Minutes later he was standing in Adras’ home. The home he hadn’t been in for over twenty-five years. He looked up the stairs toward the bedroom where he’d first seen Alyssa as a tiny babe. It had been cozy and warm, a fire in the hearth. As one of Adras’ closest friends, he’d been ushered up to offer his congratulations and view the child. In seeing her small face he’d been hit with the instant knowledge that the small being with pale green eyes would one day be his. He knew his shocked expression had divulged his thoughts because within seconds of his stunning discovery he’d found himself outside. Adras had been completely enraged as he hit him over and over. Gregoire had allowed it, in a kind of daze, yet knowing he would have likely felt the same in Adras’ position.
He shook off the memory. Her scent was in the home, and it was affecting him. He felt his body reacting, and he forced himself to somehow dial it back. It smelled so fucking good and sweet. He mentally pulled it together, trying to focus on what her mother was saying.
“What did you say?” Gregoire’s voice sounded dangerously low in the comfortable living room. He couldn’t have heard her correctly. He looked over at Alyssa’s father. Adras narrowed his eyes in warning. Ava had been pacing in front of them, her movements jerky and agitated.
“She’s gone. Adras spoke to her while on his morning patrol, and he said she’d acted odd. By the time we both got home, she was gone.”
Gregoire looked at his friend. The male stood, muscles tight, jaw twitching as he watched Ava pace. It had not been an easy couple of decades, knowing that he would mate his friend’s daughter. Both had been uncomfortable, especially when she was a child. Adras had always been protective as hell of her. For that, Gregoire was thankful. He had known his friend would have difficulties eventually seeing her with him. Adras knew just how sexually dominant and demanding Gregoire was. They’d been friends for centuries and had few secrets during that time. He shook his head to clear it, but her scent was getting to him. He needed to figure out what the hell happened and get out of there, find her.
“She left this note. She must have heard us talking.” Ava’s beautiful green eyes welled up as she handed him the paper. After Gregoire relieved her of it, Adras caught his mate into his chest and kissed her forehead as he gently rubbed her back, quietly comforting her.
Gregoire felt uncomfortable as shit witnessing their pain and intimacy. He focused on the paper, attempting to gain an understanding as to what the fuck was going on. He was concerned for his mate’s safety. He took a breath to calm his agitation. Alyssa was small, but by all Adras’ accounts, she was skilled with her powers, but there were beasts indigenous to the Realm and hell creatures constantly sent over by the Tria in Hell. He was more concerned with some of the more feral Immortals that chose to live in the wilds. His brow furrowed. He was not fucking happy as he looked down at the words in front of him.
Dear Mother and Father,
I am going on vacation with Rain. I need to get away, see some of the world, and sort out my life. I know I have a mate who isn’t inclined to claim me. That makes my first decision really simple. I will not be attending any more Emfanisis.
Don’t expect me for a couple of weeks. I will let you know what I’ve decided to do when I return. I love you both.
Alyssa
Son of a bitch. “You were discussing her being my mate?”
“Yes,” Adras bit back. “Not that I’ve been looking forward to your claiming her, but the next Emfanisi is mere months away, and she hates going. Damn, I hate going and fending off all the damned Aletheia that keep sniffing around.”
Gregoire gritted his teeth at the possessiveness that comment invoked.
Adras took a pained breath. “I went to see Rain’s mother and father, and they are just as worried. Rain is a bit wild, but she has been Alyssa’s one friend since they were children.”
Gregoire unfolded the next note that was handed to him. Irritation bit at him.
Mom and Dad,
I’m going on VACATION, bitches! Alyssa and I will be gone for two weeks. We’ll be fine. Mrs. Lewis is watching my shop. Everything should be fine, but she knows to go to you if she needs anything.
Love ya,
Rain
“This is my mate’s friend?” Gregoire gritted his teeth as he held out the letter. His jaw clenched tighter as he set the note down on a table and rubbed at his short beard. His irritation was churning inside him. He considered the potential amount of trouble two females, by themselves, could get into there. Beasts and feral Immortals concerned him, but Cyril was also part of his worry now that the bastard had finally surfaced again after centuries of silence. Add all that to the fact that his Mate seemed to have befriended someone from “Mageias Gone Wild.” Shit, he had to find them quickly. He didn’t like the worry that filled him.