Caged

Chapter 34.

*Cast: Alpha Dominic

Rhett's POV

"Do you really think this could work? He hasn't accepted a visiting pack easily in the past. How do you plan to reach out?" Asher asked, his expression tight as he looked over the plans laid out in front of us one more time.

I sighed and pinched between my eyes. We'd been at it for hours, trying to iron out every last detail to prepare before we left for the Shadow Pack's lands. We had to gain access to their Alpha, Dominic, without Cage catching wind of our arrival. I'd sent another scout team to watch his movements at the cabin the second we realized he had Lili. He hadn't left the little house in an entire day. Since he came back with Lili. "I'm just going to lead with the information. I've already sent Weston ahead to let them know we'd be coming. He's already checked in with me. They've allowed him entrance, but he hasn't seen Dominic yet. He's still waiting."

Asher nodded and straightened, his eyes glazing over from the link. His gaze refocused after a moment and he gave me a nod. "Ivy's ready. She'll be here in just a minute."

His eyes were filled with concern. I knew he was worried about her coming so soon after the attack, but she'd insisted. She felt responsible for Lili being taken, but it wasn't her fault. It was mine. I'd been the one to let her down. I'd failed to protect her.

A few minutes later, a quiet knock sounded at the door as Ivy entered, followed by two of our lead warriors waiting in the hallway. "Are we ready to go get our girl?" She said, pushing her chin higher as she tried to appear more confident than I knew she felt. I could sense her worry she was trying to hide.

"More than you know." I said with a tight smile. "Ok Ivy. So you know your part right? Just in case things go South."

She nodded and gave me a wink. "Yes Alpha. I'll get to the girls. Don't worry. I won't let you down."

I walked over and wrapped my hand around her shoulder, squeezing gently with a single nod before stepping through the doorway and out to the front of the pack house where the rest of our warriors were waiting. My hand absently checked for the gun holding silver bullets inside.
We'd prepared for everything we could, planning for the worst case of having to kill Cage and anyone else who would fight against releasing Lili and the girls. Ivy trotted up to stand in front of her group of she-wolves as Asher stopped and turned to stand in front of the warriors ahead of me. I gave them all a nod as they acknowledged our arrival, dipping their heads as they stood waiting for instructions.

I began to speak and they all raided their eyes to stare intently up at me. "I know you all are unsure of how this is going to go. You're right to be wary. Shadow Pack does not welcome visitors lightly, and we're doing all of this without the Beta's knowledge of our arrival. That is of the utmost importance. Delta Weston is already there and is waiting to meet with their Alpha. We've run through the plan already, but just be sure to stay on guard. We will need you to all keep your eyes and ears open. If you suspect anything, link me or Asher and Weston immediately. Do you all understand your roles?" My voice was loud and firm, and I fought to keep the fear out of my mind. I had to stay focused for my team and, most of all, for Lili.

We all hopped into the line of cars waiting for us and pulled away from the pack house, driving for about an hour before leaving our lands behind us as we crossed over the border separating the two packs. Just as we crossed, Weston linked me that he'd gotten the message to Dominic through one of his Deltas, and we would meet no resistance upon entry to their lands, which gave me some relief. That was one major obstacle we'd planned for that could be removed from the list.

It was closer to go the way Cage had gone, but to get through to the Alpha without arousing suspicion from Cage, we'd have to come in from the East to be sure we weren't on his radar. It added about an hour or so to our trip, but it'd be worth it if it paid off.

The car was filled with charged silence as we pulled up to the large pack house, getting out of the cars and looking to our right where the Alpha's house stood separate. Just down the road were the smaller homes of the Beta and Deltas. I linked Weston that we were here. We walked towards the Alpha's home where Weston stepped out, waiting on the front porch as we all stopped in front of the house. I walked up the steps in two bounds, followed by Asher as we hovered in the doorway.

Tension rolled off of Weston, and when I entered the house I could see why. Four large guards nearly matching my size stood just inside. They glared at us with arms crossed as we stopped inside the entry. I straightened and stepped forward, nodding to the four of them before speaking evenly. "We're here to speak with Alpha Dominic. He's been informed of our arrival. He should be expecting us."

The largest of the four looked at me with jet black eyes as he nodded, stepping to the side as his eyes glazed over, letting Dominic know of our arrival. "He is ready for you. Just in there." He pointed to the closed door on our right, a light shining from beneath it in the darkness of the hallway. Asher and Weston walked to follow behind but were blocked by the guards. "Just you." The largest barked.

I nodded to Asher and Weston and continued to stop in front of the door, gripping the door knob and taking a calming breath before settling my nerves and walking in. This had to work. He had to help us.

The door opened to reveal a larger room than I was expecting. It was a wood lined study, with a huge glass top desk. The walls were lined with floor to ceiling book shelves and plush furniture was cluttered in the middle around a small table. My eyes fell on Dominic who sat with his forearms leaned against the desktop. His blue eyes snapped up to meet mine and I felt my heart stall for just a moment before I forced it to beat normal. His eyes looked so much like hers.

"Alpha Dominic." I nodded with respect as he stood and offered me the same before sitting back down into his large leather chair.

He nodded to the chair beside me and I followed his instruction, sitting down slowly into the seat before trying to sit back into the chair. It took everything I had not to nervously bounce my leg and show my rush and concern. I needed to get this done quickly and efficiently, but most of all, discreetly.

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice." I said after a moment.

He nodded shortly and leaned forward. "What is it that you want from me Alpha Everrett? Your Delta said it was important to me as much as you." His eyes swirled with curiosity as he grinned deviously over the glass at me. "I must admit, you got my attention if nothing else."