The lost mate

Chapter 140: A Plan in motion

The party had just begun, and the grand hall was alive with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The air was thick with celebration, and the atmosphere was electric. Anne, dressed in her shimmering gold gown, had only just taken a moment to breathe when she spotted Chris entering the hall, Emily on his arm.

Emily, radiant in a flowing, deep blue dress, looked beautiful as they walked through the room. The moment they entered, whispers began. A few bold women, their eyes glinting with mischief, sauntered up to him, testing the waters with flirtatious smiles and lingering touches on his arm.

"Chris, looking handsome as ever," one of them purred, her voice dripping with suggestion.

Chris smiled politely, but his arm tightened around Emily’s waist. "I’m flattered," he replied, his tone light but firm. "But I’d like to introduce you to my mate, Emily."

The women’s smiles faltered slightly, but they recovered quickly, offering polite congratulations before moving away, deflated but not surprised.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his hand resting on the small of her back.

Emily smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and affection. "I’m fine. I think you handled that perfectly."

Chris chuckled. "Good, because I’m not letting anyone think otherwise."

Anne, who had been observing from across the room, felt a sense of warmth.

But her moment of peace was short-lived. As she scanned the room, she realised something—or rather, someone—was missing. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she leant towards Damien, who had just finished talking to one of the guests.

"Where is Jessica?" Anne whispered, her eyes darting across the hall as if expecting to see her cousin any moment.

Damien’s smile faded slightly, his gaze following Anne’s line of sight. "I haven’t seen her all evening," he admitted.

Anne’s stomach twisted with unease. Jessica’s absence at such an important event was more than strange—it was concerning. This party was for.

"Do you think something’s wrong?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the music and chatter around them.

Damien shrugged.

"I’m going to look for Jessica."

Damien turned to her, his brow furrowing. "There’s no need, Anne. I’m sure she’s just in her room. I’ll send someone to check on her."

Anne shook her head, her expression resolute. "No, Damien. Something feels off. I’ll go look for her myself, but don’t worry, I won’t go alone. I’ll take one of the omegas with me."

Damien studied her for a moment, clearly sensing her determination. He sighed, nodding slowly. "Alright," he agreed, his hand resting on her arm, "but be careful, okay? And don’t be gone too long. We still have a lot of guests to greet."

Anne offered him a reassuring smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I won’t be long, I promise."

With that, Anne excused herself from the party, glancing around the hall for one of the pack omegas.

"Summer," Anne called softly as she approached, "could you come with me for a moment? I need your help."

Summer looked up, her expression immediately attentive. "Of course, Luna."

They made their way out of the grand hall, stepping into the cool night air. The full moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the forest that surrounded the Blood Moon Pack’s territory. The sounds of the party faded behind them as they followed the path leading to Jessica’s cabin.

Anne’s mind raced as they walked in silence, her heels clicking softly against the stone path.

"I’ll check her room first," Anne whispered to Summer, and they ascended the staircase.

The hallway was dimly lit, and as they approached Jessica’s door, Anne felt a growing sense of dread. She knocked softly at first, then a little louder when there was no answer.

"Jessica?" Anne called through the door. Still nothing.

Her stomach clenched as she reached for the knob, slowly turning it. The door creaked open, revealing the darkened room inside. The curtains were drawn, and the faint scent of perfume lingered in the air, but the room was empty. The bed was neatly made, untouched.

"She’s not here," Summer murmured, her voice laced with confusion. "Maybe she’s gone to the party ?"

Anne’s eyes narrowed, her unease deepening.

"Yeah, let go back," Anne said.

*********************************

Damien stood by the edge of the grand hall, watching Anne’s retreating figure as she disappeared into the night with Summer. His brow furrowed slightly, but he trusted Anne’s instincts. He let out a soft sigh, taking a moment to scan the room and take in the party before turning back to mingle with the arriving guests.

He had barely started greeting a group of alphas when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He excused himself politely, fishing it out of his jacket. His eyes landed on the screen, and he saw Anne’s name flashing.

Damien’s frown deepened. Why would she call me so soon after leaving?

For a moment, a wave of worry crossed his mind. He couldn’t imagine anything happening to her in such a short amount of time, especially with Summer by her side. Nevertheless, his chest tightened with unease as he quickly answered the call.

"Anne?" His voice was edged with concern.

"Damien," came her familiar voice, though it sounded strained, almost breathless. "I found Jessica."

Damien straightened, his pulse quickening. "You found her? Is she okay?"

There was a brief pause, the line crackling slightly. "She’s... she’s fine, but I need your help. I’m with her in the guest room on the first floor."

"The guest room?" Damien asked, his frown returning. "What’s going on?"

"Please, just come," Anne’s voice insisted, sharper now, almost impatient. "I need you here."

Without hesitation, Damien nodded to himself, his worry spiking. He didn’t waste any time analysing the situation. Anne wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important, especially not when they were supposed to be overseeing the ceremony.

"I’ll be right there," Damien replied firmly. "Don’t move. I’m coming."

He pocketed his phone and turned to leave the hall, quickly making his way to the staircase.