Chapter 14

　　Alpha Ryker

　　I’m excited to spend the day with Astrid; every day she trusts me more and more. She is thankfully adjusting to werewolf life. After my shower I knock on her door: there’s no answer. I knock again.

　　‘Astrid, are you awake?’ I open the door; her bed is neat and creaseless; she hasn't slept in it. Strange. I knock on the ensuite door; she isn't there either. One of her drawers is open; inside her clothes have been flung about like she was looking for something in a hurry. My stomach sinks; her bag is gone. I sprint downstairs to the dining room. Seth and Mia are at the table with Kane, Hayley and Vanessa; they all stand as I enter.

　　‘Has anyone seen Astrid?’ I ask; they shrug and say they haven’t.

　　‘Is she still asleep?’ Mia asks.

　　‘No, she isn't there and her bag is gone too,’ I say in a panic.