The Supreme Alpha - Chapter 131
Author’s note: this is from Seraphina’s point of view
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We ran through the forest while following the scent rogues left behind.
Occasionally, Lazarus would slow down to ascertain we were going in the right direction, and then we would pick up the pace again.
We lost the sunlight a long time ago and I was almost used to the darkness, but after stumbling twice, it was obvious that Lazarus and Duke were managing this fast-paced trekking through the dark forest much better than I did.
The only good thing was that I didn’t fall face-first in the dirt, and Duke was happy to support me whenever my legs got wobbly. Even in this situation, he was taking care of me. Isn’t he the sweetest?
To pass the time, I would sniff around while trying to distinguish scents, but it was all random.
“Do you smell something out of place?”, I asked Duke in a low voice.
“Blood.”, he responded.
“Would you be able to track it how Laz does?”
“Not without my wolf’s help.”, Duke grumbled.
I nodded in understanding. Lazarus was probably cooperating with Alex who was amplifying Lazarus’s senses.
Duke didn’t like that he had to rely on his wolf for some things, but I hoped that this exercise will force them to work together. Duke made great progress, but he and Nox were taking turns. I was still waiting for the milestone when they will act as one, like Lazarus and Alex.
Lazarus slowed down and raised his hand in the air, indicating that we should pay attention.
At this point, even I could hear some voices. It seems we caught up with our prey. It was about time because this took much longer than I expected and the only thing preventing me from calling it off was Lazarus’s determined expression.
The three of us huddled behind a low bush and observed what seemed like a handoff. If we were a bit later, we would miss them and all this would be for naught.
I didn’t like the scene in front of us.
Lazarus said at least four rogues, but we definitely didn’t expect this.
There were two SUVs with their lights on and I could count seven people there.
Two men were squatting around human hearts that were arranged on the ground, and illuminated with headlights. Plastic containers were definitely there to take the merchandise away.
Cars were an unexpected variable as there was a possibility that more people were inside.
Now what?
I glanced at Lazarus who was on my left and I could see the internal struggle in his expression.
The murders happened on his territory. If perpetrators get away with it, they will be back, and probably more will come. After all, once they find out that there is good territory for hunting, they will use it.
Another aspect to consider is that they actually met here with someone. It was safe to assume how those were people who are buying human hearts. If we can capture them, maybe we could make them talk and find out who else was involved. Also, that would disrupt the chain of supply and make them wary for some time, at least in this area. That would be a big bonus.
On the other hand, there were too many people, and we were not sure what they were. Some were definitely werewolves, but what about the others? Humans? Witches? They all looked humanoid, but there are plenty of creatures out there with abilities to shapeshift into human form.
Lazarus glanced at me, and his eyebrows shot up briefly. I knew that he was silently asking for my opinion.
I couldn’t stop myself from wondering, what would my father do?
Well, he wouldn’t back out, that’s for sure.
He would walk into whatever that is and suck the vitality out of everyone present while leaving a few werewolves for Lazarus to handle.
I gestured backward, indicating to Lazarus and Duke that we need to pull back.
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“Are we calling this off?”, Lazarus asked dejectedly when we put some distance between us and our targets. It was obvious that he didn’t want to let them go, but with just the three of us, we were heavily outnumbered.
However, Lazarus didn’t know what I can do, and I hoped that I won’t need to show all of my cards.
“We are not going back.”, I said, earning a frown from Lazarus.
“There are too many of them.”, Duke protested. “What if they are armed? What if you get shot?”
“There are worse things than guns in this world, boy.”, Lazarus said condescendingly.
Duke’s eyes narrowed and I knew he was on the verge of exploding into a fight.
I was exasperated. Those two were like ticking bombs.
Why did Lazarus treat Duke like he is an ignorant child? And why did he need to provoke him all the time?
I gave up on them being friends, but I hoped that they can be civil.
There are plenty of people I don’t like, but I can still hold a conversation that won’t end as a fight. Why can’t they do the same? Both of them were grownups, yet they acted worse than kids.
“Stop!”, I hissed. “This is not the time.” When both Lazarus and Duke nodded in agreement, I continued, “How many werewolves?”
“Five. Other three smell human.”, Lazarus responded.
“Eight of them?”, I blurted out. I counted seven. “Can you confirm if anyone is in the cars?”
Lazarus shook his head, indicating that he couldn’t.
I regretted not bringing Luca and Zoe here. Luca’s ability to sense lifeforms in the area would be super-handy for these missions, and Zoe could freeze time. Next time, I will definitely bring those two along and we will complete our mission to capture rogues in record time without any risk of injuries.
I let out a long breath. “Alright. We will proceed in the same way as if my father was here. I will distract them. Laz, find the right timing to barge in and do your thing. Mateo, you will be checking the cars. If anyone is inside, knock them out. Remember not to get too close to me as I don’t want to harm you accidentally. Try to keep at least a few of them alive for questioning.”
Duke gaped at me. “Did I hear you right? You will distract them? How exactly will you do that?”
If I told him that I will just walk in there, he will blow a fuse. “Trust me and focus on your task. Laz and I will take care of eight who are outside the cars. Make sure you disable whoever is in the cars, check the trunks also, so we don’t get any surprises. Treat everyone as an enemy, no matter how cute they look.”
Duke frowned in disapproval, but he ended up nodding.
With both Lazarus and Duke agreeing, I had a few more instructions. “Laz, take the left and find a spot to hide until it’s time to attack. Mateo, take the right. Make a wide circle, so that they don’t notice you. Trust your wolf, he will guide you. Let’s hurry. If they finish their transaction and disperse, it will be impossible to catch them all.”
“It would be helpful if you can shift.”, Lazarus grumbled at Duke, and he disappeared into the darkness before Duke could retort.
“Serina…”
“I know.”, I interrupted Duke. “You should be careful as well. Remember, I am not easy to kill, and I heal faster than you do. Worry about yourself.” I gave him a quick kiss. “Nox, take care of both of you. Now go!”
Duke hesitated for a second and then turned to go toward his destination.
I steeled my resolve and forced my legs to move. Here we go.
Was my father nervous while walking toward his enemies? Did he even see them as enemies, or was he thinking of them as food?
I took a mental note to ask him that after he awakens from eternal sleep.
I had so many questions for him. I knew that this was not the right time to think about my father, but anything was better than thinking about what was coming. Stressing out would be detrimental.