to process everything. Latest content publıshed on.net
“The Luna does-especially when the rogue in question helped save her life. She earned loyalty from many of those rogues simply by showing kindness,” Josh explained.
“That sounds just like Kennedy,” Tommy chuckled again.
“The rogues used a distraction to snatch her. She managed to warn us through a mindlink—we still don’t know how. She was only gone for a few hours, fought back, and left a blood trail for us to follow. Just don’t mention any of that around Ryker or Bennet. They’re both furious she was taken and hurt. ‘Sensitive’ doesn’t even begin to cover how they feel about it p>
“But she’s okay now? Kennedy’s unharmed?” I pressed.
“She fought wolves after being abducted and was held captive by some seriously abusive, misogynistic jerks. No, she wasn’t unharmed. But she’s home safe and healing. That’s why there’s a strict ‘do not disturb’ order. Rayna’s going to her mom’s place for the rest of the day, and you guys can help Greta, Danny, and me with the rogues. Some of them are in rough shape p>
We finished the patrol in silence. As soon as we crossed into Dark Moon territory, we all shifted back to give our wolves a break. Jason took Rayna to her parents’ cabin, while Jeremiah, Josh, and I followed in the other vehicles toward the arena.
With every mile closer, my agitation grew. How the hell did this massive, feared pack get attacked? How did Kennedy get caught in the middle? Was Ryker really that careless with her? Is that why she hasn’t been able to contact anyone-because he locks her away until he needs her for appearances? I remembered the counselor mentioning that Kennedy had been inconsistent with schoolwork and follow-ups during winter and spring. That wasn’t like her at all. I wouldn’t feel at ease until I saw her standing right in front of me. And judging by the situation, that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.
Pulling up to the arena, I immediately noticed the heavy security. Patrol wolves paced the upper levels of the stadium seating. The gates were shut tight, guarded by two more wolves.
“What the hell is all this?” I whispered, knowing Josh could hear me.
“It’s complicated,” he replied. “We’ve found a few sympathizers who’ve been brainwashed beyond help. The Luna wanted to help everyone, but the Alpha has other ideas. So, everyone has to face a trial of sorts. That’s where you guys come in. We need to figure out if any of them pose a threat to the Luna. She was the original target, so she’s the top priority now. Ryker wants these trials done before the Luna returns, so her emotions don’t influence the decisions. She’s too kind and trusting for her own good p>
“That’s my Kennedy,” I murmured with a suppressed smile. She’s such a stubborn pain in the ass. At least she’s making things difficult for these guys.