Celestial Bodies: Of Runts and Lycans

Chapter 44: Hopeful?

Xavier's POV

I breathed a hot puff of air into my cupped hands, rubbing them together. It was fucking cold as I stared out towards the vast mountain ranges.

Somewhere, likely beyond the mountains, is Celeste. My mate. My love.

I clenched my fists, the skin slightly burning from both the harsh training session I went through this morning and also from the dryness in the air.

The mountains themself were a four day journey by walk, maybe two and half to three in wolf form. There are towns on the other side of the range that were even further, whether you went through the mountain paths or around. The issue is that the mountain range is so large and the rogues left no path. They could be in any direction beyond there.

She wore a sweater when she was taken, and a pair of leggings under a skirt. She'd be cold, wherever she is. Wherever she is, she wasn't wearing enough. The thought brought a bitter taste to my mouth.

'Alpha,' Josh's voice came through the link. 'Just wanted to remind you that the meeting starts in half an hour.'

I shoved my hands into my pocket, turning around without responding. If I walk, I'll be back within the next thirty to forty five minutes. I nod at the patrol as I pass them. Their eyes hold looks of sympathy. It irritates me. I don't want their sympathy. All I want is her, back in my arms; safe and warm.

Jacob glares at me as I walk into the conference room. "You're late," he says bluntly. My eyes drift to the clock above the head of the table. I was late.

"And you failed me. Now -- let's start the meeting." I pull out the chair, plopping myself into it. When my eyes trail up, Josh is shooting looks between the three of us. There's a harsh tension in the air. "Do you have something to say, Josh?" He shoots another look at the other two before shaking his head. "Good, status reports."

Jared clears his throat, "Neighboring packs have seen a decrease in rogue attacks since. . ."

"Since they abducted my mate?" He nods stiffly as my gaze finds him, unblinking.

"This can confirm that they had a goal in mind."

"Attacks outside of the north east regions have stopped completely." I shoot a look at Jacob.

"Completely?"

He nods. "For the moment, yes. Though a few packs have seen groups of rogues running back to the north east so that can potentially confirm that their base is somewhere on our side of the country."

"Potentially or confirmed, I'd like an answer." His jaw clenches. "I want the answer by the end of the week."

"It's already-"

"End of The Week. Got it?"