Blood Enigma

Meeting Again

Months had passed since Kenneth had taken refuge with Lacey and Nerewin. Despite Lacey's penchant for spreading rumors, she had kept her promise and never revealed that Kenneth was staying with her. Nerewin, too, remained discreet. Nicholas had kept his word as well, staying in contact with Kenneth and ensuring that both he and the unborn child were taken care of. The frequent visits had brought Kenneth and Nicholas closer, but the deep hurt from Ethan's decision to abandon him and their child for another woman still lingered.

Meanwhile, Devon and his minions were relentless in their search for Kenneth. What Devon had initially believed would be a quick task had stretched into months. The High Council had grown increasingly impatient, frequently contacting Devon and pressuring him to complete his mission—or face the possibility of them stepping in to handle the situation themselves.

During a tense conference call with the High Council, Devon offered a nervous chuckle. "Now, now, gentlemen. I know it's taken longer than expected, but rest assured, I will finish this task and—"

"How many times have we heard this from you, Wallace?" the head of the High Council interrupted, his tone laced with frustration. "All talk, no action! It has been months, and the Blood Enigma is still alive. It's time we take matters into our own hands. You've proven yourself incapable."

Devon bristled at the rebuke, but he knew the Council's patience was wearing thin. The pressure was mounting, and failure was not an option.

This was a severe blow to Devon's pride, but he maintained his composure in front of the powerful figures he needed to appease. "Please, High Council, I beg of you, grant me one final chance. I will find it! I promise!"

The cloaked individuals exchanged glances, silently debating whether to grant Devon another opportunity. After a tense moment, they turned back to him, their faces unreadable on the screen. "Very well, Wallace. You are given only one month to complete this simple task. Should you fail, your application will be disqualified, and the consequences will follow."

Devon exhaled shakily, masking his fear with a grateful tone. "Thank you. I appreciate this, High Council. Rest assured, I will deliver results this time."

"Very well," one of them responded curtly before the call abruptly ended.

As the screen went dark, Devon slumped into his chair, a mix of defeat and fury churning within him. He immediately summoned his henchmen, desperate for any lead on Kenneth's whereabouts. One of his most trusted men stepped forward, holding a photograph of Lacey.

"Talk," Devon commanded, his voice sharp.

The lycan promptly opened a folder filled with information about Lacey. "Lacey Hook, a known friend of Kenneth Rowe, sir. She's still attending school. There's a good chance she knows something about the omega's location."

Devon studied Lacey's picture, raising an eyebrow. Time was slipping through his fingers, and he couldn't afford any more delays. "We only have a month before all my sacrifices are wasted. Bring me this girl. I want to question her myself."

"Yes, sir," the henchman replied, already moving to carry out the order.

————

It was a dull Saturday morning when Kenneth was jolted awake by the shrill sound of his alarm. With a groan, he reached over and silenced it by smashing it against the nightstand before slowly sitting up. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he reluctantly dragged himself to the bathroom. As he stared at his reflection in the mirror, he couldn't help but grimace at what he saw. His once athletic frame was now overshadowed by a protruding belly, the undeniable sign of his pregnancy. His face looked gaunt, dark circles under his eyes from countless sleepless nights, and his hair, now much longer than usual, hung limply around his face.