Chapter Four

Roan It took four wolves to stop Roan's wolf from going after her. He'd clawed his way out of his father's house, dragging behind any logic and reason. Her scent was heaven, and the need it gave him felt like fire the further she ran. 'Why is she running?' his wolf cried. He had no idea. Was she scared? Intimidated? None of it made sense. When he finally pushed his wolf back into its place, Roan gasped for air, sitting up to face the crowd. "Where is she?" he asked, his voice on fire. "I need water. I need" —he crawled to his feet— "her. I need her." His father pushed Jacob aside and palmed his shoulder. "Breathe, Roan. Breathe." "Where is she?" he asked his voice rising. His father looked over his shoulder and motioned for Jacob to lead the other wolves back to the pack house. "Did you stop her?" Jacob reluctantly pushed them all toward the field. "She left, Roan," his dad said softly. "Why?" he asked, his voice loud. "I need to go get her. I'm … hurting." Samantha stepped over and put her palm on his bicep. "Roan, Sweetie, Sullen is not too fond of the pack life. She's …" she gnawed on her bottom lip, afraid to say what she wanted to say. "Say it," he demanded. "She's in a relationship with someone, and she was told at a young age that she didn't have a mate. When she smelled you … I think she panicked, sweetie." Roan swallowed, staring at his father and his mate's mother. She was seeing someone? The image of her being held by someone else pissed his wolf off. He growled lowly, forcing all his anger out onto Roan. Slowly, he turned away from his father and palmed his face. "I have to go find her." "Sweetie, let her come to you," her mother said. Roan gave her a look as if she'd grown two heads. "Seriously? I'm supposed to sit back while she goes back to her life with another man? I can't, I won't, do that. I'm an alpha, and I need my Luna. Whether she likes it or not, she's coming back to this house and this pack." Her mother placed her palm over her mouth. "Roan. I'm afraid Sullen is very, very stubborn. I've tried for years to get her to come back here—," Roan felt his irritation rising to the max. "No offense, Samantha, but I'm her mate. I'm an alpha, and she will come back and at least speak with me. I'm not the alpha that forces himself on a woman—even if she is my mate—but she will give me the consideration of speaking to me." She nodded, though he wasn't sure that she agreed, or believed he could get her to come back. "I'm going after her in the morning. I need a good's night rest and some time to talk down my wolf. The things going through his mind at the moment need to subside before I find her." Roan started toward the pack house, but stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "Did you save me a steak?" His dad smirked. "Yeah, come on back and we'll get you some clothes and your meal." *** Roan spent most of the night with Samantha and Kevin wondering what Sullen looked like. He loved her name, and Samantha was a beautiful woman, so he imagined maybe she looked like her. He wasn't sure, but he planned to find out. Jacob was coherent enough to run the show while he was gone for a few days. He could watch her, see her routine, and approach her at the right time. Not scare the hell out of her in an alley. He'd be presentable, get a place in the city for a couple of nights, and then, bring his Luna back to his pack. Kicking and swinging if he had to. He didn't care. His wolf really didn't care. Jacob knocked on his door the next morning with a smile on his face. "Was I half asleep during that mind link or did you tell me you needed me to step up for the next couple of days?" he asked, leaning in the doorjamb of his office. Roan fumbled through his things, shoving his laptop and chargers into his bag full of clothes. "You heard me right. I'm going to get her." Jacob lifted a brow toward his hairline. "You're going after your mate that ran from you?" Roan gave him a dirty look. "I mean, good idea," he said sarcastically. "I wouldn't expect her to be reluctant that you tracked her down in hopes of dragging her back like a caveman. A woman that lives outside of a pack, with another man, should be so easy to convince—," Roan growled, making Jacob back off. "Sorry. I'm just being realistic with you, Bud. You're my alpha, but you're also my friend." Roan pushed his fingers into his hair and slung his duffle over his shoulder. "I'll be back in a few days with Sullen. You keep the prisoner locked up, feed him, but try to pry out any information he has for us. Keep an eye on my dad and make sure the perimeter is watched at all times, okay?" "I've got it. I have my phone, too if you need any advice." "From the unmated wolf, got it," he said. Jacob chuckled. "You know Whitney is going to be upset when she finds out you've found your mate." Roan faked a barf. "I don't give a damn what she thinks." Jacob followed him out into the hallway and watched as he locked the door behind him. His 98 Jeep sat outside waiting for him. Roan was almost excited to get out of the pack house for a few days. The wind in his hair. Like he did before he became alpha, and gained a world of responsibilities. He tossed his bag into the back and hopped into the driver's seat. "You're sure you have this under control?" he asked while starting his engine. Jacob slapped the hood and walked backward toward the pack house. "I've got this, Alpha. You go get your Luna. The pack house will be standing when you get back. Fingers crossed at least." Roan chuckled. "I've got a finger for you, Buddy," he said, driving toward the sweet scent of forever.