#Chapter 72 – A Plan
“Let’s go,” Victor says, stomping across the gravel drive. The Betas rush into motion, getting into cars, starting engines. Beta Stephen pauses, looking up at the stairs.
“Sir?” He asks, waiting for Evelyn to emerge from the house.
“She’s not coming,” Victor growls, sliding into the driver’s seat. Stephen stays perfectly still for a moment, working hard to keep his emotions from playing on his face.
“NOW.” Victor snaps and Stephen jumps, stumbling back into action, climbing into the back seat with the waiting Ian and Alvin.
“Where is mommy?” Ian asks, his face pressed against the window, looking for her.
“She’s staying here for a while,” Victor says, working hard – too hard – to keep his voice casual. “She says she wants to visit with your grandmother and your aunt for a little bit.”
“Oh,” says Ian, sadness seeping into his voice.
“Daddy,” Alvin says. Victor glances at the rearview mirror as he puts the car in gear. The boy sits straight in his seat, his face worried. “Why isn’t mommy coming home.”
“I just told you –“
“Daddy.” Alvin interrupts, his clear eyes telling Victor that he isn’t fooled.
“Don’t worry, Alvin,” Victor says, sighing and pulling out of the drive. “I’m going to get her back. Tonight.”
silence, everyone in the car consumed with their own brand of worry. When the boys get out of the car, they don’t sprint for the house with their usual vigor. Instead, they secure their backpacks on their
his pockets, realizing
pulls up next to him on the walk to the
mind as they approach the door. “He’s stolen her from me –
his head. “If she’s a member of his pack…then taking her will
careful.” The men nod
over to him with wide eyes. She looks around at all of the
Victor says, moving to the
He’s not surprised to see that Amelia isn’t exactly unhappy with the news, though
pull their books from their backpacks, getting started on their homework. Pouring himself a cup, Victor watches
can I do,” Amelia says, coming up to wrap her arms around
takes it with cream, but today – it feels like there’s no time. “He can’t
Victor when he’s determined like this. “I’ll stay with the boys,” Amelia says, working hard
down at her. “And Edgar, he knows them best.” There’s something in him, too, that doesn’t want Edgar to
Amelia says, looking down,
face in his hand, feeling sorry. She is trying, after all, but still…a part of him does not trust her to take charge without Edgar and
movie,” Amelia says, nodding and smiling up at him. “Order a
her head to where key members of his Beta team have gathered outside of his office, ready to discuss next moves. He nods to them, letting them know he’ll be
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