Hunter's Alpha (gxg) ✓

43. Beneficial

You were right.

"Well, I usually am, but you're going to have be more specific," I say. "About what?"

The phone crackles with Elijah's rich laughter.

But there is no humour in his tone—only pure, unfettered emotion.

And then I remember our talk.

After waltzing right into his territory, I told him, They're going to take what's most precious to you.

Before he says, "They have Daniel and Alisa," I already know.

"How?" I breathe.

Tommy turns pale, stiff, at the sight of my phone call. Lacy, in tune to him, clutches his arm. Throughout the call, as he explains to me what happened, I bounce Kiara lightly, trying to keep her asleep.

"It would be improper of me to say I told you so, but I assume we now need a plan."

"I don't know where they're keeping them," Elijah says, and for the first time, he sounds truly . . . raw. Devastated.

"Do you know who it was from the Yakuza? Specifically?"

"A tall, slim Asian woman," he says. "I remember seeing her on the runway once. She's a model."

I grit my teeth. Pierce.

But if I was right about her, then Jude . . .

Jude.

"Meet me at the La Belle Voisine tomorrow," I say. A restaurant downtown—one I once planned on taking Jude to.

Once he agrees, I hang up.

"What's wrong?" Tommy asks, but I am barely listening.

Numb—I am entirely numb as I gently pry Kiara off my shoulders. Sleepily, she mumbles, "Mommy." Even as my heart melts, I am thinking about Jude.

Jude—who I told to stay at the apartment.

Jude—who I know wouldn't have listened to me.

Jude—who didn't believe me about Pierce.

Before Tommy can begin rambling, I am already out of the door. I have to check on her—I have to make sure—because if Pierce took Elijah's most precious people, maybe she took mine. My girl.

I am have just finished dialing Jude's number, slamming the gas pedal on my Audi, when the phone picks up on her end.

"Hunter?"

"Jude," I whisper. "Where are you right now?"

A pause flits between us. My car lurches forward, soaking in the sunlight of midday. Which direction do I drive? Where is she?

"Um, well, I know you told me not to, but—"

"Jude, you have to tell me where you are right now."

"Relax, Hunter! Why does it sound like you think I'm about to get kidnapped or murdered? I promise, if I look behind me, there's no serial killer."