Chapter 66

I barely slept last night.I had too many plans running through my mind. Anton's charge frightened me. He was not going to drop this. He might let it linger over our heads to keep us on edge.

As I dressed, I reminded myself that it was pointless to try to guess what his next move would be. There was a chance that I had worried for no reason, and he would have moved onto another mess.

After sharing a quiet breakfast with Sage, I kissed her and headed to my office.

It was after lunch that Talia barged into my office. "Bredon, Oh Goddess, Bredon. You must come!" She was shrieking so loudly that I gripped her upper arm tightly to ground her.

"What has happened?"

"I didn't know what to do…I didn't." She shook her head so hard that her hair fanned out.

I gave her a light shake. "Talia, focus," I ordered.

"They came for her. We were sitting at the table, and they rushed in and took her."

I released her and backed up several steps as my blood ran cold. I felt like everything had stopped except for my ability to speak. "Who took Sage?"

"Anton's guards. They rushed in and grabbed her. One even... he slapped me when I tried to stop them."

"Who slapped you?" Sig stalked into the room, stopping in front of Talia studying her closely.

"The one that always tries to hang around," she answered quietly.

"I have to find her." I started to take off.

Sig grabbed my arm. "Wait. You need to go about this in an orderly way."

I jerked my arm free. My mate was… I paused. I had no idea where they had taken her.

Talia stepped beside Sig, blocking the way to the door. "He's right." She held up her hands in front of her. "You need to approach this calmly. He won't be expecting that. He wants you to act rashly."

Her counsel held merit.

I stepped away from them. "I need to know that she is safe."

"We will make some calls." Sig directed me toward my desk. "Talia, tell us everything you remember."

"This is getting us nowhere." I continued pacing.

Sig had returned from a meeting with Anton's Captain of the Guard. He had little information except that Sage was in their custody, per Anton's order.

"They wouldn't dare hurt her." Talia didn't sound sure. "You are the Second, and she is your mate!"

"He has not formally recognized our mating," I reminded them.

"The way I see it, there are two priorities," Sig began. "One is to see Sage and verify that she is safe. The other is to learn what Anton's plans are for her."

"Who says he has to have a plan?" I growled. My fear and concern had drawn my wolf close to the surface.

"I agree." Sig nodded slowly, showing respect. "That is why you must choose your next moves wisely. You must force Anton to show his hand without making it seem so."

He was right. I needed to use my brain.

"You would know if something was wrong. Use your mate bond with Sage," Talia urged calmly.

I tried to find our link, but I was too tense. "I cannot right now."

After a few moments, Talia offered, "Why don't we find food? I know that Sig always thinks better with a full stomach."

I said nothing. I had no appetite. My mate had been taken from me.

She urged Sig from the room, "Come with me."

He gave her a puzzled look.

She turned her head to look at the door and then back at him. "I need your help."

I think that admission shocked Sig as much as it did me. Talia rarely asked outright for help. She hated appearing weak.

"I will go." Sig quickly stood and followed her out.

I trusted that whatever she wished to share with Sig would ultimately help this situation.

I leaned back in my chair, rested my head, and closed my eyes. "Sage," I mentally called as I searched for the thread of our bond.

"Breed?" I could barely feel her.

"Sage." I followed the path of our bond, feeling it grow stronger now that I had found her.

"What is happening? They won't tell me anything."

"Anton has made no announcement." I hated that I had no idea. "Did they hurt you?"

"No. I'm not hurt."

That was a relief.

"I'm scared."

"I know. I…we are doing what we can. Until Anton is cooperative, there are few options." I was failing my mate.

"I know you are, Bredon. You'll figure this out. I have faith."

Sage was locked in a cell, yet she was comforting me.

"I'm scared of the unknown, Breed. It helps to know that you are doing your best. I trust you."

Our link was weakening. I wished I had been taken instead of her.