It took the ships, eight hours to reach the deepest part of the ocean. The forest from where the humans were rescued was at a distance of two hours. The moment these ships crossed the fog Centauri locked himself in the captain's cabin. His anger was radiation throughout the ship. No one including the beta dared ask him about the rescue plan. It was his first time witnessing a lack of planning on Centauri's behalf, who was a perfectionist in every aspect. He always took calculated moves and precautionary measures. Ethan knew something was off and he was waiting for the right moment to ask.
For the safe side, Ethan chalked out a plan and was guiding the leading warriors about the rescue plan when they felt a strong presence of their Alpha. The door 'creek' open and they all bowed in respect. The dark room was lit up by the light coming from the model of the forest. It was a huge clay model depicting every curve of the land. Small red lights were placed in it that illuminated different parts of the model. Alpha approached the model and Ethan took a few steps on the right side to leave the central spot for Alpha. Centauri noticed his gesture and slightly nodded in appreciation. He looked calm, despite his agitation he had to maintain his usual demeanor for his warriors.
Their discussion continued for almost one hour until they reached a perfect plan of action. The leading warriors were dismissed and Centauri left the room. Ethan reviewed the setting and then turned off the small lights of the model and pressed a small button on the table. The wood split into two parts and the model slowly rested in between the table. The parts of the wood were then assembled. It just looked like a coffin opening from the center and hiding its treasures inside.
Ethan locked the room and walked towards the deck where Centauri was already standing looking at the vastness of the ocean. He was completely lost in thought.
"I thought you won't be coming out anytime soon," Ethan commented
"We have to get there as soon as possible Ethan." Centauri couldn't tell him that his mate was there. The pain radiating in his heart couldn't be described by mere words.
"Leonis, I want to ask something?" after a brief moment of silence Ethan tried making small talk.
"What is it Ethan?", Centauri averted his attention from the deep blue ocean towards him.
"You have always taken calculated steps. I just don't understand why we are heading toward the western lands in search of a dead human. We could have formulated a proper plan and sent some warriors for this task. You don't have to come personally for this task.... ."- Centauri's wolf left a whimper after hearing him call his mate dead. He seemed confused but Centauri couldn't tell him what was going on. It wasn't the right time.
"Ethan, There is no such thing as death. Death is a lie" he was unable to believe that he had a mate. Is it a sign from the moon goddess that there is hope to lift the curse? Or his enemies are trying to trick him. Right now what matters the most is to find a mate and save her. He knew he was born mateless but the fact that he had a mate and that too is dead now was ripping him apart from the inside.
"Death is not a lie, It's a fact Centauri." Ethan was confused as well as worried for him.
"If those who are left behind forget the departed ones, only then who departed really die," Centauri claimed.
"Alpha Leonis, we will anchor the ship in half an hour." One of the warriors informed.
As soon as Centauri saw the shore he didn't wait for the ship to anchor. he jumped in the water turning into his fire beast. he could feel the shifting of bones in the air and his ripped clothes landed on water. he heard several voices calling his name from the ship and most importantly shouting of Ethan,
"Centauri Leonis, what has gotten into you? Leonis! what are we supposed to do? You are inviting your death." Ethan followed suit of his Alpha and dived shifting in his majestic brown beast.
he didn't know what he was doing but at that moment only one thing mattered the most and that was to find his mate and protect her. His wolf asked him sadly,
"Do you also believe that our mate is dead?" No, no fucking no, this is the last thing I want to witness on earth. I won't be able to bear it, I know she is alive, I know it. His wolf upon hearing these words exerted more force and within five mins he reached the shore. He heard the splashes of water behind him letting him know that his warriors were behind him. Without wasting any time he started running in the direction his nose picked the scents of the humans. Ethan was still shouting his name but he didn't care.
He moved past the trees and stopped when he saw the small clearing in the middle of the forest, surrounded by thick trees and bushes. He carefully observed the surrounding when he heard the approaching wolves.
"Alpha! You must follow the plan. We don't know who is in the forest and how many of them are here." Ethan whispered approaching him. They observed the house, camouflaging themselves in the bushes and trees.
"Ethan surround the house from the right and Phyllis you go left. I'll take the front door down." He ordered in his Alphas tone. After waiting for them to take formation he slowly moved towards the front door. It was like a wooden cabin. He burst open the front door and his eyes were met by darkness. There were fainting scents of humans mixed with some wolves and vampires. They were surely kept here. He closed his eyes and focused on the scent of Anastasia, the aroma wasn't strong confirming that she wasn't there. He picked up the trail of her scent and stopped near a broken window.
"They escaped from this window," Ethan said coming closer. "The cabin is empty. They have either left or are hiding somewhere in the forest."
"Alpha, we have found dead bodies in one of the two rooms." Phyllis one of the best warriors informed them.
Centauri ran impatiently towards that room and counted the bodies they were six. Ethan turned one of the bodies and pointing toward its neck,
"They became the feast of the vampires. There is no drop of blood left in their veins."
"Our mate is in danger, we must search her fast." His wolf echoed in his mind.
"Titan, make arrangements to carry the bodies to the ship. The rest of you hunt down the entire forest for the girl, she must be somewhere in the forest."
"ALPHA, it's already eight, I am afraid we don't have much time. If we didn't make it through the mist tonight we would have to spend the entire winter away from pack land." Ethan almost yelled.
Centauri sighed, he was right. He cannot risk everyone's life. He also cannot leave this place without his mate.
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