Bound to Kill
Chapter 18

KopDarius

I take Lexi to my favourite restaurant, a little carvery that looks out over the lake. The city lights in the distance add a romantic touch to the view.

We get a table by the window. Fairy lights dangle from the eaves. A single rose sits in a vase as a centrepiece. The lights are dim, and soft music plays.

"This is so beautiful, Darius," she says, smiling and taking in the sights.

I replace myself smiling too. "Breathtaking," I agree.

But my eyes are trained on Lexi. The surroundings pale in comparison. Tonight, she has her hair down; beach waves frame her face. She wears an off-shoulder, full-length, maroon dress with a high split on her left side. It clings to her curves with just a hint of cleavage. I can't wait to tear it off her later.

We place our orders, both selecting rare steaks. Wolves like our meat bloody. I sip my Scotch while she enjoys red wine.

Reaching over the table, I take her hands in mine, enjoying seeing her so relaxed.

"This past week has been... a lot. The next few days will be no different." I stroke her knuckles with my thumbs. "I just wanted us to hit pause, take one night off the crazy train to enjoy one another."

She beams at me. "Forgetting our troubles for one night. I like the sound of that."

During our meal, we get to know each other better, all the basics: favourite music, movies and books, food, hobbies and places to travel.

Of course, we're opposites in just about everything. I enjoy rock. Lexi's into R&B. I like to ski, while she prefers cocktails on a beach. Honestly, I'm delighted. It is just an opportunity to experience things we wouldn't try.

Lexi avoids talking about her childhood. She'll share when she is ready, I guess.

"How many kids do you want?" I ask.

She arches a brow. "Who says I want any?"

I know she's joking, but I leave no room for confusion. "Oh, we're having kids in a year or so. At least two, so they always have someone to look out for them." I'm an only child. Luckily, I had Hunter growing up, but ours will have a sibling.

"Why are you smiling?" I ask, noting the amusement in her eyes.

"I love how animated you get when talking about our pups. I can imagine a mini you, running around the packhouse, growling at the girl pups."

"Don't act like my growling doesn't get you nice wet, little wolf," I say with a rasp in my voice.

She doesn't deny it, and the way her body shifts lets me know she's squeezing her thighs together. I smirk. My mate always reacts the same when I sound guttural.

"Especially when I growl with your clit in my mouth."

Her desire pulses through the bond as I remind her she was my appetiser tonight.

"Behave, wolf," she orders, with her face flushed.

Grinning, I reply, "Where's the fun in that?"

Lexi shakes her head, biting her lip to hide her smile. She stands and excuses herself to the ladies. My eyes never leave her perky little ass as she walks away, swaying her hips, fully aware I'm watching.

While she's gone, I scroll through my emails. Suddenly, I feel her fear through our bond. My head jerks to where I last saw her. She stares back at me, pale-faced and a look of terror on her face.

I use our link. What's wrong?

Find me! Is all she says before vanishing before my very eyes.

I jump to my feet, stomach in my throat and heart pounding. I've never felt fear so intense. For a moment, I'm paralysed, at a loss for what to do. My wolf thrashes to get out, ready to rip everything in our path to shreds if it means replaceing our mate, snapping me into action.

No hulking out; we can't expose ourselves to the humans. His answering growl doesn't give me much confidence.

I try to link her, but there's interference, almost like a buzzing.

Baby, if you can hear me, I'll replace you.

I reach out to Amanda and Neil. Something happened to Lexi. She just disappeared right in front of me.

Amanda's alarmed voice sounds in my head. What the fuck, magic?

Must be Theo, I growl.

Can you communicate with her? Neil asks.

No, something's interfering. I'll check the security footage. I walk to the front desk to replace the manager.

What do you need, Alpha? Amanda asks.

Neil, secure the borders, then call a pack meeting. Make sure no other wolves have disappeared.

I'm on it!

Amanda, I need you and another tracker to meet me at the restaurant. Bring Adrian.

She pauses. But what if Adrian is the—

I interrupt. Right now, I don't care if Adrian is the fucking rat. I need my best trackers! I don't mean to raise my voice, but every second my mate's gone sends me closer to the edge.

I'll get him.

Softening my voice, I tell her, Bring two guards to keep eyes on him while he's tracking. Amanda, get here fast!

Already on my way, Alpha!

Taking several deep breaths to calm down, I ask a waiter to bring the manager. He stands before me a minute later.

"Good evening, sir. How can I help?" the manager asks, far too cheery.

"I need to see the security footage."

He looks uncomfortable. Humans may not know of our existence, but on a subconscious level, they feel the presence of a predator.

"Sir, we don't allow—"

A growl rips from me, cutting him off mid-sentence. He takes a step back, giving me a wary look.

"Listen to me carefully." I use my Alpha power. "You will take me to your office and show me security footage of the last ten minutes."

Cowering, he nods. "Follow me."

I'll feel shit about my behaviour later, but right now, my only concern is my mate.

