Chapter 346
Chapter 346
23 – Elara
“Alpha, you really need to eat something and get some rest,” Melanie insisted, carefully setting down a tray filled with food and a steaming cup of coffee. “You’re not following the schedule the warriors laid out p>
I snapped back, my voice rough, “That plan was designed for their shifts, not mine.” Then, forcing myself to calm down, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. Melanie didn’t deserve my irritation. “Sorry, Melanie p>
She gave me a forgiving smile. “It’s okay, Alpha. But seriously, some rest would do you good. You’d be sharper, and maybe a little less cranky.” She smirked, clearly enjoying teasing me. I must have looked exhausted to let her get away with that. Before I could answer, she added, “Relying on coffee alone can only keep you going for so long.” Her expression softened. “When was the last time you actually slept more than two hours p>
“Yesterday, when you kicked me out of my office,” I replied curtly. “Why p>
“That was three days ago,” she corrected, placing a hand on her hip. My eyes widened in disbelief. “I’m giving you one hour to finish whatever you’re working on, then you have to go up to your room, clean up, and get some sleep. Otherwise, I’m calling reinforcements p>
I raised an eyebrow. “And who exactly are you going to call? My mother’s still in a coma, my father’s indisposed, and all my warriors are as wiped out as I am. None of them would dare challenge me—they know better p>
Melanie arched a brow. “I’ll call Ben. Your mate will make sure you listen p>
I froze. No one but Jax and Dev knew about Ben being my mate. Well, that was probably a lie-warriors were the worst gossipers, even worse than teenage girls. The rumor was likely already swirling, but I hadn’t confirmed it to anyone. “What makes you think he’s my mate, or that he’d have any influence over my decisions p>
She waved her hands animatedly. “Start with the way you look when he’s around. He doesn’t treat you like some ‘stupid female,’ like other visiting alphas, betas, and warriors do.” She grinned. “You don’t brush off his help like you do with everyone else. Should I keep going p>
“You think I have a look?” I leaned back in my chair, watching her pace in front of my desk.
She actually giggled. “Yes, Alpha, you have a look. It’s not some lovestruck, googly- eyed thing. You just seem more confident when he’s here. Your aura feels stronger —not overwhelming or unpleasant, just… more. Does that make sense p>
I frowned, confused. “I don’t feel any different than any other day p>
She paused, clearly tuning into something, then her mouth curved into the most mischievous smile I’d ever seen-like Jax when we were kids about to pull off some prank. “Well, let’s put that theory to the test, shall we?” She stepped to the side of my desk just as the door opened, and the man himself walked in. I shot Melanie a sharp look.
“So, you got a heads-up but not me? Who’s in charge here?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. I knew Ben was watching the exchange, but I wanted an answer from her.
“Yep, definitely different,” she winked. “One hour, Alpha, then you rest.” And with that, she walked away.
Ben grinned, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Did your mom die and take over as head of house p>
My head snapped toward him. “Honestly, I have no idea. Why are you here? You’re not due back for another week p>
“We’re traveling to Dark Moon in a couple of days. I need to be with Jer and Rayna. Thought I’d check in before we left p>
I slid back in my chair, reluctantly picking at the food Melanie had brought. She was right-I’d been running on adrenaline and coffee far too long. I only ate because she insisted.
“What’s in Dark Moon?” I asked.
“Rayna’s brother is the Alpha there, and they’re inducting his Luna into the pack with a ceremony.” Ben’s voice caught for a moment, almost like he was choking on the words.
“You’re telling me your Alpha and healers are letting Rayna travel in her condition?” Ben’s tone shifted, heavy with meaning. “Much like you and her sister-in-law, Rayna basically gets what she wants. She’s not going to miss this for anything. It’s been a long time coming.” There was definitely more to that story. “Have you found out anything new about your mule p>
I welcomed the change of subject. I pointed to the map spread out on my desk, covered in marks, highlights, notes, and scribbles—it had become our central hub for the investigation.
“We’ve pushed as far west as the mountains bordering the White Diamond Pack. Alpha Chase hasn’t seen or heard anything unusual, but he’s keeping an eye out since a coven is located on the other side of the range. There’s also a neutral territory just north of them, bordering White Diamond and Blue Moon, opening on my northwest side. Alpha Wess hasn’t spotted anything either, but they haven’t had any issues or reason to be on alert. That covers all our border territories, and they’re on high alert. Word’s probably spreading that we’re hunting, because since I spoke to those two, I haven’t noticed any movement p>
“What about the cave?” Ben asked.
“Cleared out. I took healers who could better identify the substances, but everything was gone—or at least, it appeared that way.” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ.net
“What do you mean ‘appeared’? And how could they have moved all that stuff? It was full p>
“That’s why we think it was an illusion. If witches are involved, that’s totally possible. I couldn’t enter, only look inside, which tells me there are wards up. We took a tip from someone spying on my pack and set up cameras, plus included that area in our patrols. We haven’t seen anything yet, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t using the space and sneaking in and out some other way.” I rubbed my hands over my face, then tried to run them through my hair, but they got stuck. I had no idea when I’d last brushed it. With a sigh, I pushed back from my desk. “How long are you staying p>
“Elara, no offense, but you look like hell. You need sleep p>
“I can’t sleep—not while the bastard who poisoned my mother is still out there. We keep getting bits of information, but we’re no closer to finding out who’s behind this p>
I led him toward the door. As much as I wanted to protest, I knew I needed to at least shower and look somewhat presentable. No one would take me seriously if I looked as rough as Ben said.