The once-warm halls of the Avila mansion now felt like a tomb.
Xander stood in his office, staring at the wall covered in maps, photos, and red strings connecting every possible lead. His eyes were bloodshot, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached. The powerful Alpha who had once been known for his control and compassion had become something darker — colder, more ruthless, and utterly relentless.
Claire was still gone.
Four months. Seventeen days. Nine hours.
He counted every single one.
“Any new leads?” he asked, voice low and dangerous, without turning around.
The head of security shifted uncomfortably. “Nothing, Alpha. We’ve checked every flight manifest, every border crossing, every contact in allied packs. She covered her tracks perfectly. No credit cards. No phone signals. It’s l
