Insight

Flint twirled his phone in his hand anxiously as he entered the lobby of Starlight headquarters. He didn’t bother with the elevator, choosing the stairs instead. As he entered the third floor, he spotted Blair coming out of his office.

“Blair.” He acknowledged her.

“Alpha.” She greeted him.

“What are you doing here?” He probed as he stepped around her, into the office.

“I was given an assignment by Elder Elijah, but I can’t find him to give him an update. I’m worried that I made a mistake.” She followed him, speaking quietly.

Flint looked around the area. The blanket he’d used to sleep was neatly folded on the end of the couch. His desk was free of trash and debris. There was a bag on the coffee table with two take-out food containers inside. The Alpha looked at her curiously.

“Ellie dropped it off a few minutes ago. She thought you might be hungry.” She shrugged.

“I see...” Flint nodded as he sat at his desk chair. “Tell me about the assignment you were given.”

“I was told to read this.” Blair sat the red, leather notebook in front of him.

“This is Eve’s journal.” He picked it up with furrowed brows. “Explain yourself.”

“Elder Elijah brought it to me. He told me to look for anything significant that could help us find Luna Eve. I didn’t find anything, except Mrs. Dolan’s phone number and address.” She answered quickly.

“And you gave them to my father.” Flint pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Yes, Alpha. He told me to put the diary back where he’d found it, and I did. But when I went to see if he needed anything else...” Blair let her sentence trail away.

“You can’t find him.” He sighed heavily.

“No, Alpha. He’s just gone. I’ve called his cell phone twice over the last five hours and both times it went to voicemail.” She replied.

“He’s fine.” Flint eventually stated.

The young assistant looked at him curiously. He ran his hand through his hair, pushing it back from his face.

“My father is clearly not in the mood for conversation right now, but he’ll be back. He’ll be fine.” He held the red, leather book out to her.

“Alpha?” She hesitantly took the journal.

“Put it back where my father found it.” He ordered.

“Yes, Alpha.” She turned to leave.

“And, Blair?” Flint’s voice caused her to look at him once more. “Don’t take assignments from anyone else without permission. Family or not. Understand?”

His tone and piercing gaze told the assistant exactly how serious he was.

“Yes, Alpha.” The young woman bowed slightly before hurrying out of the room.

Flint watched the video feed of the cabin and checked the time. It had been nearly fifteen minutes since he’d called Anna. He hated waiting. Flint had felt something through the mindlink several minutes ago. The specialist had discovered something; and her Alpha knew it. And it was something she'd left unrevealed during their brief conversation.

The computer beeped. Flint hastily opened his email and clicked on the newest one. It was the report Anna had promised to send. There was an audio file attached as well as a three photos. Flint skimmed over the information.

Anna explained how, days before, she'd found a way into the air ducts to monitor the appointment. She saw Eve, Bastian, and a teenager with colorful hair enter the doctor's office together. They left about forty minutes later.

She noted the license plate number and the truck Bastian was driving. Eve had dropped a sonogram photo for Anna to find. The specialist had taken a picture of it with her phone to send to Flint.

The Alpha clicked on the audio file first. As it played, he moved to the three photos. The first was of Eve walking toward the entrance. Bastian had his hand on the small of Eve's back, helping her to keep her balance. Her stomach was very round and Eve was holding it protectively. The teenager was moving her hands, as if she were talking.

The sight of Bastian's hand on his mate made him angry. However, the sound of his enemy's voice over the recording suddenly had an enraging effect. The recording wasn't clear, there was an unfair amount of interference. Still, he heard every few words.

"- right. My new bride, -"

Between the garbled sounds, Flint heard Bastian refer to Eve as his bride. It made him furious. He was telling the humans that Eve was his, as were the pups. Flint cracked his knuckles and forced himself to continue listening. He moved to the next picture in the email.

Eve was leaving. Even with her back turned, Flint could recognize her. The girl with the colorful hair had her arm around Eve's shoulders. Bastian followed just behind them. The next words on the recording made Flint's heart stop. It felt like the world slowed until it stopped rotating.

"Both babies - great." The doctor's voice was shocking.

Flint abruptly stood from his chair. It felt like he couldn't breath as he listened to Eve's surprised answer. Through the interference, he heard the doctor confirm twins. He even claimed that one was a boy. The Alpha lifted a shaking hand to the mouse, clicking on the last picture.

The sonogram. Anna had taken a picture of it while it was on the ground, in the shade. There was no glare and plenty of afternoon sunlight. There, in the image, were two small babies. Two lives that would need him. Two beings drawing from Eve's strength. His fist hit the desktop, slamming loudly.

There was no way Eve could carry two of his children to term. There simply was no way. As much as he wished he could share his concerns with Eve, he couldn't. They were boiling in his mind, bubbling, threatening to take over. His mate was in twice as much danger, and still... He couldn't rescue her. Not now. Not yet.

Flint left the office. He couldn't think. He jogged down three flights of steps and out of the lobby. Stripping quickly, he threw his clothes into the SUV. Flint had to run. He needed to clear his mind and his wolf was always more than happy to help with that.

The white wolf was glad about the litter his mate was carrying. However, like his human half, fear for his mate's health overruled his happiness. It seemed to overrule everything.