Emeric’s Pov

I woke up with the same ache in my chest, a relentless torment that greeted me every morning. It was an empty, gnawing void that nothing seemed to fill—a need for something I couldn't have. My mate. The Goddess knows how desperately I need her. I envision a life with her, filled with love and laughter. I'd take her on dates that would light up her eyes, make her smile, and laugh until her sides hurt. I'd ensure that no tear would ever fall from her eyes, that she'd always be happy with me by her side.

 But she's still not here.

 *Maybe we just haven't searched hard enough,* Rage, my wolf, growled in frustration, his voice tinged with the same desperation I felt.

 *We've scoured every corner,* I shot back mentally, my patience wearing thin. *We even searched in Africa. She's simply not there.*

*She is,* Rage insisted stubbornly. *I know it. She's out there somewhere. So stop wallowing and get your act together. The pack can't see you like this. And call Mya. Her anger is bleeding through our bond, and I'd rather not deal with that today.*

 I dragged myself into the shower, hoping that the scalding water might wash away the loneliness that seemed to cling to my very soul. At least I hoped I wouldn't look like a miserable, mateless Alpha after it.

 I dialed Mya's number, knowing she'd probably be busy with Ken. She didn't pick up on the first try, as expected. On the second try, she answered, her voice sharp and tired.

 "What do you want?"

 "Can't I check on my sister?" I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

 "What sister? The one who ditched me last night, or is there another one I don't know about?" Her voice was cold, laced with hurt.

 "Mya, come on," I sighed. "I'm Alpha now. There's a lot on my plate. I couldn't just—"

 "Oh, don't even try that. Ever since you took over the pack, you've been distant. Maybe you're just too busy for your family now."

 "It's not just me," I said, leaning against the wall, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. "Since you moved to that penthouse—"

 "Because I can't live in the pack house, Ryan. You know that. If I move back, Hope has to come too."

 "Fine. At least come around more often. I miss your constant nagging."

 She huffed, and I could almost see her rolling her eyes. "My nagging? You're the one who's impossible to live with. But… I miss you too."

 There it was, the soft edge of vulnerability she tried so hard to hide. It always broke through my Alpha exterior, catching me off guard.

 We caught up for a while, her familiar voice bringing a semblance of normalcy back into my life. Despite the weight of my responsibilities, she was the only one who made me feel human again. We joked and reminisced until she brought up Hope.

 "She's doing okay. Drank a bit too much last night. Oh, and she caught us mid-mind link."

 Mya chuckled. "Think she'd freak out if you told her about us?"

 "I'm not sure," I admitted. "But I'll tell her. Soon. Maybe in a month or so."

 "You can't keep it hidden forever, Ryan."

 "I know. Anyway, I've got pack duties to attend to. Talk later?"

 "Yeah. Stay safe, and don't torture any rogues without me."

 "Noted."

 I hung up and threw myself into work. By midday, Ken strolled into my office with a grin plastered across his face that could only mean one thing.

 "How was last night?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral despite the smug look on his face.

 "Amazing," he said, his eyes practically glowing. "But I'll spare you the details." 

*We need to find our mate,* Rage growled, the longing echoing inside me, almost palpable.

 *You think I don't know that?* I shot back mentally, pushing him down before he could spiral further. *I'm aware of it more than anyone.*

 "Did you get any information on the rogues?" I asked Ken, trying to steer the conversation back to business.

 "Still working on it."

 Normally, I wouldn't tolerate such delays, but given who he was with last night, I let it slide. "Good. Get me Eliza on your way out."

Eliza arrived minutes later, punctual as always. "Sir?"

 "Remind Lionel to bring me the file on Ryan Stevens," I said, barely glancing up from the mountain of reports on my desk.

 "Yes, sir. Anything else?"

"That's all for now. Unless there's something on my schedule that I've missed."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of paperwork, emails, and reports. The rogue attacks had an unsettling feel to them. There were too many inconsistencies, too many details that didn't add up. I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something bigger was at play.

The next morning, I went to the pack hospital with Lionel and Ken to check on the injured members. As we walked through the children's ward, a scent hit me like a tidal wave—vanilla and cocoa butter, sweet and warm, unlike anything I'd ever experienced.

 *Our mate,* Rage whispered reverently, the longing in his voice more acute than ever.

 The scent enveloped me, soothing the sharp edges of my loneliness. I inhaled deeply, trying to trace its source, but it seemed to be everywhere. I searched each room, my frustration growing with every step. By the time we reached the common area, the scent was so overpowering that I nearly staggered. If Ken hadn't been there to steady me, I might have collapsed.

 Man, are you okay? Ken mind-linked, his concern sharp.

 Open the windows, turn on the AC—anything, I ordered. *I'm losing it.*

 *You're supposed to be stronger than this,* Rage muttered, his disappointment almost palpable.

 *Bad timing,* I growled back, struggling to regain control.

 Before I could continue my search for her, Ken interrupted my thoughts. "Sorry to pull you away, but border security caught three rogues."

 I clenched my fists, forcing myself to focus on the immediate issue. My phone buzzed—Mya.

 "This better be important," I growled as I answered.

 "Shelby's been admitted," Mya said, her voice tense. "Uncle Edwards wants her to receive the best care."

 "On my way."

 I handed the rogue interrogation over to Ken and Lionel and made my way back to the pediatric section. The scent was still there, clinging to me, messing with my senses. My mate was close—I could feel it in every fiber of my being. I just didn't know where.

 I found Shelby and her mom in a small room, both looking drained and worn out. I tried to focus on them, but the scent kept pulling at my senses, distracting me.

 "I didn't know the pack hospital had human doctors now," I remarked, trying to stay focused.

 "It doesn't," Shelby's mom replied. "She's Mya's best friend. And she's been a miracle worker."

 Before I could respond, Shelby's body went rigid, her eyes rolling back. Possession. I recognized the signs immediately—my grandmother's doing.

 Witches creep me out. Rage muttered, but I pushed him aside, focusing on the immediate situation.

 "Ryan Emeric Anderson!" My grandmother's voice boomed through Shelby's mother's mouth, harsh and commanding. "If you and your sister don't get here in the next few hours, I'll make you regret being Alpha!"

 I couldn't help but chuckle. "Yes, Nana."

 "Good." And just like that, Shelby's mother slumped forward, the possession lifting.

 Mya walked in just as Aunt Freya began to stir. "We need to go now," Mya said urgently.

 "Already handled," I said, making sure Shelby was transferred to a VIP room for her recovery.

 As Aunt Freya regained consciousness, Mya handed her a glass of water. "How are you feeling?"

 "Better," Freya murmured, her voice weak but grateful. "And thank that friend of yours for me. She saved my daughter."

 "No surprise there," Mya said with a hint of pride. "She's dedicated to her work."

 That realization hit me like a punch to the gut. My mate had to be someone on the hospital staff. But I kept that to myself for now.

 "Mya," I said quietly, "I need a favor."

 She frowned. "What is it?"

 "Get me a list of everyone who worked in the pediatric section today."

 "Done," she said, typing on her phone. "I'll send it to you."

 "Thanks," I said, grateful for her help.

 Mya narrowed her eyes. "You sure there's nothing else going on?"

 "I'll explain everything when I'm at Nana's," I promised.

 "Alright. But don't think you're off the hook."

 I left the hospital, my thoughts consumed by the scent of my mate, the rogue attacks, and my grandmother's cryptic message. As I got into my car and headed for Nana's, one thing was clear: before the month was out, I would find her. My mate. And when I did, nothing would keep us apart.