Chapter 19

Theo's POV "I really should be getting home," I said, glancing pointedly at my watch as dessert plates were being cleared. "Early meeting tomorrow." My mother's disapproving frown was immediate. "Theodore, you haven't even stayed up two hours. And Daisy came all this way." Daisy placed her hand on my arm, her touch lingering. "I was hoping we could talk more. It's been so long since we've had a chance to catch up properly." The expectant looks from around the table made it clear this was a coordinated effort. Adrian watched with barely concealed amusement, while Nicole studied the interaction with calculating eyes. "Actually," my mother interjected before I could respond, "Daisy mentioned her car is being serviced. Perhaps you could drive her home, Theodore? It's on your way." It wasn't, in fact, on my way at all. But refusing would create a scene, and after years as Alpha, I'd learned to pick my battles. Family dinner was not the hill to die on. "Of course," I agreed, voice neutral despite my irritation. "Shall we?" Daisy beamed, gathering her purse with poorly concealed triumph. The goodbyes were mercifully brief, though my mother's meaningful look as she embraced me spoke volumes about her expectations. Once in the car, I immediately activated the privacy divider between the front and back seats. The last thing I needed was to endure Daisy's obvious flirtation for the entire drive. I had no interest in listening to her chatter. My mind was already a chaotic mess, filled with thoughts of Claire. Maybe Beta Charles was right—maybe it was time for me to move forward. But not with Daisy, whose every gesture seemed calculated to advance her position rather than stemming from genuine interest. Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen, not recognizing the number, but something made me answer. "Valmont speaking." "Alpha Theo, thank the goddess!" It was Jennifer, Claire's roommate, her voice tight with panic. "Claire's in trouble. She got drunk at the club and an Alpha, Alpha Dave, took her away. I tried to stop him, but—" My heart plummeted at her words. My hands started shaking uncontrollably as I processed what she was telling me. "Where are they now?" I demanded, already pressing the intercom to the driver. "I don't know," Jennifer admitted, her voice breaking. "They left in a taxi. I'm afraid he—I think he plans to—" "Stop the car," I barked at the driver, ignoring Daisy's startled expression. "Now." The car pulled over, and I turned to Daisy. "You need to get out. I'll call you another car." "What?" she exclaimed, indignation flaring. "We're nowhere near my home!" "This is an emergency," I stated flatly, already dialing Beta Charles. I could hear Daisy's angry protests as she exited the vehicle, but they barely registered. "Charles," I said the moment he answered, "I need you to find all the hotels near Club Lunar. Claire's been taken by an Alpha who may intend to harm her." To his credit, Charles asked no questions. "On it, Alpha." I ordered the driver to take me to the club as fast as possible. Sitting in the back seat, my chest was tight with fear and rage. What if something happened to her? I would never forgive myself. My rejection had driven her to that club, to drown her sorrows, making her vulnerable to predators. Charles called back within minutes. "There are three hotels within walking distance. The Bliss Hotel reported an Alpha checking in with a woman who appeared intoxicated about twenty minutes ago." Relief and renewed urgency surged through me. "I'm on my way. Text me the address." When I reached the Bliss Hotel, the receptionist—a young woman with a practiced smile—greeted me politely. Her smile faltered slightly at whatever she saw in my expression. "I need the room number for an Alpha who checked in recently with a blonde woman," I said without preamble. Her professional demeanor didn't waver. "I'm sorry, sir, but we can't provide guest information without—" I had no time for protocol. I unleashed my Alpha tone, a command no human could resist. "This is a matter of life and death. Tell me the room number. Now." The receptionist paled, her hands trembling slightly as she checked her computer. "R-room 412," she stammered, clearly frightened but unable to refuse. I sprinted toward the elevators, cursing each second of delay as I rode to the fourth floor. Standing outside room 412, I could hear Claire's desperate pleas through the door, followed by a man's cruel laugh. A rage unlike anything I'd ever known exploded inside me. My wolf, normally contained beneath layers of civilized restraint, howled for blood. With strength born of pure fury, I kicked the door open with a deafening crash. The scene inside made my vision go red. Claire lay pinned beneath the bastard, her silver dress torn, tears streaming down her face. A bruise was forming on her cheek, blood at the corner of her mouth. She looked at me with disbelieving eyes, hope and fear mingling in her tear-stained expression. That bastard dared lay a hand on my girl. My wolf howled, urging me to tear out his throat for daring to touch what was mine. In that moment, I was a primal force of nature, intent on one thing only: protecting what belonged to me and drawing blood.