Chapter 0064

My peripheral vision catches Sebastian slamming back into his chair. "How can you be certain she's your mate?" His voice is tight.

"Theron knew instantly when we saw her yesterday. I chose not to tell her—wanted her to have space until her birthday. But now..." My fists clench.

"We'll locate her," my father states firmly.

They brief me on the trackers' findings—her scent trail leads west, mingled with the stench of rogues. Father and Sebastian hover over topographic maps when Grant Sinclair suddenly shouts, "Evelyn!"

The command center falls silent.

"She's alive. They've been moving all night." Grant's eyes lock onto mine as he relays her message aloud. "Yes, he's regained consciousness. Wolfsbane lingers, but he's stabilizing. Sweetheart, where are you?"

Bile rises in my throat. She's been abducted, gods know where, yet her first concern is my condition.

"They've taken her to a vehicle depot. Dark blue SUV, four-door hatchback. No visible roads now—she's blindfolded."

"Ask if she knows their objective," my father commands.

"Victor claims he's an Alpha now with some grand scheme. Evelyn doesn't have details."

"They're mobile." Grant moves to the map table. "If westbound, where would one conceal multiple vehicles?"

I stride over, spotting a wooded clearing twenty miles west near a service road. Sebastian's finger stabs the same location simultaneously. "There. Send teams immediately."

I pivot toward the door.

"Where do you think you're going?" Father demands.

"To bring her home."

Sebastian falls into step beside me. "I'm coming too." Our gazes clash, then I nod. Personal grievances can wait. All that matters is her safe return. And Sebastian? He's hunting for vengeance. If Victor murdered his mother, blood will spill tonight.

In the corridor, I grab his arm. "A word."

Sebastian jerks his chin at Nathaniel. "Meet me at the Jeep."

Once we're alone, I shove him against the wall. "She's my fated mate. You will not touch her."

He crowds into my space, our matching heights forcing eye contact. "Fate doesn't guarantee her choice. You barely knew her a week ago. And I question whether you truly see her—not just the Guardian, but the woman."

A growl rumbles through my chest as I press him harder against the drywall. "The mate bond exists beyond her power. Stay away from what's mine."

His eyes narrow to slits. "Fine. One condition." He waits, letting the tension coil tighter. "You don't interfere with our friendship. If she chooses me, you walk away."

Every instinct screams refusal. They share history I can't compete with. But I need this assurance. "Deal. Her decision." I extend a hand. His grip crushes mine in silent accord.

We separate, engines roaring to life minutes later. Time to test whether this Porsche Turbo lives up to its reputation.