Roxy called the technical department and the security guards, warning everyone who should be warned about the situation. It was the first time their Alpha mobilised the whole pack in years, so they were all surprised... but not too much.

After hearing what happened, they realised the Alpha's mate was in danger, and that it was most likely all a ploy to hurt them through her. They couldn't allow it: with Nate's sanity, their pack would have crumbled down as well.

The guards were checking their weapons while the tech team was tracing the woman through the city cameras. They weren't as fit for that job as human hackers, so they had also employed some from the deep web.

?Do you think this will work?? Bass whispered to his wife.

?It has to. For the good of everyone.?

Her tone was firm, but her body was anxious. How could the Mayford pack reach Lara that easily?

Oh, they should have put her under protection right from the start! Thinking no one would notice she's Alpha Nate's mate was a stupid hope. Especially since they had started going out publicly.

?We found something!? one of the wolves shouted, and Roxy strolled to him. Her heels hit the floor, resounding in the hallways before she crossed the door. Somehow, the company at night was a little gloomy.

?Yes?? she said, tilting her head and staring at the images on the screen.

?There are no cams in the area around the trash bins, but there's one right behind the corner and another one on the other side of the road... There's a van coming half an hour after Miss Clayton was seen by Alpha Nate last time. They stayed there for a long while and left around forty minutes later. Suspiciously fitting with the timings, right??

?And then??

?The van disappears into the city, but we can see him when they reach the hallway. They're directed to Mayford.?

?Can you hack into Mayford urban surveillance as well?? Roxy inquired.

?We have to do it the hard way,? the wolf sighed. ?It's better if the human hackers continue with that. They will send us all they find, including frames where Miss Clayton appears. Or the van, for that matter.?

?We aren't sure they're directed to Mayford yet,? Roxy pointed out. ?Even if it looks like that, we should keep our eyes open to all possibilities.?

?Yes, ma'am!?

?Good job, by the way. You improved your efficiency and time by a lot.?

She turned and left the room, reaching Nate's office. The man was staring at a sticky note, probably one of Lara's. His eyes were wet with tears and worry, and his breath was frequently interrupted by heavy sighs.

?I should have brought her home immediately,? he said to Roxy.

?Now, it's not the time for regrets, Alpha. You should focus on what's in front of us. They kidnapped her, which means there's something they want from her or us. There's still time!?

?I failed for the second time,? he sighed. ?Why has it to be so difficult? Just when I thought we were going to know each other... She disappeared.?

?It's not her fault, Alpha. Lara Clayton didn't choose to leave this time.?

?Do you think she won't choose to run away now that her life is in danger? With the pups, at that. There's no way she'll just accept to stay by my side after this...?

?You're underestimating her. Also, this might be the right chance to appear like a knight in shining armour to save her. Women love that kind of thing, right?? she tried.

?Maybe.?

Yet, his woman wasn't just like any other. She valued her kids' life and health more than anything else. She had been clear: she would stop whatever was going on between them if she noticed the twins were suffering because of that.

?It's not the right moment to fall into depression. We need you to be there, Alpha, to show us the right path.?

?How are the others behaving??

He left the papers on the desk and turned to Roxy. Indeed, he needed to focus.

?Unexpectedly well.?

?I have this feeling,? Nate said, ?as if the pack is slowly accepting her.?historical

?It might be the case, indeed.?

?But they don't know her yet.?

?It's the first time I see the process of a new Alpha female entering the pack. I'm not sure how it's supposed to work, and I don't think the elders can help with their experience because they had a wedding ceremony and, then, a powerful wolf like your mother as their guide.?

?That's right,? he sighed. ?Still, I'm worried about how things will turn out later...?

?The others wouldn't sweat this much if they didn't care or if they disapproved, Alpha. As far as I could notice, Miss Clayton is starting to be part of our pack little by little. The caretakers at the kindergarten say she's responsible and strict to the right point. The sales agents have only words of praise, and even Samantha gets along with her. It's a sign, isn't it? She's the right woman for you, Alpha. And for us.?

?I hope it's not too late, though.?

?It won't be. We're more powerful than them, aren't we??

?That's right,? Nate sighed. ?We can still win. Call Samantha and tell her to meet halfway. There won't be time to come here if we find Lara, so it's better she has her bike ready...?

?Bike?? Roxy chuckled. ?She doesn't use it as much anymore.?

?I feel like she's starting again,? Nate pointed out. ?Might be a temporary thing, or maybe she just remembered what she liked so much about it.?

?All right. I'll message Samantha right away. Also, what about the guards? Are we bringing them all with us??

?We can't risk leaving the company without protection. Half of them are coming, and half of them are staying here. Bass stays, and you come.?

?Sure!? Roxy nodded, her expression solemn and focused.

They would have a single chance of saving Lara Clayton.. They all needed to give their all, and even more, for that.