Held For Ransom

Chapter 25

I finally find Cole in his office, scrutinizing over a map and more papers. Stepping closer, I can see that he's setting up patrols around the area.

"Hey," I greet softly, so as to not scare him, "we have to go. Like, right now. Marie's orders."

"Hannah, I'm a bit busy at the moment. Can you tell Mom that whatever it is, it can wait?" He asks, looking up at me. He looks more stressed than ever, and I can't help but feel bad for him.

"I would, but unfortunately, this is urgent. Isaac's a traitor," I come right out and say it, knowing that'll get his attention.

His head snaps up, letting me know I was right. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me. We need to go. Now," I repeat, motioning towards the door.

He stands upright, and follows me out in hall. "Marie says to find Ryland and Isaac, then meet her in the arena," I fill him in, walking briskly.

"How can Isaac be a traitor? He hasn't done anything to prove that," he says disbelievingly.

"He said you were making all the wrong decisions since you listened to what I said, and Marie thinks he's been giving my father information about our location, activities, and other issues," I explain, and stop in my tracks when I hear muffled voices behind a door next to us. Voices sounding oddly familiar. Like Ryland and Isaac.

I signal for Cole to stop, and he gives me a questioning look. I point toward the door and step closer, leaning my ear against it. He does the same, and together we strain to hear what they're saying.

"-planning to attack in one week approximately."

That sounds like Ryland.

"Good. Next week is the former Luna's birthday party. It'll be the perfect time to attack."

That one was Isaac.

Angrily, Cole crashes through the door and storms in. He tackles Isaac to the ground and repeatedly punches him in the face. "You're gonna pay dearly for committing treason against your own pack!" Cole snarls, yanking Isaac to his feet. His face is bloodied from Cole's fists, and he doesn't even look like he's still conscious.

Ryland is still, his eyes wider than saucers and jaw dropped. Chuckling humorlessly, I stalk over to where he stands and grab his wrist as painfully as I can.

He's betrayed us, yet again.

And I'm pissed.

Cole drags Isaac behind me, and we take them to the arena. Marie is there, standing with her arms across her chest in a defensive stance, and a guarded look on her face.

Shoving Ryland in front of me, I growl, "Why don't you tell the former Luna what you were planning to do on her birthday?"

Glaring at me, he straightens himself and smiles menacingly at Marie. "None of your damn business."

Marie steps forward, eyes dark and threatening, and raises her hand to Ryland's cheek in an affectionate way. His eyes close in a blissful manner, before she snaps her hand back and slaps his cheek. Hard. The sound resonates throughout the whole arena, causing me to smirk.

He lets out an angry hiss, holding his now fiery red cheek.

"I can do so much worse than that, so I suggest you tell me what you were planning to do next weekend," Marie orders in a hard tone.

"Attack..your....pack," he rasps out. That slap must've hurt.

Cole shoves Isaac in next to Ryland, and he stumbles, almost knocking over the two of them.