Mated To The Beastly Alpha
Chapter 71

As promised, James unfurled a worn map that depicted the intricate routes surrounding the dark forest as soon as they returned to the Dark Moon.

Liam's eyes locked onto the marked trails. His gaze was intense and focused. He studied the paths, his finger tracing the winding lines as if seeking guidance from the worn parchment. "We need to plan our next move carefully," Liam muttered, his voice laced with nervous anticipation. "Nicole's out there somewhere, and we can't afford to waste any more time." Without saying anything, they nodded in agreement, and all went to bed.

The night stretched on as Liam mulled over the map, his mind consumed with anticipation and nervous energy. The moon's gentle glow bathed the room, casting an ethereal light upon him. Liam's eyes scanned the intricate paths, his fingers tracing the lines as he tried to absorb every detail. Every twist and turn of the routes danced in his thoughts, each one a potential path to replaceing Nicole.

His fingers tapped anxiously against the table, the weight of the unknown pressing down upon him. With each passing minute, his determination grew stronger, mingled with a growing sense of restlessness. The next morning, Liam, James, Garrett, and Connor, the Gamma of the Dark Moon, gather in a secluded room to discuss their strategy.

Morning arrived, bringing with it a renewed sense of urgency. Liam, James, Garrett, and Connor gathered around a large table, their expressions reflecting the weight of the decisions to come.

"We have three potential routes," James began, his finger tracing the paths on the map. "Bloodmoon lies east, Silverwood to the west. There's also a rogue pack in the south. Each route poses its own challenges and risks."

Liam's brow furrowed in deep thought, his mind grappling with the weight of the decision before him. "We need to move swiftly, but we must choose our route wisely," Liam stated, his voice laced with a mix of determination and apprehension. "Bloodmoon, Silverwood, and the rogue pack lie along the path."

James nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the map once more. "Bloodmoon is known for its fierce warriors, while Silverwood is still establishing itself as a pack. The rogue pack is unpredictable, their allegiance wavering."

Connor, his features etched with weariness, interjected with a bitter tone. "Why bother? Nicole is gone. No one survives the dark forest. The Dark Moon's enemies are taking advantage of our distraction. We're wasting energy and resources on a lost cause." "Shut up or get out," Liam growled. He woke up with a clear and focused mind. He wasn't going to let Connor spoil his chances of bringing Nicole back.

Connor, normally known for his level-headedness, interjected with a voice tinged with doubt. "Maybe it's time to face reality, Liam.

The dark forest is a death trap. Nicole is most likely gone. We're wasting our energy on a futile search. There are things more important than that now." "Connor..." Garrett hissed.

"Alpha, you must also consider the state of our pack. We are tired and demoralized. Our enemies may be using this distraction to their advantage. We can not afford to continue wasting energy on a futile search."

The words hung heavily in the air, causing tension to settle over the room. Liam's nostrils flared, his anger simmering just below the surface. In a sudden surge of fury, he lunged at Connor, his hands gripping the Gamma's collar with an iron grip. "How dare you? How dare you suggest we give up on her?" Liam growled, his voice dripping with both rage and desperation.

James swiftly intervened, pulling Liam back, his voice firm and commanding. "Enough! Connor, you know as well as I do the power Nicole possesses.

She's not a lost cause. We will replace her. We all know the dangers of the dark forest, but we can not abandon hope. Nicole's strength is unparalleled, and we have witnessed her power firsthand. She is no ordinary wolf." Liam's chest heaved as he struggled to regain control. His hands trembled, the remnants of his anger lingering in the air. Slowly, he released his grip on Connor, stepping back as regret and remorse etched on his face. Connor, his breath ragged, nodded. "You're right. Alpha. I... I apologize. It's just... the darkness of the forest can play tricks on the mind. I... I'm just speaking from..."

"Get out." Liam growled, "Get lost before I change my mind!"

Connor stumbled out immediately. The scent of his fear filled the air.

"Right after Asha, we need to take care of him next," Garrett muttered.

"He has some truth," James shrugged. "We are weak and almost defenceless. We need Nicole back as soon as possible, and we need to get the Pack working."

The room fell into contemplative silence as the weight of their mission settled upon them. The maps spread out before them, each path presenting its own risks and potential rewards. Liam's eyes scanned the routes, his mind racing with the possibilities. "We need to make a decision," Liam finally spoke, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Bloodmoon, Silverwood, or the rogue pack..."

"The decision is up to you," James said.

Garrett leaned forward, his gaze focused and determined. "Bloodmoon is known for its alliances and resources. They might have information that could lead us to Nicole.

Silverwood, on the other hand, is a new pack, but they've shown their willingness to help. And the rogue pack... They could be wild cards, but they might have their reasons for wanting to replace Nicole."

