or by sitting next to Stefan.
Besides, Stefan needed a little time to bond with Tinker. They were now forever linked through their children, and in spite of his inability to see this one coming, Anton had a good feeling about Alex and Annie as a pair.
They were going to add a strong dynamic to the pack. Alex was already impressing him with the confidence he’d shown today. He’d not only stood up to Tinker, but he’d not backed down in front of either his father or his pack alpha, which was a whole new side of Alex Aragat.
And, while Anton really hated admitting he’d been wrong all along, Lily and Sebastian were a much better match, just as Alex and Annie were absolutely perfect.
Alex floored it as soon as he hit the two-lane paved road that led to the highway, and the Rover practically flew. The women hadn’t left until after the men gathered in the bar, so they couldn’t be far ahead.
Alex? We probably shouldn’t let them see us. You might want to slow down.
No. Alex flashed him a stark look. They’re in danger. I feel it. Annie’s terrified but she can’t mindspeak. Contact Keisha.
Anton hit a blank wall where his wife’s mind should be. “Stefan, Tink! Try and reach Lisa and Xandi. Ask them what’s going on. Quickly. Alex, what’s Annie saying?”
“Crap, Anton. Nothing. I think they’ve got her.” Alex slammed his foot down on the gas, and the Rover leapt forward.
Anton swung around in his seat and looked at Stefan and Tink. Both men stared at the road ahead, but they were shaking their heads.
“Nothing, Anton.” Stefan grabbed the back of Alex’s seat. “What the fuck’s going on?”
“Don’t know. I can’t reach Keisha. Alex got a quick sense of Annie’s fear, then nothing. Tinker?”
The big guy raised his head. Tears rolled down his dark cheeks. “I heard Lisa scream Annie’s name. Then nothing. Shit, Anton. Where the fuck are they?”
“Up ahead. I see the car. There. They’re in the ditch.” Alex swung the wheel to the right. Tinker leapt from the moving vehicle as Alex hit the brakes and parked over dark skid marks going off the road.
Anton, Stefan, and Alex reached the car as Tinker grabbed hold of the crumpled passenger door and tore it completely off. He tossed the thing aside as if it weighed nothing and went straight for his mate in the backseat.
Keisha was slumped over the steering wheel. Xandi lay half on top of her, trapped in her seat belt. Lisa was curled against the shattered window behind the driver’s seat, bleeding from a head wound.
There was no sign of Annie, but a chemical scent filled the air around the car.
Anton undid Xandi’s seat belt and handed her limp body to Stefan. “Get them out of here. Quick. They’ve been gassed, but I don’t know if it’s poisonous or just something to knock them out.” He freed Keisha, holding her close against his heart for a relieved prayer of thanks to the goddess. His mate still lived. He carried her to a small green area and laid her down.
Alex knelt to check his mother while his father and Tinker worked to free Lisa. “Dad? Mom’s coming around.” He stood and touched Anton’s shoulder. “I’m going after Annie. If Aldo Xenakis is behind this, I think I know where they’ve taken her.”
Kneeling beside his wife, Anton touched his fingers to her throat and found a strong pulse. Breathing a sigh of relief, he shot a quick glance at Alex. “Are you certain this is Xenakis’s work?”
He’d never seen Alex like this—focused, determined, and absolutely furious. He seethed with anger that felt ready to blow, though it was anger locked under tight control.
Alex nodded. “I am. I recognize the scent of wolves, the same ones who attacked us last night. Lily said they’re the same breed as the ones Xenakis uses as bodyguards.”
Anton felt Keisha stir. Relief and a horrible, dark wave of anger swept over him. “Where do you want the pack to meet you?”
“The big oak, the one that’s on the ridge between the Xenakis property and yours. Link with me when you can so we can coordinate once I get up there and see what the fuck that bastard has planned. It’s easier to connect when you open the link.”
Keisha groaned. Then she blinked rapidly and grabbed Anton’s arm. “My love,” she gasped, struggling to sit. Anton wrapped his arms around her and helped her up. “Anton. They’ve got Annie. That