Draven’s POV ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by NoveIＦire.net
Arthur looked grave, his expression telling me the news wasn’t good. He introduced the man accompanying him before taking a seat.
"This is Investigator Magnus from the Alpha Council. He’s been heading the investigation into your parents’ accident," Arthur explained solemnly.
The investigator nodded respectfully. "Alpha Draven, I regret to inform you that we have reason to believe your parents’ deaths were not accidental. When they were returning to pack territory, their vehicle was ambushed by what appeared to be rogue wolves. The car went off the cliff, but our forensic team found evidence that both the brakes and engine had been tampered with before the attack even occurred."
My blood ran cold. Alaric snarled viciously inside me.
"You’re telling me my parents were murdered? Deliberately and cruelly murdered?" I could no longer contain the mix of grief and rage that washed over me. My eyes flashed violet as Alaric fought for control.
"With your authorization, the Alpha Council would like to formally reopen the investigation," Magnus continued."We think whoever planned this kidnapping might also be connected to your parents’ deaths. The evidence shows this was a carefully planned, long-term attack against your family and pack."
"You have my full authorization," I growled."I want everyone involved hunted down."
Ryan immediately stepped in, seeing I was on the verge of losing control. "Investigator Magnus, the Storm Valley Pack will provide whatever resources you need. We want everyone involved to face pack justice."
"And you are?" the investigator asked, his tone remained respectful.
"Ryan Cole. Beta to Alpha Draven." Ryan stated with authority.
"Very well, Beta Ryan. To start, I’d like full access to all information regarding this murder investigation. I believe working directly with you would be more efficient. Alpha Draven has enough to handle right now," Magnus suggested tactfully.
"Absolutely. Come, let’s get you set up with everything we know," Ryan agreed.
"Brother, thank you," I said sincerely.
Clara approached me – she had been standing behind Arthur, listening to everything. I noticed her wiping tears from her eyes. She embraced me, and I let my guard down, releasing the emotions I’d been holding back.It felt like my entire world was crumbling around me.
Just as I was about to pull myself together, one of my warriors burst into the room.
"Alpha, the Howards have escaped! We went to bring them in as ordered, but they’d already fled their residence. There’s no trace of their scent beyond the garage," he reported breathlessly.
"Son of a bitch!" I broke away from Clara’s embrace, running both hands over my face in frustration. "This is blatant pack desertion!"
Arthur’s expression hardened. "Time to go on the offensive. We need to round up everyone involved in the company fraud and bring them in for questioning. They are clearly organized and working together."
"Perfect," I growled. "Kyle, put the company building on lockdown immediately. No one enters or leaves. Bring all senior management to the pack house interrogation rooms. I want every last traitor in my company and pack identified."
Kyle immediately started barking orders through her mind-link to our warriors stationed at Thorne Enterprises.
Eleanor continued coordinating the search parties while I paced the room, my mind racing through scenarios of what could have happened to Caroline and Liam.
I walked over to Robert and Lena, who were sitting together looking completely defeated. I could see how worried they were just by looking at them.
"You both look exhausted," I said gently. "The day is almost over, but we’re still working. I’d like you to go to my house and get some rest. You’ll be more comfortable there, and you need to keep your strength up to help when we find them."
"I don’t know what to do, Draven. My only daughter and grandson... I want to help, but I feel so helpless," Robert admitted, his voice breaking.
"Look, I don’t know either. But Eleanor has taken control of the search operations, and you know how efficient she is.We have pack warriors, human police, private investigators, and teams ready for anything we might need. But I need you both to be well so you can help me take care of Caroline when this is over," I said honestly.
"You’re right. Eleanor will steamroll over everything like a tank!" Robert managed a weak laugh. "I think we’ll take you up on your offer. You’ll call immediately if there’s any news?"
"Of course," I promised. I turned to my house staff who were helping with the search coordination. "Carlos, Mabel. I want you both to go home with Caroline’s parents. Get some food and rest. When Caroline and Liam return, they’ll need all our support."
"Of course, Alpha," Carlos nodded.
"Mrs. Payne, please go with them too. Stay at my house. I’ll feel better knowing you’re not alone while Alpha Gerald is helping Arthur with pack matters," I said to Eleanor’s mother.
"I’ll accept your hospitality, Draven. I want to support Lena and Robert. And truthfully, I’m not being useful here right now," Mrs. Payne decided.
"Thank you. Carlos, do you need a car?"
"No, Alpha. I drove here. Shall we go, ladies, Robert?"
After they left, I went to the main hall where Ava, Ruby, and Kyle were still managing communications.
"Ladies, you should go home to rest too..."
"Absolutely not, Draven! You’re not getting rid of any of us!" Ava interrupted before I could finish.
"We’ve organized shifts, so we’re all getting some rest,"Ruby explained."Alpha Arthur asked for one of us to help him,so Kyle’s heading there.I’ll be providing administrative support for Eleanor, while Ava and Nina will handle any company matters that come up."
"Nina?" I asked, vaguely remembering the name when I heard a voice behind me.
"Hey everyone, I’m here! Ready to take on twenty rogues if I have to!" A petite, energetic woman approached, her movements quick and determined.
"Nina! Thank God you’re here," Ruby greeted warmly. "This is Nina,Alpha Draven. She works at Puma Global. She’s the employee that Joseph met at the mall."
"Of course, Nina. I apologize that my head is elsewhere right now," I acknowledged. "But seriously, I can reassign pack members. You all should take breaks."
"You can’t, Alpha," Ava said firmly. "Right now, you’re not entirely certain who’s trustworthy in your company or pack. We’re being careful about who has access to the pack house and what information they receive."
"You’re right, Ava," I conceded. "Alright, ladies.I appreciate your dedication.Nina, thank you for being here. The others will bring you up to speed."
"Don’t worry, Alpha," Nina responded.
"Joseph, thanks for sending Nina our way," Ruby said to my friend who had just arrived.
"No need to thank me. Whatever you need." Joseph put his hand on my shoulder. "And you, my friend, what do you need?"
"You’re all already doing everything possible. Thank you." I started toward my study but turned back. "Ava, is there anything urgent from the company I need to handle?"
"No, Alpha, everything’s under control. All meetings have been postponed until next week, clients have been informed of the situation and have offered their support. Ryan is handling documents that need signatures, and Clara is managing other department issues. You just need to stay focused on finding Caroline and Liam."
"You’re all amazing. Thank you!" I headed to my study with Joseph.