Chapter 6
Hunter’s POV
After witnessing Sparks drive away, I headed back to my hotel, the image of her departure lingering in my mind. Staying at the mansion was out of the question; it was now an active crime scene, and truth be told, I didn't want to stay there, especially after the unsettling events we had witnessed. Restlessness overcame me as I entered the hotel room. I tossed and turned on my bed, unable to shake off the thoughts of her. How could Beta Alaric's daughter be alive, given that she had supposedly drowned nearly four years ago? And why the need for a fake name and masking spray to conceal her true identity? The enigma surrounding her deepened, intensifying both my curiosity and my wolf’s innate desire to claim and protect his mate. As questions filled my mind, a sense of urgency and determination settled in, compelling me to uncover the truth behind the mysterious woman who had entered my world.
After hours of restless tossing and turning, unable to shake off the questions swirling in my mind, I finally decided to get up and call my father. The hotel room offered little solace as my thoughts continued to race, and the need for answers became insatiable. When we were off pack lands, like in this situation, we preferred using phones to communicate, a precautionary measure due to the black magic discovered within our pack. The eeriness of our unique circumstances meant taking extra precautions, and the phone became a lifeline to discuss matters beyond the reach of mystical interference. As I dialed my father's number, the anticipation of what he might reveal about Alora and the unfolding mysteries brought a mix of anxiety and hope.
My father answered the phone, his voice carrying the weight of experience, "Hunter."
"Father, I wanted to call you with an update," I responded, my words laden with a mix of concern and urgency. "As we suspected, our Noble was killed using black magic. However, there's something more troubling – I picked up a faint scent of a wolf, but it was so heavily tainted by the magic that I couldn't determine its origin. It seems our fears are confirmed; someone within our pack is dabbling in black magic, and it's not just any practitioner—it's a powerful witch working in collusion with one of our own. This adds a layer of complexity to the situation, and we need to tread carefully." The gravity of the revelation hung in the air, as the implications of dark forces within our pack unfolded before us.
"Very well, when will you be returning to the pack?" my father asked, his concern and worry palpable even through the phone. Despite being the strongest Alpha on the continent, black magic was something that seemed to instill a sense of fear even in him.
"I am not sure just yet," I replied, contemplating the uncertain path ahead. "I did want to ask you, though, about your Beta’s daughter. Her accident. Why was it believed that she had drowned? Were we only relying on what her Beta Alaric told us?" I asked cautiously, sensing there might be more to the story than what initially met the eye. The revelation about Alora had ignited a cascade of questions, and the mystery surrounding her seemed to extend beyond the recent events.
"To be frank, initially, I bought into his explanation for her disappearance, especially when we discovered one of her shirts by the riverbank," my father began, his voice carrying a hint of regret. "Yet, a few years ago, I received a letter claiming that what he told me was false and advising me to be wary. Why are you bringing up her case now, after all this time?" My father's reply sent a shiver down my spine, raising unsettling concerns. The revelation that there had been a letter challenging the narrative of Aloras' supposed drowning added a layer of intrigue to the already complex situation. The passage of time had allowed secrets to fester, and now, the truth seemed poised to unravel.
"I... I... I was simply curious. Last evening, I came across a photo of Beta, his mate, and Alora at the mansion, and it piqued my interest," I hurriedly explained, choosing my words carefully to avoid revealing Alora's involvement or her existence just yet. Lying to my father was not something I relished, but the uncertainty of our phone conversations being monitored and the need to safeguard my mate compelled me to proceed with caution. Until we could identify the culprit practicing black magic and devise a plan to thwart their betrayal to our pack, I had to navigate this situation with care. The delicate balance between uncovering the truth and protecting those I cared about weighed heavily on my shoulders as the web of deception continued to unravel.
"Understood. Inform me of any developments during your time in the city, and don't hesitate to request warriors if needed," my father replied, his tone revealing his skepticism about my inquiry. He had a knack for detecting my lies, and I knew better than to attempt one.
I redirected the conversation, steering away from my lie. "Moreover, it could be beneficial to contact the witch's council for support. Confronting this challenge independently might not be the wisest approach," I emphasized, my uncertainty about the looming threat becoming even more pronounced. A sense of foreboding enveloped me, sending shivers down my spine.
My father, acquiescing to my request, replied, "Understood. I'll approach the Witch's Council discreetly to avoid raising any alarms."
"Father, kindly refrain from mentioning our conversation or contacting the Witch’s Council to anyone, not even your Beta. Just as a precaution," I requested wearily.
My father, sensing my unease, agreed to my request and reassured me that our conversation and contact with the council would remain confidential between us. With that, we exchanged goodbyes, and I readied myself to head to the Lonest City Police Department to meet up with Alora and Captain White.