✓ | PRIMAL, jacob black ²

chapter thirty

CHAPTER THIRTY

The pack swiftly phased into their wolf forms, fanning out to search for Aniya. Meanwhile, under Sam's strict orders, the girls remained at the house, with Seth assigned to watch over them. Though Seth was eager to join the search, Leah had adamantly insisted he stay behind, arguing he was too young to take on such a dangerous task. Their brief bickering was cut short as concern for Aniya's safety took precedence.

"I am still," Maya murmured absentmindedly, her fingers tapping a rhythmic pattern on the wooden table. Her voice drew the attention of the others, who were also deep in thought, trying to decipher the mysterious message hidden in Aniya's drawings.

"It sounds like a cry for help," Zahra blurted out, her words breaking the silence. All eyes turned to her, curiosity and concern evident in their expressions.

"What makes you say that?" Serena asked, her brow furrowing as she studied Zahra.

Zahra hesitated for a moment, then spoke with quiet certainty. "Well, think about it. If the message was hidden—embedded in the background—it could mean her subconscious put it there intentionally. From what you've all told me, she seems to have some understanding of her dreams. This might be her way of communicating something urgent, something she couldn't say directly. A subliminal message."

Rachel, perched on the counter, nodded thoughtfully. "She might be onto something," she said, tapping her fingers lightly on the surface.

"I just hope they find her," Emily murmured, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Her worry was mirrored in her voice.

"And soon," Juliet added, her voice low and tense. She sat near the window, repeatedly dialling Aniya's phone, only to hear the voicemail message again and again. "If she's not in her right state of mind, she could be in serious danger."

Seth, standing by the table, chimed in. "At least Jacob said her scent was still strong. That should help them find her quickly."

"It's faint for me," he admitted, "but Jacob seemed almost... drawn to it."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "Probably that mysterious pull he keeps talking about," she said, mimicking air quotes. "He's so sure he didn't imprint, but honestly, the way he's acting tells me otherwise."

"Or," Seth interjected, tilting his head thoughtfully, "maybe something's blocking the imprint from happening. He acts like she's his imprint, but he can still deny it outright. That's something we can't do."

"Well," Zahra said softly, moving toward the window, "I guess we'll just have to wait and—" She stopped abruptly, her voice trailing off. "Or maybe not."

The others snapped to attention, following her gaze out the window. Jacob was approaching the house, his expression grim as he carried an unconscious Aniya in his arms. The rest of the pack followed close behind, their faces etched with worry and exhaustion.

Jacob didn't pause as he stepped inside, heading straight to the couch to lay Aniya down gently. Juliet rushed to her friend's side, kneeling beside her and running a hand through Aniya's hair. "What happened?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Jacob's jaw tightened as he explained. "We were following her scent. It was faint, but then—suddenly—she screamed. It was loud enough to alert us and the Cullens. She was near the treaty line."

Paul, standing by the door, spat bitterly. "One of the leeches said her mind was screaming something over and over."

Jacob nodded, his brow furrowing. "They said it was 'Help me.' That's all her mind kept saying."

The room fell silent as Zahra took a cautious step back, startled by the weight of everyone's gaze turning to her. Serena broke the silence. "You were right," she said, her voice steady but filled with unease. "It was a cry for help."