Ch. 111..115: The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate Chapter 111-115
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 111
Edwina’s POV…
The conversation had been going so well, the food was soul-filling, and my happy state of mind made me feel fly. The s*x even made my day more awesome.
The question he threw next caught me so off guard I would have choked on the food I was chewing.
“I didn’t get to ask you. How did you come to know about the crescent mark?” Came his counterattack.
I didn’t realize I had been staring into space until Xander called out my name.
“What’s wrong, Edwina? Why did you space out?”
“I…I..I’m sorry didn’t mean to.” I gulped hard, trying to find a better way to reveal the truth to him.
“Why do I feel like there is more to this?” His tone was getting serious now. Within a second, he had moved from the sweet voice to a more diplomatic tone.
“Will you let me explain?” I questioned, dropping my cutleries.
Folding his arms against his chest, Xander rested back in his chair, staring blankly at me.
“You should start from the beginning.” He drawled out dangerously.
I shut my eyes, hoping for something unexpected to take me far away from this embarrassing moment.
“So, I had been having thoughts on how I could be useful and not just be redundant doing nothing to help you with the situation at hand. That made me ask Sonia for help…”
“You have got to be kidding me.” He scoffed, cutting me short.
“Please listen…” I pleaded, my voice betraying me. “I just wanted to do something. You look burdened every time you came back home, since I could help I didn’t mind doing what I did.”
I looked at him for understanding, but it was obvious he won’t give a damn until he had heard all I had to say.
I continued, feeling my throat go dry. “Sonia had been adamant at first, but she did tell me. I was skeptical and didn’t want to carry out a lousy investigation and end up with nothing by involving Caleb. It was why I had asked for Carlos help instead, to help find out just in case. But please, Sonia didn’t betray the pack, she just had no idea things are this clustered.”
I felt Xander was staring at me with pure contempt. Instead, he returned his attention to his plate. Tossing his food around with the fork.
“It must have been hard having to beg her for something so important as that.” He uttered. I almost didn’t hear him.
Did alpha Xander just act compassionate towards my affair with my sister? Clouds will fall as rain.
“Thanks for trying. The intel was really helpful.”
“Anything to protect the night howlers pack. It’s my duty as the Luna.”
“How is she doing?” He asked again, still not raising his head.
“Fine,” I responded, sitting up excitedly when I remembered what had transpired between us. “Sonia asked for my forgiveness.” I blurted, staring at him, my eyes hopeful.
Xander’s blank look came up again. “Do you always have to be fooled by everything she does?”
I was short of words, “w..what do you mean?”
“You know Sonia, Edwina. She wouldn’t do anything out of her good heart to you.”
“She begged for my forgiveness, Xander!”
“And just like that, you both are back to being beloved sisters after years of spite against you!” I could hear the taunt in his voice.
It reminded me of what Becca had been talking about two hours ago, all the same, life itself is a risk, and if I didn’t risk being played by my sister, I might have never gotten a chance to know her.
It does sound like the hardest thing to do, but I didn’t need to be discouraged further.
“That’s enough Xander!” I spoke out, tears stinging my eyes. “I have had enough of you all thinking I’m a fool and making a joke of me. Is it so wrong to crave for love from the ones you have tried time and time again to do whatever it takes for them to see you? You wouldn’t understand it, you were only betrayed. I was deprived of love, attention and still betrayed. That doesn’t make me stupid.”
I wiped at the tears rolling down my face roughly.
“I just want to know what it feels like to love a family member, and I don’t think that is too much to want. I have feelings just like every other person. Am I not allowed to be reckless with it?”
My heart clenched as I blurted out my bottled-up feelings. I was tired of everyone thinking they knew what was best for me.
It’s a demeaning attitude when everyone sees one as weak and dumb. I’m neither of such; I’m just a silly lover.
Giving the food one last look, I was tired of it all already. Throwing down my napkin, I left him and ran all the way to the library, locking myself up as I cried my eyes out.
I had thought Xander wouldn’t care about me throwing tantrums. I was surprised when I heard a persistent knock on the door after a while.
