Fastest of the Woods

XII

Kian's POV (after the race)

Holly and Arturo disappeared after the race. Ok, they didn't disappear, Hannah pulled me away. We went up to her room for a while and now I'm having a drink in the game room.

She's been really clingy lately, it makes me wonder if she knows about Holly being my mate. Is it possible? We've both been careful to cover it up.

It's more than possible. Hannah's wolf is pissed at us.

What?! Why didn't you tell me?

I thought I made it obvious; I don't like her at all and I want to be with Mate.

Would you give it up already? Holly is probably with Arturo anyway, you saw how he looked at her. How she glanced at him. It's obvious.

Even as I replied them to him I could feel something pinching inside of me. It was so strange, like a combination of pain, jealousy and guilt. I've never felt this before. My wolf growled at me and I took another gulp of Budweiser. 

Suddenly he stopped growling. He stopped talking to me. He just listened carefully.

What is it? What's wrong?

Holly, something's wrong with her. I can't sense her wolf.

I groaned at him. You're being dumb. She's fine, Nova says Arturo said she went for a walk. 

No, something's wrong. Go check on her. She's been gone for hours. 

Fine, I told him, standing up, I'll go check but only because it'll make you shut up.

Starting with the obvious, I took out my phone and called her. It didn't even ring. I went up the stairs and to my father's office. If anyone would know where any of the Sterling children were, it would be him. Since their parents died he's been really protective over them all, always keeping tabs on them. I knocked on the door and came in when I heard him give me permission to do so.

He didn't look up from the paper he was reading for a minute, finishing the paragraph so he wouldn't have to start over. I knew from experience not to interrupt him.

"Kian, what's wrong?"

"Hey, I wanted to ask Holly something but I can't find her. She didn't pick up her phone. You know where she is?"

He nodded and picked up his desk phone and dialed the number to the patrol compound. The picked up after the first ring. 

"Hello?"

"Hey, Vic, it's Jack. I was wondering if you know what schedule Holly Sterling is on today. Is she on patrol right now?"

"No, but she's supposed to be. Didn't show up for her shift today, it's very unusual for her."

"Okay, thank you."

"Bye, Alpha."

I stared at the desk for a minute. Holly's never late for anything- I do mean anything- she's the perfect scout and she loves what she does. She'd never skip it.

"Where did you last hear from her?"

"She went for a walk after the race."

"She must have gotten lost. Take out a few scouts and go look for her."

"Yes, sir."

I went to the door and put my hand on the handle.

"Dad?"

"Yes?"

"What if we don't find her?"

"We will, Kian," he smiled reassuringly," Don't worry."