I was panicking! I hadn't been able to sleep for days. We'd tried everything to track Dimitri and Clara, but to no avail. That bastard had covered his tracks perfectly.
"Damon," My mother's voice cut through my pacing. I didn't bother turning. When I remained silent, she sighed and approached.
"Can you calm down, son? Luca told me you haven't slept. It's unhealthy, Damon. How do you think Clara would feel if she returned to see you like this?" I scoffed.
"Well, she's not here, is she? If I don't find her soon, I'll go mad," I said, continuing my restless pacing.
I couldn't describe how I felt. I was barely restraining my wolf; if I unleashed him, I couldn't control him. He'd kill anyone in sight. I didn't know who was more affected, my wolf or me. I never knew I could miss someone's presence so much.
"I'm sure Dimitri is taking care of Clara. He wouldn't let anything happen to her. You can stop worrying—"
"I can't stop worrying, Mother! Every second, all I think about is Clara. I don't care if Dimitri's with her; I want her here, where I can protect her. For God's sake, she's pregnant. If she loses the baby…" I choked, unable to finish.
I was on the verge of a breakdown. I've never felt so useless and helpless. How could I not find my wife?
"She won't lose the baby. Clara would never endanger the baby, especially after last night. You said she was willing to help Dimitri. Can't you trust them?" My mother asked. I shook my head.
"They don't know who they're up against. I've been monitoring these hunters, and they're formidable. I've never caught any of them. What can Dimitri and Clara do but put themselves in danger? Dimitri's intentions may be pure, and I know he's trying to help, but if he endangers Clara, I won't forgive him." I meant every word. Clara was my priority.
My mother started to speak, but Luca burst in, his eyes frantic.
"Dimitri's back, but he's…" I didn't wait for him to finish, rushing out of the office.
Dimitri was back, which meant Clara was back! My wife was back!
I ran out of the building, slowing as I saw Dimitri. He was alone? Why?
I searched for Clara's scent, but found nothing.
"Where is Clara? Where's my wife?" I asked, approaching Dimitri while scanning the area.
"Damon, please calm down. We were going to a safe house, and I… I was distracted. Our guards were defeated. I didn't know… he boarded the bus, took her after shooting us with a dart. I tried…" Before he could finish, my wolf lunged, punching Dimitri and pouncing on him.
I blacked out. I heard screams, smelled blood—Dimitri's blood, but he wasn't dead. I wanted him dead! "Damon, that's enough!" Luca pulled me off Dimitri and held me down.
My wolf growled, his eyes fixed on Dimitri, who looked near death.
"Let go of me, Luca, or you'll get hurt," I muttered. Luca was clearly afraid, sensing my wolf's control.
"Another hit, and you'll kill him. Is that what you want?" he asked. I growled.
"Yes," I replied. My mother and Delilah rushed to Dimitri, crying.
"What the hell is going on here?" My father appeared, having been helpful in the search for Clara (though his guilt didn't stop me from wanting to kill him if he scolded me).
"We need to take him to the hospital!" My mother cried. I shook my head.
"Take him to the dungeon. He's a wolf; he'll heal himself," I ordered, pushing Luca off. I wasn't fully in control, but I could suppress the urge to kill.
"He needs medical attention, Damon. He's my son, and I won't let him die," my father said. I scoffed.
"Fine, but don't let me cross paths with him. If I do, I won't control my wolf, and I'll forget he's my brother. He better hope I find Clara, or he'll lose more than blood," I threatened. The fear in their eyes showed they knew I was serious.
"Luca!" He came to my side.
"Yes, Alpha?"
I glared at my father, then at Luca. "I don't know how, but I want the Hunter leader's number by tonight." He nodded.
"Right away. What's the plan?" They all shivered as my aura darkened.
"They wanted to make me the villain. I'll become the villain. Until Clara is returned, they'll know no peace."