The Alpha’s Feisty Mate
Chapter 51: A note

Isabella POV

I left Alpha Drake’s office feeling anxious, worried and angry. Who the hell took Clair?

I couldn’t stand still, I felt so helpless. I wanted to go replace her, but where would I even begin. I have to think this through.

I started to head for my room, feeling like maybe a shower would make me feel better.

It’s dark outside now and there’s not much we will be able to do during the night, without a starting point. I just hate sitting around doing nothing.

When I opened my bedroom door, my eyes immediately landed on a white piece of paper that was laying on the ground beside a small spray bottle.

It wasn’t there when I left my room this afternoon, or I would of seen it.

I picked up the paper and went to sit on my bed.

I quickly unfolded it, to see what it said.

There was a note. It said;

“Isabella,

I took Clair, but I’m willing to trade her in exchange for you. You have the night to make a decision, before I kill her. If you accept my offer, You can replace me at the abandoned cabin, located one hour east of the Crescent Moon pack. Head straight East and you will replace it. Come alone.

-If you warn anyone, I will kill her.

-If you don’t show up, I will kill her.

-If you try anything stupid, I will kill her.

I think I’ve made my point. Use the spray bottle to mask your scent before stepping out of your territory. I wouldn’t want anyone to follow you.

I look forward to seeing you again, my love.”

When I finished reading the note, my heart was pounding in my chest.

I had so many emotions swirling inside of me, anger, concern, desperation, I felt so alone at that moment.

It’s Clair, I didn’t even have to finish reading the note, to decide that I would make the exchange. She’s like my sister, I love her and I would give my life in a heart beat to keep her safe.

Now, I just need to come up with a plan, it’s going to be dangerous heading out there alone, but I have to, I can’t risk him killing her.

What if it’s a trick and he doesn’t let Clair go? I guess I’m just going to have to take my chances.

I knew it was the Rogue Alpha, as soon as I read the note. I couldn’t pick up anyone’s scent on the note, I can assume that they probably sprayed it with the scent masking concoction before sliding it under my door.

I couldn’t help but wonder who left the note. It had to be someone within the pack, for them to go undetected within the pack house. It made my b***d boil thinking of the traitor. It reminded me of Derek and if I make it back here alive, I will replace them and they will pay for their betrayal.

I got dressed in black leggings and a black long sleeve shirt. I tied my hair up in a messy bun before throwing on some combat boot.

I strapped a dagger on my thigh and I hide another inside my boot.

I grabbed a backpack from my walk-in closet and packed a change of clothes, my silver laced handcuffs and a syringe of wolfbane that I kept stashed in my drawer incase of an emergency.

I sourced out the wolfbane after my incident with Derek, when I, myself was knocked out by the drug. It could come in handy.

Once I had everything packed, I slipped the backpack under my bed before climbing onto my bed.

It was 11:00pm and I wanted to wait a few more hours before I left, making sure that most pack members would be sleeping.

I was definitely nervous, everyone has been on high alert since Clair went missing.

Alpha Drake kept looking at me throughout the day, almost like he was checking to make sure I was still there.

He knows how much Clair means to me and he probably expects me to try and leave to replace her.

I doubt he is sleeping either. It’s going to be tough leaving my room without alerting him.

I won’t let him stop me though, Clair’s life depends on it.

I was all of a sudden, brought out of my thoughts, by a knock at the door.

I quickly got under the blanket on my bed, to cover myself.

“Come in.” I said trying to sound calm. I really need to make sure, Alpha Drake doesn’t suspect anything.

The door opened and Alpha Drake stood there. He looked so defeated and tired.

“Can I come in?” He asked softly.

“Yes, what’s up?” I replied, keeping a neutral tone.

Alpha Drake didn’t say anything right away, he walked towards me and sat down on the bed, right next to me.

“We’re going to replace her, Isabella.” He said but didn’t look my way.

“I know we will, we have to.” I replied with determination.

“Look I’m sorry about earlier, I don’t want you to hate me.” He said, his voice sounding sad.

“I don’t Alpha, my focus is on replaceing Clair. What happened earlier, has long been forgotten.” I said truthfully, as his eyes met mine.

He look hurt and torn, like he wanted to say something, but was struggling to replace the worlds. After a few minutes of just watching me, he spoke again.

“It’s your birthday in an hour.” Alpha Drake said barely above a whisper.

