Still Alpha Zane's POV

In desperation, I break the door open.

I can't believe what Claw is telling me, we're mates and she needs to be with me. I need her, my pack needs her.

"Eric, Claw says she's not here anymore, she's gone."

I can't keep the frustration out of my voice. We run inside. The bed is neatly made, probably by the cleaners. In the walk-in closet were two complete sets of official clothes and shoes. When I opened the drawers, I saw underwear lying around.

I take a blazer off the hanger and smell it. Yes, this is the scent I've been craving, she's my mate. Back in the bedroom, her toiletries are still on the dressing table, as well as a small jewelry box.

"Eric, she is definitely my mate. But I don't understand how I could pick up her scent so strongly when she's already mated to Gorgio. I can't imagine that she hasn't waited for me and accepted to be someone else's chosen mate," I explained pained.

"She left everything behind. Maybe she just went for a walk to think about how to deal with the situation and will be back soon," Eric noted, still unconvinced.

"The warrior she came with must still be here somewhere. Bring him to the business center, I want to talk to him". Eric's eyes get misty, he orders our warriors to fetch the man. We leave the room and go back to the lobby. The same receptionist is still there, but this time she is more formal.

"Has Luna checked Ariel already out?" I asked her. She quickly scanned the list and shook her head.

"No, Alpha. Besides, the conference is not over yet. Her reservation is valid until the last day."

I cast a sharp glance at her and turn to Eric. Together we walk to the business center not far from the lobby. We have just taken our seats when the Eclipse Howl Warrior is ushered in.

"Alpha, Beta. You wanted me to meet you. But perhaps we can wait until Luna Ariel returns. I am only here for her safety, I have no mandate to discuss anything with you," he indicated. I quickly peeked at Eric.

"Then do you have any idea where your Luna is? She is not attending the conference, I saw her leaving. So what are you here for anyway?" The man shifted uncomfortably.

"She would never leave without me. She was not feeling well when we entered the hall, and when I came back with a glass of water, she was gone. I think she just went out for some fresh air," he stated, a little worried.

"Mind link her to let her know that you are here with us and ask her to come back," I instructed him. And then he started to shake slightly. His eyes became foggy, he tried several times. His shoulders slumped as he gave up.

"I can't reach her. I've been trying all the time, but she has her wall down," he cried in panic. "Alpha Gorgio will skin me alive if I return to the pack without her. The Luna is his most precious possession. I must find her."

It stings my heart to hear another Alpha thinks he owns her. Claw doesn't like to share, and I want my mate all to myself. If she is Gorgio's chosen mate, I will find a witch to break their bond. Besides, the bond of a fated is much stronger than that of a chosen one.

"We inspected her rooms. All her belongings are still there," I indicated thoughtfully. "Let's go to the car park and show me the vehicle you arrived in." We all got up and left the hotel. The parking lot was full, we had to walk past several queues.

And then the warrior stops at a clearing and stares at it bewildered.

"Luna's vehicle should be parked here. We came with four vehicles. The other three had more warriors. Luna Ariel drove herself this time". The man looked like he was about to burst into tears.

"Moon Goddess, we are so dead. We had to follow her every step. I am the Head Warrior, if I cannot explain to the Alpha where she is, I can start digging my own grave," he wailed. "Where is she now? If she left in her car and closed the link, that is a bad sign".

In no time, all of Eclipse Howl's warriors are surrounding us. The Head Warrior briefs them of what is going on. They, too, try their best to mind link the Luna, but to no avail.

"I will have to alert Alpha Gorgio about what has happened. I suggest you do the same, Alpha Zane," the Head Warrior said. "He may well suspect that you have taken the Luna hostage to avenge the past and start a war."

"And we should also notify the Council. Goddess, let's hope this ends well and she turns up tonight," Eric sighed. "Otherwise, we have to organize a search party. We can only do that if she has been missed for twenty-four hours and has had no contact with anyone."

I went back inside with Eric, straight to the conference room. Thank goodness the break has just started. I make my way over to the table where the members of the Council gathered.

"Alpha King, sorry to interrupt but something serious has happened," I told them in a low tone so as not to attract the attention of the other Alphas. Alpha King Petric's head jerked my way, alarmed, as if he sensed his family's demise.

"What is it, Alpha Zane? Don't keep us waiting too long."

"Alpha King, it's your daughter. She has suddenly disappeared. The Head Warrior of Eclipse Moon is trying to mind link her but she has her mind wall closed," I answered. "She was supposed to participate in this meeting and present a grand investment plan. But we can find no trace of her, her car is gone too".

Slowly, the man got up from his chair, radiating his authority

"My daughter? Eclipse Howl's Luna? No way. Gorgio always keeps her safe. I hope this is not one of your stunts, Alpha Zane, I warn you".

The King and Queen walked towards us while the protocol staff escorted the guests into the restaurant to allow us privacy. By now everyone realized that something is up.

"Alpha Zane, tell the whole story now," King Jasper urged. And I explained to them what the Head Warrior reported to me.

"You have an old feud with Eclipse Howl, aren't you? Do you have anything to do with his disappearance, Alpha Zane?" the Queen asked sternly.

I looked up, the only way to convince them of my innocence was to reveal the truth. There's no other way out of this. My eyes sweep over the members of the council and the Royal couple.

"The truth is that when Luna Ariel stepped into the conference room, we recognized each other as destined mates. I think she is upset about that, her behavior was strange. Then again, she must be Alpha Gorgio's chosen mate. The situation may have caught her off guard".

Alpha King Petric growls low.

"Gorgio is Ariel's fated mate. Are you telling the truth, Zane?"..