James chimed in, his voice was measured and strategic. "If we choose Bloodmoon, we might face resistance or even hostility. Silverwood could be more cooperative, but we have to be cautious. And the rogue pack... We can't predict their intentions. They might be a risk we can't afford to take."

Liam's gaze remained fixated on the map, "James is right. Bloodmoon... they have always been our rivals. They wouldn't hesitate to exploit Nicole's vulnerability.

Silverwood... they accept all kinds of wolves. Perhaps they have encountered her. And the rogue pack... they're unpredictable, but they might have useful information."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of their emotions lingering in the air. Liam took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination. "We will proceed. We will choose the path that leads us closest to Silverwood. The pack may have valuable information." Garrett nodded, his voice filled with resolve. "And we'll keep a close eye on Bloodmoon and the rogue pack. They may hold the key to Nicole's whereabouts."

With the decision made, the pack members dispersed, each one preparing for the arduous journey that lay ahead. Liam's mind was set, his heart ablaze with determination to replace his mate.

*

Liam's hunch proved to be right. As they ventured deeper into the path leading to Silvermoon, a wave of Nicole's enticing scent engulfed him, causing his heart to race with anticipation. Excitement surged through his veins as he quickened his pace, driven by the desire to finally be reunited with his mate.

Word of Liam's presence in Silverwood spread like wildfire, reaching the Alpha's ears even before he reached the pack's border.

Sensing the impending arrival of a powerful Alpha, the leader of Silverwood personally greeted Liam at the border. Though cautious, the Alpha showed neither disrespect nor hostility, recognizing the need to maintain peace and protect his pack. Impatience tugged at Liam's core as the Alpha engaged him in conversation. He yearned to bypass formalities and swiftly replace Nicole. With a determined tone, Liam stated his purpose, leaving no room for misunderstanding. "I believe that my mate, Nicole, is here in your pack."

The Silverwood Alpha's eyes widened in surprise, and a flicker of fear danced within them. It was widely known among Alphas that separating mates was a dangerous and ill-advised act.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, the Silverwood Alpha wasted no time. He led Liam and his entourage into the heart of the pack, summoning everyone who answered to the name Nicole. Nicole's scent tickled Liam's fancy. He had never been happier or more expectant in his life. As the pack members assembled, Liam's gaze swept over the faces, searching for the one he longed to see. Liam's heart pounded in his chest as each face was revealed, disappointment and frustration mounting with every passing moment. Nicole was not among them.

His anger boiled beneath the surface, accusing eyes scanning the crowd. He was convinced that the Alpha was playing games, denying him the reunion he so desperately sought.

"Are you playing games with me, Alpha? I've come all this way in search of my mate, and now you tell me she's not here?" Liam hissed through gritted teeth as waves of his anger spread through the room. The Alpha raised a brow, and his wolf was growling within, "I assure you, Alpha Liam, I don't understand. We summoned every Nicole in Silverwood."

"There must be a reasonable explanation for this or a mix-up somewhere. Her scent is prominent here." James growled.

The Alpha exchanged looks with his council members. It seemed like Liam was trying to set them up. Yet he had never seen Alpha Liam so unhinged. "We have..." He started to say,

"Enough of your games, Alpha!" Liam growled impatiently. "I can smell her here, and you dare keep her hidden from me?"

The tension in the room reached new heights. The Alpha and his council gathered to deliberate. They wondered if he was trying to replace a reason to cause trouble or if he had gone mad as the rumors said.

Liam was tired of waiting, "I don't want explanations! I want Nicole! The bond between us is undeniable, and it's leading me right to her."

Unable to contain his frustration any longer, Liam allowed his instincts to guide him. He followed the pulsating connection between their souls, letting the bond lead him to where Nicole hid.

As he approached a clearing, his gaze fell upon a group of individuals gathered around a figure that bore an uncanny resemblance to his mate.

Without a second thought, Liam released an earth-shattering howl, a sound that echoed through the forest, carrying the weight of his love and longing. The powerful resonance sliced through the air, reaching Nicole's ears like a call from the depths of their shared destiny. Nicole's head snapped up, her eyes widening as she locked gazes with Liam. A mixture of disbelief and fear washed over her face.

The group around her turned in astonishment, their curiosity piqued by the Alpha's commanding presence and the raw connection that radiated between him and Nicole.

Liam closed the distance between them in swift strides, his eyes never leaving Nicole's. As he reached her side, he gathered her into his arms, holding her tightly as if afraid she would slip away. "Nicole," he whispered, his voice a tender rumble. "I've been searching for you."

"Charlene? That's Charlene," someone exclaimed.

Nicole's eyes widened, and fear exuded from her body. Liam could feel her reluctance. He could see the strange look in her eyes. It was as if she didn't recognize him.

All at once, he knew something was wrong.