Chris’s POV

Richmond, Virginia 2023

My insane need to find Rose was amplified in my wolf form. I let myself go, and my instincts took over. Only one thought remained in my head “mate”. I retraced my steps until I was behind my apartment and shimmied my way up the emergency stairs. For some reason, our bathroom window was open, so I was able to enter. I willed myself to go back to my usual self and sniffed around for any unknown scent that lingered in my house. I couldn’t smell anything. No smell of Rosie. I walked into my bathroom and found all of Rosie’s things gone. Her toothbrush, her endless supply of hair products even her damn washcloth was nowhere to be found. I ran to the sitting room, and her phone charger was gone, there was no trace of her scent anywhere. It was like she was never here. But whoever ransacked Rosie’s things didn’t know every section of our lives as I did. I put basketball shorts on and went out to the little park behind the complex. I went to me and Rosie’s favourite tree and climbed it. In the box were some pictures of us and mementoes from when we were little. I inhaled the box and whimpered at the faint smell of Rose. I missed her. I wanted her back, and I would make anyone who dared get in my way pay. I closed the box and jumped off the tree, landing perfectly on my feet and smiled to myself. It was convenient for me to become a wolf, just as my mate was taken away from me. I walked towards Rosie’s scent, not wanting to go wolf surrounded by people and children. As soon as I entered the woods, I went wolf and sprinted towards her scent.

I ran until I couldn’t run anymore. Soon the moon was out, and I collapsed beside a stream. I felt better after I drank cold water and cleaned myself up. My stomach growled, and I realised that I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. I was so nervous about the wedding, and with the addition of Rose being snatched, I was too angry to eat. I heard a twig snap in the woods, and I focused on the sound. I silently crept to the area and saw a young doe eating grass. I knew what I had to do, but I didn’t want to be in sound mind when I did so. I let my wolf take over, and in a few minutes, I wasn’t hungry anymore. I found some tall shrubs and lay in the middle of them. I closed my eyes and thought of Rosie until everything turned black.

...

I sensed the presence of other wolves surrounding me and my eyes shot open. I slowly rose and tried to conceal my presence the best I could. I didn’t need anything getting in the way of finding Rosie. The worse could be happening to her right now. The scumbag who took her could be having his way with her or IDK what the hell stalkers do. What if she needs me? Because I need her.