Chapter - Richard

"He's coming around."

"'Ey, Alpha, rouse yerself. We've got shit tae do."

Groaning, I flop onto my back. Dirk's navy smirk is the first thing I see, followed by Connall appearing out of the corner of my eye with a glass of water.

Memories flood back, and I shoot upright, lurching forward. But my feet don't work, and I immediately crash into Dirk, knocking us both onto the sofa in a heap.

"Godsdamn," he grunts, shoving at my back. "Is it jest me, or do yeh weigh a fooking ton?"

"Let's get him uprightish," Connall commands.

My brain is moving so slowly, it might as well be tar. I'm struggling to put anything together as the two males pull me off the sofa and manhandle me into a nearby chair. I flop into it, attempting to keep my head up.

Big Daddy's not much better, whining and crawling on his belly.

Luna. Took Luna.

"Marco took Lola," I snap.

"We know," Connall says grimly. "I tried to stop him, but he used his pack alpha command, and I literally couldn't." He looks away. "I let you down, I'm sorry."

I shake my head, trying to reach up and run both hands through my hair. "You can't deny the king's command, Connall. It's not your fault."

"We need a plan to get 'er back, obviously," Dirk states, crossing his muscular arms. "Yeh got anything in mind, Alpha?"

I glance up. "I need to get to Santa Alaya and talk to the king. How the fuck did he know what was going on anyhow?"

Dirk sighs. "Unfortunate series of events. Yeh were here doing yer wolfy thing, and Lou and Ignatius were hanging with me at Bad Axe. Apparently, the king decided to show up and surprise yeh, wanted to see his daughter once before his challenge. Little gargoyle man let it slip that you 'n' Lola were indisposed for a few days. He put it together right quick and took off for yer place while I called in backup." He gestures at Connall.

A door to my left opens up, and Arkan clip-clops into the room with a determined expression, black brows furrowed. "We couldn't prevent Marco from leaving for a wide variety of political reasons I'm sure you're aware of. I shudder to think of what Hearth HQ would do to this haven if they felt we were undermining the system in that way. However"—his eyes flash to Dirk—"we're not without options."

"I need time to talk to Marco," I growl, "to make him understand. Nobody can deny a Luna bond, not even the king."

Arkan nods. "I thought you might say that. Dirk and I were speaking about this earlier, and we think we've got a plan."

I snarl. "Just how long have I been out for?"

"A solid three hours," Connall says gently. "We weren't sure what they did to you. Vikand's been all over the book about Luna bonds, but of course he can't?—"

"Big Daddy thinks I can read it," I bark. "Grab it for me, would you?"

Dirk clears his throat as Connall leaves to find the book. "I've got security clearance to all havens on account of my hunter duties. I can bring yeh through the portals to Santa Alaya, but we'll have tae move quickly. HQ can shut my portal clearance down with the flip of a switch."

I cock my head to the side, feeling like I'm seeing the happy-go-lucky, charming sylph in a new light. "All portal travel is tracked through HQ. You'll probably lose your job over this, Dirk. Are you prepared for that?"

He shrugs, his smile growing softer, more thoughtful. "As it turns out, Alpha, I'm an absolute sucker for love, so yeah, I'm ready."

Connall shows back up with Vikand's book and hands it to me, along with a stack of fresh clothes. He and Dirk pull me to my feet and hold me steady as I dress. Connall's already got a bag tucked over his shoulder, and he claps me on the back gently when I look around at the three males.

Arkan smiles, pointing at his shirt. Today, it reads "All You Need Is Love."

"Ready to go get yer woman?" Dirk questions.

"Fuck yes," Big Daddy and I growl.

Even though I can't hear Lola from this far away, I send love into our bond anyhow, hoping she can feel it even over the distance.

I'm coming, sweetheart, hold tight.