The footage reveals nothing. Lexi returns from the toilet, freezes, looks around, and disappears. No one is near her. It has to be a concealment spell.

We're here, Alpha. I'm not picking up familiar scents, but I can detect magic. Powerful magic, Amanda confirms.

Is it like the spell Paul used on me?

No. It smells different. Much stronger.

Fuck! Check the toilets, then meet me outside.

After thanking the manager and leaving a hefty tip, I head outside, barely noticing the bite of cold air on my skin. I lean against the wall and wait for my wolves. Amanda arrives first.

"Nothing in the toilets, but I found this." She holds up the bracelet Lexi was wearing. I scent my mate's blood on it.

“My clever little wolf. If we can replace a witch, we can use this for a tracking spell.”

Thanking Amanda, I take the bracelet and store it in my pocket.

Adrian rounds the corner with Stan and Connor by his sides.

"Alpha, we did a sweep of the wooded area around back," Adrian says.

"Did you pick up anything?"

By the look of dread on Adrian's face, I won't like his answer. "Strong magic, fifty yards from here, with a floral essence. My best guess is we're dealing with Fae."

I can feel the colour drain from my face as a wave of nausea hits. "This can't be happening. Just a half hour ago, Lexi and I were laughing and making plans for the future."

Amanda places a hand on my arm. "We'll do everything we can to replace her."

I nod, not trusting my voice. The ache in my chest is all-consuming, threatening to bring me to my knees. I've never felt so crushed.

Sucking in a breath, I attempt to pull myself together. "I know we will. I won't stop until Lexi's back in my arms."

What the hell does a Fae want with my mate?

"Get in the cars," I bark. "We'll come up with a plan back at the packhouse."

Amanda joins me in my car. The others follow in another.

"Never a dull moment since your mate showed up, Alpha," she says.

I let out a bitter laugh. "True story. But I wouldn't change Lexi."

After a short drive, we pull up at the mansion. "Meet me in my study in half an hour. There's something I have to do first."

"Yes, Alpha."

Rushing to my room, I pull out Lexi's laptop to track her phone's location. It takes a few attempts, but I figure out her password is "Let'sStayTogether", her favourite song. Thank the Fates we spent time discussing it over dinner.

My relief is short-lived when I see she has 'replace my device' switched off.

"Dammit, Lexi!"

Feeling desperate, I scan her emails, hoping to replace her hacker. I see a message from a sender with random characters. Upon opening the email, I replace an attachment with the missing person report on Kayleigh. Yes! I notice they don't call each other by name. He only knows her as ThisGirl213. I hit reply.

Hi

I'm This Girl's boyfriend. I need your help, she's missing. It's urgent. She's in danger!

This Guy

The hacker responds in an instant.

What makes you think I can help?

???

I type my response.

She told me she saved you from a date from hell. I know you've been there for her since.

There's no time to prove I'm the good guy, but please believe she needs your help.

Can you track her phone and replace her location?

This Guy

It doesn't take long until Lexi's laptop pings.

Of course. But I'm not passing the location to some random fella, who could be out to hurt her.

Guy she saved

My wolf loses his shit.

He's only trying to protect her. Calm down, and let me think.

It takes a few minutes to come up with an idea.

Hack Lomond Valley's security footage. It's a restaurant. Check around 20:46 this evening.

This Guy

Pacing, I worry my lip while waiting for another incoming message. It takes five minutes.

I'm on it. Buy a burner and text me. +353-78651-26904.

Guy she saved

"Thank the fates!"

I postpone the meeting with my advisors and drive to the closest supermarket to buy a burner.

Alexa

I feel Darius' eyes on me as I go to the restroom. Smirking, I sway my hips so he enjoys the show.

Seeing this side of Darius and hearing him talk about having kids hits me right in the feels. Butterflies swarm in my stomach, and my cheeks ache from all the smiling. Tonight is perfect. After the week we've had, we deserve this.

After I wash up, I make my way back to our table. There's a shift in the air. I freeze. The hairs on the back of my neck stand. I look around, searching for the danger that has me on alert. Terror grips me when I spot a red laser on my mate's heart.

The chatter in the restaurant fades away, replaced by the thump, thump, thump of my racing heart. I scan the room, looking for the bastard who aims a gun at my mate's heart, but replace only happy diners and busy wait staff.

Then, an invisible entity whispers in my ear. "Don't move, don't make a sound. Come with me, if you want him to live.”

A chill runs down my spine. "I'll come, just please don't shoot," I beg.

Darius' head snaps toward me, sensing my panic.

He links. What's wrong?

There's no time to explain. All I can do is send one thought.

Find me!

Then, the world fades as I'm sucked into a vortex.

Dun dun dunnn!

Buckle up, things are gonna get a lil wild. Show some love if you’re enjoying the story. Comments/Reviews/Reactions/Likes are all much appreciated.

Thanks for reading. Gem 💕