Chapter 203
CHAPTER 95
RYAN’S POV
“What do you mean Anna’s not home?” I shouted, my voice already breaking before I could even make sense of what I was hearing.
I was in the boardroom with Mom, Dad, Beta Logan, Gamma Steve, and Alex. We were right in the middle of a tense strategy meeting, all focused on the next move against George, when my phone started ringing. I glanced down, saw Grandma’s name flashing, and almost ignored it. I told myself I’d call her back once we wrapped things up. But somehow my thumb hit “accept,” and the next thing I heard made my whole body freeze.
Her voice was shaking. “Ryan–Anna’s not home p>
For a second, I couldn’t even breathe. “Wait–what p>
“She said she was just going for a stroll. That’s what she told us. But it’s been over an hour now. She didn’t take any guard with her. We’ve been calling her phone over and over, and she’s not picking up p>
I shot to my feet so fast my chair crashed to the floor behind me. “What p>
Everyone in the room turned. Dad’s brows knitted instantly. “What happened p>
“She’s gone!” I shouted, my voice raw, my throat tightening so bad it hurt. “Anna’s gone! She left the house, she didn’t take anyone with her, and she hasn’t come back p>
Mom gasped, covering her mouth while her eyes widened.
“Shit!” I yelled, my pulse hammering so hard I thought my heart might tear itself out of my chest. I didn’t wait for anyone to say anything. I ran straight out of the boardroom, past the guards, ignoring every single voice calling my name. My feet just moved, heavy and fast, as if they knew where to go. I reached the garage, jumped into my car, slammed the door, started the engine, and peeled out so hard the tires screamed.
Anna had been missing for more than an hour, and every single second that passed felt like someone was tightening a noose around my chest.
I didn’t have to think twice about who could’ve done it, I knew. Deep down, I knew. And if it was who I thought it was, the Goddess herself better stand in front of me because nothing would stop me from killing him.
My hands were shaking as I grabbed my phone again, dialing a number I swore I’d never call. When the line connected, I didn’t even let him speak first.
“If you know what’s good for you and your godforsaken daughter,” I said, my teeth clenched so tight my jaw ached, “release Anna. Now p>
A low chuckle came through the speaker, smug and cold. “And hello to you too, Ryan.
I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my pulse in my ears while my body shook. “George p>
“That’s Alpha George to you,” he said slowly, his tone dripping with arogance. “Put some respect on that name
1/4
95
+25 BONUS
if you really want to see your Anna alive p>
My stomach dropped. “What the hell do you mean? Where is she p>
He chuckled again, that sound that made my whole body shake with rage. “You really think I’m just going to tell you, boy p>
“George!” I barked, slamming my palm against the dashboard while my breath came in short bursts. “If you touch her, I swear I’ll p>
“If she’s truly your mate,” he cut in, calm and mocking, “then find her. Otherwise… start saying goodbye p>
“George!” I screamed, but the line went dead.
And then came his laughter. That sick, evil laugh that made my vision go red.
“Son of a bitch!” I roared, smashing my fist into the steering wheel so hard pain shot up my arm. My knuckles split open, blood smearing the leather, but I didn’t care. My chest heaved so violently I thought I’d pass out.
Behind me, I saw cars following, Dad’s car, Beta Logan’s, Steve’s. They were all coming after me. But I didn’t
slow down. I couldn’t.
“Oh, Goddess… please…” I whispered, though I didn’t even know what I was asking for. Just something, anything, to lead me to her.
The phone rang again. Dad. I answered without thinking.
“ I’ve called security,” he said quickly. “They’re already tracking her phone. We’ll find her p>
But his words barely sank in. All I could hear was the pounding in my head while my heart kept racing. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I’d told her to stay home. I promised her I’d keep her safe. And now she was gone.
“I’m such a fool!” I growled, hitting the steering wheel again, my voice breaking halfway through the words.
And then…
I heard her.
Her voice.
It was faint at first, but so clear I thought for a second she was sitting right next to me.
“Ryan! Help me! I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die p>
Everything inside me stopped.
“Anna?” I said quickly, my voice shaking as tears burned my eyes. “Anna! Baby, where are you?! Talk to me p>
She didn’t answer. But I could hear her. Her panic. Her sobs. Her pain.
“Anna!” I shouted again, gripping the steering wheel so hard the veins on my arm stood out. “I’m coming, you hear me?! I’m coming p>
2/4
95
+25 BONUS
She couldn’t hear me. But I could hear her. And that was enough.
I could feel her now. Through the bond. It was like it had suddenly come alive again, snapping open with this sharp pull in my chest that dragged my entire body in one direction. It wasn’t just in my head; I could feel it physically, like a string tied around my heart, tugging me toward her.
“Hold on, Anna,” I muttered while turning the wheel sharply. The tires screeched as the car swerved into a new lane. “Hold on for me, please. I’m coming.
My heart was pounding so fast I could barely think straight. All I could see in my head was her face, the way she smiled that morning, the way she laughed when I teased her, and the thought that I might never see that again hit me so hard my eyes blurred.
“Please, baby,” I whispered softly, “Please p>
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.