Fur and Fang [BXB]

Fourteen

Trigger Warning: Detailed Panic Attack

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"Wait here for me, will you?" Atlas asked Fenn as he gently placed him down on a bench in the entry corridor of the reception hall.

"Okay," Fenn responded in barely a whisper. Voices carried in the large space and he wasn't a big fan of the resonance.

Atlas nodded before turning his gaze to the door at the end of the hall.

The grand hall, which made up the majority of the space in the building, was typically used for large events, such as weddings, pack assemblies, and interpack mixers for wolves who'd recently come of age to find their mate. For this small gathering, however, a side room was more appropriate.

Atlas took a deep, calming breath before entering the room Tomin had placed their guests in. It was set up like a cozy, intimate living space with a fireplace, bookshelves, and board games.

"Gentlemen," he announced himself, taking in the three outsiders on the couches. Three of his own pack members—his Beta and two skilled warriors—were also present, ensuring the odds were favorable in the event that something went down. Atlas was proud of his pack for taking such precautions. "I apologize for making you wait."

"No need to, Alpha Atlas," Hadeon stood to greet the man with a handshake. "It's our fault for arriving without prior notice."

Atlas nodded to acknowledge the statement before moving to settle on the empty loveseat across from the visitors.

"What can I do for you, Alpha Hadeon?"

"Well," the man said, reclaiming his seat and clasping his hands together. "I'm looking for someone."

"And you believe they are here on my territory?"

"I believe they might be," Hadeon said. "You see, I'm looking for my mate. He's an Omega so he's quite small for his age. We met quite a while ago, but we weren't able to complete our bond before he was taken from me. I've been tracking him ever since, and I got a lead that he might have entered your territory."

"Who do you think took him?" Atlas asked. An anger was building inside him, but he refused to let it show. He needed to stay calm right now.

"I'm not blaming any of your pack members," Hadeon assured him. "It was a group of rogues that took him. My guess is that he was able to escape and ended up here."

"Did you kill them?" Atlas asked.

"We tracked them down, but a few were able to escape."

"How many?"

"While I appreciate your concern about my thoroughness, Alpha, I am quite worried about my mate. Is he here or not?"

Atlas considered the man for a moment, wondering what other lies he was going to spew.

"What's your mate's name?"

"Fenris Donavon."

Atlas's eyes flicked to the door, subconsciously seeking out Fenn. Whoever this man was to Fenn, it wasn't good. He had to protect him.

"Sorry," Atlas sighed, keeping his emotions reigned in. "There has been no one here by that name."

"He may have used a false one," Hadeon suggested. "Please. I'm desperate to find him."

"Like I said," Atlas stood, "doesn't ring a bell. I hope you have better luck elsewhere."

Atlas made his way to the door, but paused as Hadeon said, "You're a liar, Atlas. I can smell him on you."