Chapter Five: Staring Danger In the Eye

Logan’s POV

My heart was racing as I walked through the palace gates, even as I inspected the guards. I'm the Beta of the Crescent Moon Pack, and this title brings a ton of stress. My job is to make sure the pack is orderly and peaceful, and I take that seriously.

Passing the tired palace guards, I noticed the weariness in their eyes. They'd been on duty for hours because I'd told them not to leave until further notice. It was necessary because things in the pack weren't great. Tensions were rising, and we were under threat from a rival pack trying to take our territory.

"Stay alert," I said to the guards, my voice firm but filled with understanding. "I'll make sure someone relieves you soon."

The guards nodded, appreciative of my concern. I kept moving through the palace, my mind racing with the many problems that needed my attention. I couldn't relax, not even for a moment. Finally, I entered my private room and shut the door, taking a deep breath to clear my mind.

Sitting on my bed, I looked at my phone, waiting anxiously for a call. I really have to fufill my mission in this Pack.

 I had something big in motion, something that could change the fate of the Crescent Moon Pack and make me get the justice I have always wanted. It was a risky move but I was willing to take for the greater good, but I couldn't let anyone find out about it too soon.

A smile played on my lips as I thought about my plan, confident that it was going to work. It had taken a lot of effort, time, and secrecy to get to this point, but I could see the pieces falling into place.

Suddenly, my phone rang, and the caller ID showed 'Unidentified.' I knew exactly who it was. I picked up the call, my voice calm but filled with anticipation. "Boss, it's done."

My heart raced as I heard those words. This was a critical step in my plan, and its success was paramount. I replied, "Good. Okay, then patch my line through. Let's move to the next stage."

Ava’s POV

I sank to my knees, sobbing, while Aurora screamed at me, her face red.

"You did what? I can't believe you got a threat like that and didn't go to the police! What if you were attacked? That's it, we're calling them right now." Aurora grabbed her purse, rifling for her phone.

Just then, the house phone rang, startling us both. Aurora picked it up cautiously.

"Hello?"

A garbled, robotic voice came through the speakers. "Put it on speakerphone. Now."

With shaking hands, Aurora hit the speaker button. "Who is this?" she demanded.

"You may call me Xavier Wilder," the voice said. "And I'd advise against calling the police if you want the children to remain unharmed."

Aurora and I exchanged horrified looks. This was the kidnapper!

"What do you want?" Aurora cried. "We'll give you anything; just don't hurt the kids!"

The voice laughed coldly. "I'm not speaking to you. Put Ava on now."

I felt sick. This creep knew both of us. How long had he been watching us?

"Please," I begged tearfully. "Just name your price. I'll pay anything to get my kids back."

"I don't want your money. I just want to...chat," Xavier Wilder purred. "Come to 425 Oak Street. Alone. No police, no friends. If you tell anyone or try to bring it back up, I'll know. And you won't like what happens next."

The line went dead. I met Aurora's frightened gaze. She squeezed my hand. "We have to call the police, Ava. This guy sounds dangerous."

I cut her off with a sharp look, glancing meaningfully at the phone. We didn't know if he was still listening.

Grabbing a pen, I scrawled a quick note. 'I'm going. Look after yourself.'

Before she could protest, I shifted into my wolf form and bolted for the door. As an omega, I was small, even in wolf form, but I was fast on four legs. And I could handle any human who tried to hurt me.

I raced through the dark streets, following the address to a sketchy warehouse. Creeping inside cautiously, I sniffed the air but smelled no one. No sound either. Just dusty old boxes and silence.

Suddenly, a dart hit my flank. Tranquilizer, I realized dizzily as my legs gave out. I had walked right into a trap. My vision blurred; shadows creeping in.

When I woke up, I was in a small, windowless room. I tensed, expecting restraints, but I was free. The space was clean and even comfortable, with a plush sofa and an elegant table bearing fruit and pastries. Confused, I called out angrily.

"Enough games! Show yourself, coward!"

A hidden intercom crackled to life. "Now now, that's no way to speak to your host." It was the synthesized voice from the phone and it sounded as if the person had cold because the voice often interrupted by a series of persistent coughs.

I glared at the camera in the corner. "Let me see my kids. Now!"

"Of course. Take a look."

A section of the wall slid away, revealing a window into...a playroom? My younger kids laughed and played with expensive toys. They seemed perfectly content. Relief flooded through me at the sight of their smiling faces.

"As you can see, no harm has come to them," the voice purred smugly. "And it will remain that way, as long as you cooperate."

My relief turned to anger. "You kidnapped my kids, drugged me, locked me in a room, and you expect me to cooperate? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't rip your throat out!"

A dark chuckle came through the intercom. "Feisty. I like it. Now open the drawer."

Wary, I slid open the small drawer in the end table. Inside was a single photograph that made my blood turn to ice.

It was Ethan's handsome face, just as I remembered it from six years ago. The photo slipped from my numb fingers.

"What is this? What does Ethan have to do with anything?" I whispered.

"Everything," said the voice. "Don't worry. The task I have for you is simple."

Dread settled like a stone in my gut. I didn't want anything to do with Ethan ever again. "Just name your price," I pleaded. "I have money."

"I don't want your money," Xavier Wilder snapped, coughing briefly before continuing.. "You're going to finish what you started six years ago. Seduce Ethan and make him fall in love with you again. Have him reject his mate. And then, once he confesses his love, you will publicly humiliate and reject him, just as he did to you."

I stared at the speaker in disbelief. "You...you want me to destroy him?"

"Yes," Xavier Wilder hissed. "Make him feel the pain and humiliation you experienced."

I recoiled in disgust. "No! What you're asking is cruel."

"Do you want your kids back or not?" he growled.

I pictured my sweet kids, scared and missing their mother. My heart shattered. I would do anything for them. Even this.

"How do I know I can trust you?" I asked faintly.

"You don't have a choice. But know this: " The voice turned ice cold. "If you deviate from the plan or try to warn him, you will never see your precious kids again. I will be watching."

The speaker clicked off, leaving me in silence. I stared at Ethan's photo, my stomach twisting. The boy who had toyed with my heart was now the key to getting my kids back, as much as I hated it. I had no choice but to play this twisted game.

But I swore to myself that I would find a way to win this and get my babies home safely. I wouldn't let Ethan or anyone else hurt my family again. This time I was in control of the game board.

Squaring my shoulders, I turned to the camera. "I'll do it," I declared. "Now take me to Ethan."

The war for my kids' lives had begun. And I refused to lose. The kidnapper had no idea who he was dealing with. Ava Eleanor wasn't a naive girl anymore.

I would make Ethan fall for my act. I'd have the whole Nightingale Pack wrapped around my little finger. And when Ethan least expected it, I would turn the tables and destroy him.

Natasha, Nathan, Natalia...Mama is coming for you. Be strong for just a little longer. I thought fiercely. We will be a family again.