Fox Ensnared

Part 15

Riven POV

When we pull up, it's clear We are too late.

Price is dead; He lies on the ground with a knife sticking out of his chest. His skin is grey from the silver poisoning. Only the female shifters are left; the male wolves are all out searching for my mate. No one has questions about why we are here, not yet, anyway.

I turn to Jasper. "Let's shift and see if we can find her first." I don't wait for confirmation. My wolf burst out, shredding my clothes in the process. I pick up her scent and follow it to blood and red fur scattered on the ground.

SOMEONE HURT MY, MATE!

My wolf sees red. He isn't thinking clearly and snaps at Owen when he comes beside me. Owen whines when he sees the blood and throws his head back to howl. Jasper's wolf walks around the scene taking everything in. He released a savage growl that had Owen's wolf lying down on his belly. Pathic the omega is.

I leave them behind and follow her trail to the water. The others have lost her scent and started to head back. My wolf lunges to attack them, but I force him forward. Not now.

I have a strong suspicion that she resorted to entering the water to escape being chased. At first, the sound of wolves approaching sends shivers down my spine, but I realize that they are none other than Jasper and Owen. I motion toward the direction of the current and take the lead, with the rest of the party following closely behind me.

I have been following the creek for miles in search of Payton, but there has been no sign of her so far. Jasper crossed the creek in a shallow area and searched the other side, but we both found nothing.

Jasper shifts back, and I follow suit. "The trail has gone cold." Jasper's shoulders slump in defeat.

"So what, we just give up?" I snap. My emotions are raw.

"No, but Payton can handle herself; you know this; Riven and I need to be back to handle the fallout. To make sure no one knows who she is. And if the SP comes around sniffing, I need to be the one to talk to them." Jasper's voice is firm.

I know he is right, but I can't bring myself to leave. "I can call my brother and see what he knows."

Owen shifts backs."I AM NOT LEAVING!" He sounds gutted. I look over at Jasper to see his reaction.

He looks torn.

"Me and Riven will head back; Owen keeps searching for a few more hours. Make sure to be back at the academy before sunrise. I don't need to be worried about you too."

I am speechless. Leaving Owen out here alone? What if the others come back?

"Are you sure that is a good idea?" I glance at Owen. He is shaking with anger. But he doesn't say anything.

"No, but It's the best option."

Owen shifts back and takes off. His paw tearing up the ground in his haste to find her.

"You know you just got him killed, right?" Jasper inhales. "Have a little faith in him. He loves her." I shake my head and follow Jasper back.