Night of the Ball - Oh, It's you! - 6

At Alpha Zayne's instructions, Rafael ran back into the ballroom and looked around for Alpha Thornton. He was nervous and anxious to meet and to even talk to this man.

But this was not about him. He did not like how Alpha Thornton treated his Alpha, especially knowing that his Alpha was a man of honor who cared for people and his kind.

Who risks his life in a war that should not be his alone to fight.

Rafael could not stand the disrespect.

Alpha Thornton was relatively easy to find. Stood, tall and proud, barking orders at a few security men demanding they detain Steele.

"Alpha Thornton...excuse sir...someone took Alpha Zayne Steele's mate," Rafael nervously shouted at the top of his voice.

The ballroom was almost empty, with a few of the younger guests hanging around looking forward to what might unfold.

They were curious about what was happening, so they got a bite to eat, refilled their glasses, and sat watching the show.

You can hear doors opening and closing in the distance as security searches inside and outside of the manor, as well as there are many guards out on the field, searching the property for Alpha Zayne Steele.

Wondering how he could suddenly disappear. How was it so difficult to catch one man?

Moments prior, Jenna had run to her vehicle to chase after her mate, already being chased by that black wolf she saw. Her curiosity was piqued all the way up.

Also, the five men had made themselves scarce, awaiting the moment they could get out of there. However, they spoke quietly among themselves about what was going down.

Being as discreet as possible, they gathered intel from the guests who chatted too much. And Ancil immediately contacted his boss, informing him of the new developments and that he would keep him updated.

Needless to say, his boss was not happy someone got to her before he did. However, he did get some exciting news. Firstly, she has a mate. And secondly, that mate was the bane of his existence.

No matter, two little birdies, one big stone. He had smiled sinisterly.

"Steele MATE WAS TAKEN," Rafael shouted after no response for a few seconds. When Theo's neck slowly turned to the voice.

'Steele,' That name he'd heard, but what had he said about his mate? Theo was engrossed in discussing the next moves with a few of his men. He wanted to chat with Steele while his daughter caught her breath.

He believed she must have gone to the gardens. She said it brings her peace and calm.

Nevertheless, he beckoned Rafael closer, lifting a hand and calling with two fingers.

"What was that?" Theo queried, "Steele's mate was taken."

"I am sorry. What did you say?" Theo tilted his head, ear pointing towards Rafael, while his heart felt like it was being ripped in two because he could have sworn he heard that Steele's mate was taken.

And every damn body in here already knows who 'Steele's' mate is. None other than his precious baby girl.

Rafael repeated himself again and watched Alpha Thornton as the news sank in.

Suddenly, the most soul-crushing aura was released. Everyone was arrested. Struggling under the sheer dominance and power reverberating around the room.

Stifling the atmosphere.

As Osouf soon stirred at the mention of his daughter's disappearance, Theo did not fight him. No, not this time. Someone is dying tonight.

"And where is he?" Theo then enquired while he simultaneously barked orders through mind-link ordering them to drop the search and start working on locating his daughter.

They must not have gotten far.

He dished out orders for the roadblocks to resume, for the helicopters to get back out there, and hoped to Goddess that they would find his daughter because they did a sh!tty job regarding Alpha Steele.

Theo sucked his teeth.

"He went after them, of course," Rafael said incredulously, like obviously he would go after his mate. What sort of man did this Alpha Thornton think his Alpha was?

Surprisingly, a sense of relief washed over Theo. At least someone was ahead of things.

"Goddess, Dad, What the hell is going on?" Timothy came running frantically, eyes wide, features displaying worry and concern. Theo glanced at his son and acknowledged him.

"Someone took your sister," Theo slid a finger across his phone screen.

"Goddess, no, who took her?" Timothy's eyes widened, and his mouth fell open, feigning shock as if he had no idea.

"We are still trying to figure that out. You can take care of your mother and Tobias. They are up in their wing." Theo eyed his son warily at his reaction, but he dismissed Timothy.

Goddess, what was he reaching to? He was the worst parent ever because, at Timothy's response, a hint of exaggeration caused Theo to wonder if Timothy knew anything.

But surely, that would have been the first thing he said. Goddess, he wished he could stop thinking the worst about Timothy. But the boy makes it very difficult.

"Sure thing, Dad. I know you will find her dad." Timothy said, actually sounding sincere. His fingers crossed in his pants pocket, and he quickly left as he hoped she could stay missing altogether.

With that, they got to work. Rafael looked over things with Thornton, ready to answer any questions they might have, even though he did not know many details.

They got camera footage of the beaten-down Honda Accord leaving the car park. Then they saw Steele's enormous black wolf chasing after the car.

With this new information on the vehicle, the news was quickly distributed to the police carrying out the roadblocks and the teams in the air.

Aubrianne Ivanov

Suddenly, Aubrianne stirred in the back seat. She tensed as she realized this was not a good situation because someone had injected her with something.

Her hands were tied strapped, and she craned her neck to get a good look at the driver's profile, instantly realizing who had taken her.

"Oh, it's you, thank Goddess. I thought I was in danger." Aubrianne breathed a sigh of relief.

She spoke and felt that way because she knew she could easily break his neck and return to the party.

Her body relaxed.

However, she was not particularly in any rush to return to that mad house and face her two-timing mate.

Yes, Aubrianne knew she was exaggerating, but she was angry. Until her mate cleared his name, she didn't think she could calm herself, and at that moment, Aubrianne felt that she could have at least given him a chance to explain.

She was planning to, honestly. She just needed some space from all that was happening to gather herself.

She certainly was not expecting to be injected and shoved into something that rolls.

Nevertheless, this will do. This, for Aubrianne, was a welcome distraction. She would go along for the ride.

While Ron was alarmed that his concoction wore off so soon, he was pleased his baby did not see him as a threat. It meant things were off to a smooth start. He honestly thought he would have some explaining to do.

Or she would have been shouting at him to get away from her. Or to take her back, something? But nothing?

Nevertheless, Ron drove about five more miles and pulled into a motel's parking lot. He did not want to go too far or stay too close.

He backed up to his room and got Aubrianne out. Ron took her straight in and tied her to the chair.

He still wanted to take precautions until he was sure she was really ok, so he would keep her tied and anchored with a silver chain.

He was sorry he had to go through these measures, but he needed to be sure she would comply.

Ron planned to lay low till the calvary passed this motel, and he would get back on the road behind them.

They probably just realized she was missing. They had time.

Ron then tied Aubrianne's feet to the chair.

Ensuring she was secure, "Be right back, baby." He caressed the side of her face, and she flinched away from his touch.

"I know. I promise I will make it up to you." He gazed at her longingly, then left her briefly to observe the roadway and ensure they weren't followed.

He wanted to check out that first, and then he would take the time and fill her in on his plans.

Aubrianne took a minute to look around.

She was in a room that looked like a living room area. A couch set, a TV, a small table, also a dining table with four chairs, including the one she was strapped to.

She continued her assessment, and then Ron came rushing into the room.

He is frantic, eyes wild yet fearful at what he has seen, but before he can talk, a hand shoots through his chest, grips his heart, and squeezes.