Hunter's Alpha (gxg) ✓

34. Caught

ONE WEEK AFTER

"Don't look at me like that."

I stand, facing the window that overlooks the city. My secret apartment downtown. One I kept hidden from Anise.

Once, I wanted to go to university. To travel around the world, competing in tournaments. To play chess against the best of the best.

To be the best of the best.

But my sister made sure I'd never be able to. Not anymore.

"I'm serious," I snap. "Don't look at me like that."

Cloudy lets out a whine.

My arms cross, a chill snaking up my back. I can't stop pacing the apartment. Stalking up down and the length of the window.

Where could she possibly be?

After I told her to run, to get out of here, she disappeared.

Now, I dial Derek's number on my phone.

"Hello?" His gruff voice.

"Have you found her?" I growl.

"I'm doing my best, but I━"

"Seven days," I snarl softly into the phone. "You've had seven days. You still haven't found her."

"All I know is the Saints don't have her━"

The Saints don't have her. It should be good news.

"I want to know where she is," I say roughly. "Not who doesn't have her."

Before he can say more, I hang up.

Cloudy nips at my leg, scratching at me with tiny teeth. "Stop it," I snap, shaking him off. But he only comes back. Sad, pitiful eyes.

Damn it. Damn it.

It's almost as if he's asking where she is.

"I don't know," I mutter. "I don't know, and it's my fault."

I didn't mean for it to happen. Any of it.

Somehow, I find myself at the edge of the water.

A small, hidden lake in New Orleans. Who would have thought?

I found it when I was younger. After Anise inherited the role of the Alpha, and our parents abandoned us, and it was really just me and Tommy.

Crouching down next to the lake, I look back at my reflection. The muddy-brown eyes. The sharp jaw. High cheekbones.

I know I don't need them anymore, but I still hesitate. My fingertips lingering just above my lashes.

Jude whispered, All in?

But I've always been all in. I've always loved her.

I've never stopped loving her.

Then my fingertips slide over the surface of my pupil, gently enough to tug the contacts out. Brown eyes━I've almost forgotten what I really look like.