“Ya well, it’s not going to be a celebration, it’s going to be the day we bring Clair home.” I said, while frowning.

Alpha Drake let out a sigh of frustration. Why is he talking about my birthday right now? Who cares, that’s the last thing on my mind.

“Well Isabella, please don’t do anything irrational, we will replace her tomorrow, get some rest, you’ll need it.” He said looking defeated as he headed for the door.

He stopped and glanced back at me before he left my room, closing the door behind him. His eyes looked so worried and sad. I couldn’t figure him out, I shook the thought away, reminding myself that I needed to focus on my current plan.

—————-

Alpha Drake POV

I spent the day searching the territory with my warriors looking for any clues that could help us replace Clair.

The only thing we found was an empty syringe that had contained wolfbane. Making it likely, that Clair was taken.

I couldn’t help but wonder if this had to do with the Rogue Alpha. I mean, he’s after Isabella but what better way to get to her then by kidnapping her best friend.

Clair is like her sister and I already know Isabella would do anything to protect her, that includes sacrificing herself. If the Rogue Alpha, knew how important Clair was to Isabella, there’s a strong probability he’s behind this.

I need to keep a close eye on her, make sure she doesn’t act irrationally. She had left my office a half hour ago and headed for her room. I couldn’t help but worry about her, I need to finish getting everything organized, so I could get up to my room and make sure she doesn’t leave tonight.

I sent out a team of warriors to search beyond my territory border. I instructed them to contact me, if they found anything.

After that was done, there wasn’t anything more I could do throughout the night. The search would have to wait till morning.

I made my way upstairs and when I reached Isabella room, I decided to knock. I really just wanted the reassurance, that she was still in there.

“Come in” I heard and I opened the door.

I found Isabella lying on her bed, under the blanket. I walked over and sat down next to her on the bed.

She seemed anxious, I guess with everything going on, it’s understandable.

After I reassure her that we would replace Clair, I mentioned her birthday.

She was quick to shut me down, not feeling like it was a time to celebrate and reminded me that our priority was to replace Clair.

I understood where she was coming from, but I was even more conflicted. Her birthday starts in an hour and the next time she sees me, the mate bond will click into place and she’ll recognize me as her mate, but now with Clair missing, it’s the worst timing ever for her to replace out.

I won’t even be able to explain myself, while we are busy searching for Clair. I know already, that she wouldn’t let me, not until Clair was found and safe.

I told Isabella to rest and that we would continue searching for Clair in the morning. I left room feeling defeated, tomorrow is going to be even harder then I was expecting.

I let out a heavy sigh, as I walked over to my own room.

Once in my room, I poured myself a large glass of whiskey and sat on my couch. The last few days have been overwhelming, my mind was racing with so many thoughts and concerns.

I took a big sip from my drink and felt the amber liquid burn down my throat. I knew I wasn’t going to be getting any sleep tonight. I wanted to stay awake and be on high alert, incase Isabella tried to leave.

After about three glasses of whiskey and two hours had passed, I heard movement coming from Isabella’s room. I sat still, while straining my ears trying to figure out what she was doing.

After a few minutes, I heard the floor creak in the hall. I got up from the couch and went to my door. I slowly opened my door and glanced down the hall, I spotted the top of Isabella’s head as she descended the stairs.

I didn’t want to confront her, not unless I was sure she was trying to leave. She could just be going down to the kitchen. If that’s the case, i didn’t want to aggravate her further, by chasing after her.

I slowly made my way to the stairs trying not to make a sound. I look down and couldn’t see her.

I descended the stairs carefully, trying not to make any noise and as I reach the bottom, I heard the front door close.

Panic started to set it, she is trying to leave. I can’t let her, even if she hates me for it, I won’t let her go out there alone, looking for Clair.

I opened the front door and stepped outside, I spotted Isabella as she ran East towards the tree line. She was dressed in all Black carrying a backpack.

I ran after her, I wanted to catch her by surprise, so she wouldn’t have time to react. Goddess knows what she’s willing to do at this point to replace Clair. I know she’s feeling helpless and desperate, I wouldn’t put anything past her.

As I reach the tree line where I saw her enter, I started to sniff around for her scent and I was shocked to discover, that it wasn’t there. What the Hell, I was positive that this was the spot where she entered the forest, I should be able to pick up her scent.

Panic started to set in, I can’t lose her, I need to stop her before she leaves my territory.