Six

Remus.

Slowly, I wake from my deep slumber. Reaching my hand to touch her but the bed was empty. I slowly open my eyes to find an empty room. I looked around, my eyes trying to close back because somehow, I was still sleepy, and it was past my usual time of waking up.

Maybe because yesterday was different. A smile escapes my lips as I sit up, scanning Rhea's room. It was a small bedroom with nothing but a bed and a few of her things. The right and good thing to do is not go through her stuff, so I didn't. I strolled out of the room with only my boxer shorts to go find her.

When I stepped out into the living room, she wasn't there. The kitchen, no sign of her. I return to the room in a rush, that's when I realized her clothes were missing, her shoes too. She'd left. To where? How can I find her? Why would she leave without at least telling me whether I'd see her again or where I'd find her? I could feel my chest beating frantically because I need to see Rhea again.

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine as I stood in the middle of the room. My mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. Why would she leave like this?

I dressed up as I thought of any possible way to find her today. I can't wait another day without knowing where she lives and who she really is. All I know is her name; I don't even know her last name, let alone how to trace her with it.

I stepped out of the room and settled on the couch to put on my shoes. I smacked my lips whenever I remembered her face, her soft skin, her melodious voice. She had this soft, silky, black, long hair that I wouldn't get tired of playing with forever.

I sat up, staring at the empty space—could it be that I already like this girl? It cannot be. I first saw her running towards the hut, then I noticed someone was trailing behind her. Thankfully, I saw her, and when the attacker barged in, I was there. He could have done something horrible to her. And I wouldn't have known her probably. She would've been a broken girl who was just trying to live a simple and safe life.

The thought of that moment sent a shiver down my spine. It was as if fate had brought us together at the right time. But now, she was gone, and I needed to find her.

I get to my feet from the couch after putting on my shoes and stepped out of the hut. It was already past noon. The sun was out, bright and hot. The warm breeze brushed against my skin.

I heaved a sigh, walking towards my pack, my heart burning with anger because the girl I have finally connected with after my Emmie is Rhea. She reminds me so much of Emmie—the beautiful ocean blue eyes, the wavy black hair, her milky skin color, the dainty nose. Even the way my Emmie smiles and talks. But Rhea was taller and slimmer. I shake those thoughts away and focus on going back home.

But I just couldn't get my mind off that one night stand we had. Her soft, warm body pressed against mine. The way she whispered my name, making me feel so powerful, like I owned her, like I was the king of the world not just the Alpha of Shadowclaw pack.

She made me feel like I could take away all her worries. She made me feel like I could trust again.

 Like I could love again.

As I reach the edge of my pack's land, I feel a lump in my throat. It clogs my airway, making it hard to breathe. I try to swallow it down, but it's stubborn and won't go away.

I take deep breath, trying to steady myself. The lump in my throat is still there, a constant reminder of what I felt last night. I can't help but wonder if she's thinking about me too. If she feels the same pull, the same connection.

I start walking again, heading deeper into my pack's land, but my mind is still stuck on her. Every step feels heavy, weighed down by the memories of last night. I can't get her out of my head, and part of me doesn't want to. Because even though it's painful, it's also the most alive I've felt in a long, long time. She made me feel something real, something powerful again.

As I reach the gates of the Shadowclaw pack, the pack warriors and Beta come rushing toward me. Their faces are full of worry. "We were sick and worried about you," my Beta, Dante, begins, trailing after me as I stride into the pack's territory. I head straight to my palace because I desperately need to shower and get to work.

"I am going to assign you to do a confidential task for me," I start as we walk towards the palace. "Of course, always at your service, but are you okay? You just took off after the dinner with Alpha Fredrick and his daughter. You didn't like her?" Dante asks, his voice full of concern.

I glare at him, my eyes hard. "Did it look like she's my type? That girl is too loud and out of place, not my type," I reply, not wanting to think about last night's event.

I push open the doors to my palace and step inside, the cool air hitting my face. I need to clear my mind, and a shower is the first step.

"There's a girl I need you to find for me," I begin again, my voice firm. Dante stops dead in his tracks, staring at me in surprise.

"A girl?" he gasps, his eyes wide. I pause, giving him a stern look before continuing down the hallway. "Yes, a girl. And it's important, so I need you to focus," I say, my tone leaving no room for argument.

We walk in silence for a few moments, the only sound being our footsteps echoing through the grand halls. My mind is racing with thoughts of her. I can't shake the image of her face, the way she made me feel. It's driving me crazy, and I need to find her. I need answers. I stop at the entrance to my chambers and turn to Dante.

"I want you to use all the resources we have. Find out everything you can about her. Where she lives, who she's with, everything," I instruct after giving him the little detail I know about her, my voice low and serious. Dante nods, his expression turning from surprise to determination. "She might be from a neighboring pack, but Consider it done," he replies, and I can see the resolve in his eyes.

I step into my chambers and close the door behind me, letting out a long breath. The weight of the past night is heavy on my shoulders, and I can't afford to let it distract me. But the memory of her is like a ghost, haunting my every thought.

I strip off my clothes and step into the shower, the hot water cascading over me, washing away the dirt and grime. But it doesn't wash away the thoughts of her. I close my eyes and lean my head against the cool tile, trying to clear my mind.

After my shower, I dress quickly and head to my office. I have work to do, responsibilities to my pack that can't be ignored. But even as I sit at my desk, going through reports and making decisions, my mind keeps drifting back to her. I need to find her. I need to understand why she has this hold on me. And I need to see her again.

The hours pass in a blur of meetings and paperwork, but the thought of her never leaves my mind. Every time I close my eyes, I see her face. Every time I take a breath, I can almost smell her scent. It's maddening, and I don't know how much longer I can take it. As the day turns into evening, I finally set down my pen and lean back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling.

Dante walks into my office with a weary look on his face. "Dante," I call out, sitting upright.

"Any news?" I ask, my voice tense with anticipation. He shakes his head, his expression apologetic. "Not yet, Alpha, but we're working on it," he assures me. I nod, my frustration mounting. "Keep looking. I need to find her," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

"We will find her, no doubt," Dante assures me, his eyes reflecting the determination in his voice. "But before then..." He sets a card on my desk, catching my attention. I stare at it, puzzled, then glance up at him.

"It's a wedding invitation," he starts, and I furrow my brows. He knows I detest attending weddings. They dredge up memories I'd rather leave buried. "I'm sorry, but you can't skip this. It'd reflect poorly on you and the Shadowclaw pack," he explains. I sigh and reluctantly open the card.

"What?" I burst out. "You expect me to attend this fucker's wedding?" I toss the card aside, frustration building. "You have to. Your mother accepted the invite, and you're expected," Dante insists, and I turn away, gritting my teeth. I've never disobeyed my mother's wishes. She means everything to me, along with Dante, my closest and only friend.

"Listen, Remus," Dante starts, circling the desk to stand before me. He places a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"I hate Alpha Damien just as much as you do. I won't forgive him for what he did. But you can't let that stain your reputation as a leader. Attend the wedding for your mother and the pack, and forget about Damien. I feel sorry for the poor girl who agreed to marry him," Dante urges. I'm still seething inside, but he's right—despite my animosity toward Alpha Damien, I can't let it tarnish my leadership. Forgiveness is out of the question, but I can't let it consume me. "When's the wedding?"

"In two weeks."