Chapter 357
Chapter 357
31 – Ben
“We only managed to get inside the cave once. Inside, there were piles of what looked like supplies and ingredients matching the drugs we’ve discovered. Someone’s definitely using magic to hide and guard it now. And I’m convinced there are other spots being used to stash this contraband,” I explain, my voice low but urgent.
“No one’s been able to enter the cave since Elara and Ben first found it. It seems like everything’s been cleared out, but I’ve been researching magic detection. That strange ozone scent—I can’t quite place it—but the rusty smell? That’s supposed to come from a protection spell, which actually makes sense. So that odor is probably part of the illusion covering the cave. But here’s what puzzles me: why are those two distinct smells present now? That’s what I was tracking today. I followed the trail to the edge of the forest on your west side, and then it just vanished-same as every other lead I’ve uncovered p>
Ryker nodded thoughtfully. “We’ll keep an eye on it now that we know what to look for. I’ll also get our elders involved to see if they can dig up any information on magic that might help us.” His tone was calm but firm. “You all should get ready for the ceremony. Bennet is keeping Kennedy in her office with my mother’s help, so please stay in your rooms until Robin comes to get you. Ben, hang back for a moment p>
The room went quiet, all eyes locking onto me. “What?!” I blurted, surprised by the sudden command.
Ryker’s gaze hardened. “Clearly, we need to talk. This doesn’t concern anyone else. Move aside.” His words carried an unspoken power, and Jeremiah stood firm, watching us both closely.
“It’ll be fine. Rayna and Kennedy would kill us if we caused too much damage,” I joked weakly, though deep down I knew better. If Ryker wanted to, he could hurt me badly—and none of my friends could stop him. I was in his pack, and I had just publicly questioned his loyalty to his Luna and my friend. I could feel the weight of that choice pressing down on me.
Jeremiah gave Ryker a nod. “Don’t hurt him too badly. He’s got a pack to go back to p>
Ryker’s eyes flicked between us, a sharp glint in them, until Jeremiah quietly closed the door behind him. “Spit it out. Whatever your damn problem is with me, say it now. I won’t let you ruin her day by being an asshole p>
I took a deep breath, anger bubbling beneath the surface. “How am I the asshole for wanting to protect her? You didn’t want her-you made that clear when you ripped her from her home without so much as a backward glance. You took her because your wolf wouldn’t leave her behind. You gave her no choice, no options. Then, for a whole year, we heard from her maybe four times. Her half-hearted answers made us all worry, but Rayna told us to leave you alone. Then, after Christmas-her favorite holiday—nothing. No contact. She didn’t even reach out to Jer. What did you do to her?!” My voice cracked with venom, rising louder with each word, but Ryker just stood there, expression unreadable. That only fueled my frustration. I had to force myself to stay rooted where I was, all the strength of my wolf barely holding me steady.
He sank into the chair at the head of the table, staring off into nothingness. “What I did was isolate and neglect her. I’ll spend every waking hour for the rest of my life trying to make up for it.” His words hit me like a shockwave. I was frozen, unable to move. This wasn’t the answer I was expecting. “I did everything wrong that could possibly be done, and it led to her being taken from me two nights ago. But she’s still here—with me so I’ll give her anything she wants. Even you.” He looked up, eyes raw and broken in a way I’d never seen before.
“Me? What do I have to do with this?” I asked, confused and wary.
He shook his head slowly. “I’ve seen the way you’ve always looked at her. Don’t tell me it means nothing.” His voice softened. “You love her. It’s in every little thing you do, every word you say when it concerns her. If she sees you later and tells me she wants you around for good, it’ll tear me apart—but I’ll make it happen. For her p>