In Between The Alphas
Chapter 84

JAKE'S

P.O.V

The entire pack has been in disarray since Charlotte went missing. It was just 3 days ago but it feels like a lifetime. I will never forget the panicked note in Logan's voice when he called me. "Where is Charlotte?" he had asked, "She screamed my name down the bond but I can't get to her anymore."

We checked the entire pack house and even went back to his place but she wasn't there and neither was Kevin. It wasn't exactly difficult to put two and two together. Hunter had struck when we least expected, he took Charlotte from right under her nose and now the entire pack is suffering for it.

Diana has been crying nonstop, Greg had to leave her at home for the past two days so she doesn't upset the children. Today is her first day back.

And Logan- Logan is a shell of his former self. He is all brutal rough edges and no one goes near him for fear that he will snap at them. The only people who see him are Greg, Samantha and I.

I knocked on the door of the day care softly and Diana's head snapped up. She quickly slapped a grin on her face but not before I saw the sadness etched there.

"Hey," she gave me a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "You can tell Greg that he doesn't need to check up on me every hour."

"I'm not here because of Greg."

She looked shocked but nodded nonetheless, "So why are you here?"

"I came to see how you were doing?"

"Well none of the children have thrown any tantrums and I don't smell like piss or vomit so I'll consider it a win."

"I asked how you were doing Diana; not the job."

She paused, not breathing, for a full second before sighing, "It feels weird not having her here and I can't really talk about it with anyone."

"Of course you can," I took a step closer so I stood in front of her but she shook her head.

"Logan is pissed at everyone and everything; even Greg said he doesn't mention her name in front of Logan. Greg is hurt and he feels guilty because he was supposed to go pick her up but something came up. You've been busy cleaning up after Logan and then there's me."

She sniffled, "I spend my time crying like I was affected the worst. Logan hasn't cried and he feels the most pain. So yes, there's no one to talk to because everyone has it worse."

"Grief isn't something that can be measured," I told her softly, "And we all process differently. Don't judge your processing method by anyone else's. And if you need to talk about her, then I'm right here."

She nodded, "I walked to her office today before realizing she wasn't there." She laughed softly, "I was almost expecting her to open the door for me. What if we don't get her back?"

"We will," I promised, "She belongs with us and she will be back."

She opened her mouth to speak but someone cleared their throat behind us. It's one of the guards, I don't know him personally but I have seen him around.

"There is a message," he began, "For the Alpha."

I nodded and he placed the note in my hand then excused himself.

"Why did they bring it to you?" Diana asked

"I asked them to bring every mail or document meant for him to me first." I said as I turned over the envelope. No sender address, "Logan doesn't need to be disturbed or bothered by anything that isn't related to replaceing Charlotte." She started to respond but I couldn't hear her, my eyes widened as I took in the content of the letter.

"Are you okay?" she asked suddenly and I nodded.

"I just have to handle this right now," I gave her a small smile, "Excuse me."

She looked like she wanted to protest but I didn't give her a chance. I called Greg; he picked up on the second ring.

"I need you in Logan's office; now." I didn't give him a chance to respond and hung up.

It took him ten minutes to get to the pack house.

"What's wrong with Logan?" he asked

"Nothing yet,"

I pushed open Logan's door and he barely even raised his head to acknowledge us. He was peering down at a map that was spread open on his table.

"We need to talk," I said simply but he didn't look up.

"Where do you think she is?" he asked, "He may have taken her to his pack but then he also may not have."

"Logan," I called again and he finally lifted his eyes to me.

He somehow looks worse than yesterday and that is saying something. His eyes are red rimmed and he has a 5 o'clock shadow and his hair is disheveled, his clothes are wrinkled and his breakfast tray is sitting at the far corner of the office untouched. "A letter came in," I began, "Do you want me to read it?"

"Is it important?" he asked and I nodded, "Whatever."

I peeled it open and forced the words out of my throat.

'I must say it was very disappointing at how easy it was to take her; it I also very sad that your soldiers are easily bought out. He would betray his Luna because of a girl- granted she is his sister. But no worries, I have helped you get rid of the untrustworthy. I looked up at Logan to gauge his reaction but he kept his face perfectly still.

"Keep going." He instructed.

Gather everyone, that Beta of yours and the white haired one, you can even get the girl if you want.

I'm giving you a chance to see her.

Set up a laptop and tap into this meeting at 8 p.m. and you get to see her. No strings attached.

Just make sure that I can see you as well as you can see her.

H.

"There has to be a catch," Greg was the first to speak, "He obviously wants to show us something." "There's more at the back."

"What is it?"

"He asked us to play a clip; I found a flash drive in the envelope that the letter came in." "Give it to me," Logan said.

"It is probably going to be something that you don't want to see." Greg tried to reason.

"I don't care;" he said slowly, "Give me the drive."

I handed it to him and he pulled out a small notebook from his drawer. I instantly recognized it. It's the laptop we use when we want to do things without it being traced back to us.

Greg and I made our way to the other side of the table just as Logan clicked play on the video.

It started out grainy with Charlotte lying on the floor of a cell. She looked exactly the way she did when she left.

She got up slowly and I saw her lips moving but there was no audio attached to it.

"Are you sure you want to watch this?" I asked and Logan nodded.

Hunter walked into the frame and I saw anger cross her features as she spat a few words at him. The barest hint of a smile crossed my face when she burnt him with her chains.

That smile quickly fell when I saw him bring out a silver whip. I turned to Logan who looked like he wasn't even breathing; even Greg who is usually expressionless had worry on his face. Hunter ripped off her shirt and I winced when the first blow landed.

"You don't have to see this." I reached forward but he grabbed my arm in a death grip.

"Don't," it was one word but it was enough.

I forced a deep breath down and trained my eyes on the screen. If Logan is watching then so will I.