Chapter 13

Lucas's POV

The howl was unmistakable—long, guttural, and full of menace. It wasn't just a challenge; it was a warning. My wolf surged forward, claws aching to tear into the source of the sound. I sprinted into the forest, my senses heightened, scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. 

The air was thick with the scent of earth and pine, but beneath it was something fouler—a tang of decay and dark magic that made my wolf bristle. Finn. He was here. 

I pushed through the trees, my heart pounding like a drumbeat in my chest. Every instinct screamed for me to protect Aria, to keep her safe at all costs. But I couldn't do that if Finn was lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. 

A flicker of movement caught my eye, and I skidded to a stop. A figure stood just ahead, cloaked in the eerie glow of the moonlight. 

"Finn," I growled, my voice low and threatening. 

He stepped forward, his expression as smug as ever. His dark hair was disheveled, and blood stained his shirt, but he looked utterly unbothered. 

"Lucas," he said, spreading his arms wide as if welcoming an old friend. "I was wondering when you'd show up." 

"What do you want?" I snapped, keeping my distance. 

He chuckled, a sound that grated against my nerves. "You already know the answer to that." 

"You're not taking her," I said, my voice hardening. "Not now, not ever." 

Finn tilted his head, his smile widening. "You're awfully confident for someone who's already lost her once." 

I lunged at him, my wolf pushing for control. But Finn was ready. He sidestepped my attack with infuriating ease, spinning around to deliver a kick to my ribs. 

Pain exploded in my side, but I didn't falter. I twisted, slashing out with my claws and catching him across the chest. 

Finn hissed, stumbling back as blood seeped through his shirt. "Careful, Lucas," he said, his tone mocking. "You wouldn't want to lose control, would you? Not with your precious pack watching." 

I didn't respond. Words wouldn't solve this. Only action would. 

We clashed again, a blur of claws and teeth. Finn was fast, faster than I remembered, but my rage made me relentless. Blow after blow, I drove him back, my wolf snarling with satisfaction each time I landed a hit. 

But then, just as I thought I had the upper hand, Finn smirked. 

"You're so predictable," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. 

Before I could react, he threw something to the ground—a small vial that shattered on impact. A thick, black mist erupted from it, engulfing me in an instant. 

The stench was overwhelming, burning my lungs and eyes. I staggered, coughing and swiping at the air, but the mist clung to me like a living thing. 

"Enjoy the gift, Lucas," Finn's voice echoed through the haze. "It's a little something to even the playing field." 

The mist swirled, tightening around me until I could barely breathe. My wolf howled in frustration, but even he felt the weight of the magic pressing down on us. 

And then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the mist dissipated. I collapsed to my knees, gasping for air. 

When I looked up, Finn was gone. 

I cursed under my breath, slamming my fist into the dirt. He'd gotten away. Again. 

But this wasn't over. Not by a long shot. 

I forced myself to my feet, every muscle in my body screaming in protest. The forest was eerily quiet now, the only sound my ragged breathing. 

I turned back toward the packhouse, my thoughts racing. Whatever Finn had done, it wasn't just an attack. It was a message. A warning. 

And I had no doubt he would strike again. 

As I reached the edge of the forest, the sight of the packhouse brought a small measure of relief. The lights were still on, and the faint hum of voices reached my ears. 

But my relief was short-lived. 

As I stepped inside, I was met with chaos. Pack members were scattered, their expressions a mix of confusion and fear. 

"What happened?" I demanded, my voice cutting through the noise. 

Eleanor rushed over, her face pale. "It's Aria," she said, her voice trembling. "She's gone." 

The world tilted beneath my feet. 

"What do you mean she's gone?" I growled, my wolf snapping at the edges of my control. 

"She was here one minute, and the next…" Eleanor shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. "She just disappeared. No one saw her leave." 

The packhouse blurred around me as panic set in. 

Finn. 

It had to be him. 

But how? How had he gotten past us without anyone noticing? 

I clenched my fists, my nails biting into my palms. "We need to find her," I said, my voice low and dangerous. 

Eleanor nodded. "I've already sent out scouts. We'll track her scent and—" 

"No," I interrupted. "I'll find her myself." 

She hesitated, her brow furrowing. "Lucas, you can't do this alone. If Finn—" 

"I don't care," I snapped. "I'm not letting him take her from me again." 

The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air. 

Without waiting for a response, I turned and headed for the door. My wolf growled, ready to tear through anything that stood in our way. 

Aria was out there, alone and vulnerable. And I would do whatever it took to bring her back.