Thirty One

Alpha Rick's POV

As I clinked my glass with Barbara's, I couldn't help but feel a sense of elation. Melina was finally mine again!! And it is all thanks to Barbara's cunning plan.

I raised my glass to her, "You know, Barbara, I couldn't have done this without you. She's been in there for days now."

She smiled back at me, a twinkle in her eye. "It was nothing, Rick. I'm just glad I could be of help."

We both laughed, relishing in the moment. I couldn't remember the last time I had felt so alive. The feeling of power was intoxicating, and I couldn't get enough of it.

But as we were in the midst of our celebration, Eric walked in, and the expression on his face was serious. "Boss, we have a problem," he said, and my elation quickly turned to concern.

"What is it?" I asked, my heart racing.

"Alpha Dwane is still looking for Melissa, but so far he's been unsuccessful for three days now."

I felt a pang of uncertainty as I thought of what to say.

But then Barbara spoke up, "Well, that's not