Refusing to be tagged as petty, I stood up to open the door. Xander had his hands on his lap with Becca next to him, carrying a tray of plates.
My belly grumbled at the sight; I had been in the room for close to thirty minutes, crying my eyes out.
“Even if you have to cry. You might as well feed yourself to gather enough strength to cry.” He said, motioning towards Becca to take the food in.
I resisted the urge to smile at the joke he was trying to make, nodding towards Becca to leave us. Xander settled, facing me.
“Just so you know; I do not think you are weak or dumb. Instead, I have always admired how strong, loving and forgiving your heart is. It’s your caring thoughts that has enabled me have some heart to let things go. So, now that you know that. Can you eat now? To prevent your belly from rumbling again.”
I smiled shyly, certain he had heard the growl of my belly. Not waiting to be told twice, I grabbed the platter and ate to my relish.
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 112
Authors POV…
Standing in her way, Caleb held the door firmly with his hand, looking her straight in the eye. Ramona pulled at the door with him; she had closed for the day’s work and had intended to head out of the office when Caleb had shown up unexpectedly, holding out the door and caving her in.
“Get the hell out of my way Caleb!” She warned.
“No, I won’t. We ought to have a discussion as normal adults would. If not, we both won’t leave here today.” Caleb insisted.
She rolled her eyes, “I didn’t realize the beta had so much free time on his hand. I should come work for you.”
Taking a chance on her relaxed hand on the door, Caleb pushed her roughly against the wall, kissing her intensely. Not letting her make an escape move, he pinned her against the wall with his left hand, using the right hand to hold up her leg around his waist. In a swift movement, he had ripped her pant off, jabbing his fingers into her already dripping p***y.
Ramona gasped, “Caleb…”
“Tell me to stop,” he panted as he finger f****d her harder, using his body to hold her to the wall and his free hand to squeeze out her breast.
Ramona m****d loudly, gripping Caleb’s hair with both of her hands as she writhed against the wall like a worm.
Still staring dead into her face, his breath coming off louder, he increased his pace. Seeing she was about to reach her peak, he removed his fingers in a swift second and rammed into her with his hardened d**k.
Holding her leg higher up, he f****d her against the wall. Ramona held on tightly to his hair, gripping hard for support. Caleb paid no mind to the pain spreading through his scalp.
Not breaking his stare, he thrust faster, her creamy release making him f**k her harder.
“P..pl..please ca…ca…leb….” She gasped for breath, moaning louder.
Increasing the pace of his thrust, a burst of relief and pleasure escaped him as he softened inside of her. Resting his head against the wall, Caleb panted heavily, pushing himself off the wall and sliding his d**k out of her. Without saying a word, he headed to the toilet to clean himself up.
When he returned, Ramona was sitting, her whole body looking weak. One look at her, she seemed like she would collapse if not held well.
“I didn’t know you had it in you.” She teased, staring at him.
Caleb rested against the table, crossing his legs while folding his arms against his chest, still staring weirdly at her.
“Do you mind telling me why you barged out of the house the other day and also why you avoided me?”
Ramona raised her hand, “calm your nerves champ, one question at a time.”
“I’m asking again, why did you leave me high and dry that night?”
Shrugging, she tried looking away. She had absolutely no excuse for running out. It wasn’t like he had done anything to her. She just wasn’t feeling comfortable with him becoming so emotional around her and trying to claim her.
All of her acts were just her trying to play a mind game with him.
“Give me a f*****g straight answer, Ramona, and stop messing with my head!” He rumbled.
She had never seen him look so deadly before. Her heart skipped at the sight. Caleb is one hell of a fine wolf.
Relaxing her gaze, she stood up, gently watching her step towards him. Noticing he had his guard down, Ramona slowly caressed his broad chest with her hand.
“I admit I was wrong and I’m sorry. I was just surprised you wanted to claim all of me when we haven’t even talked about what our relationship is about?”
Caleb watched her closely, trying to hold back the painful look his face was trying to contort. His heart and mind weren’t cordial, each one of them saying different things.
His intuition keeps warning him not to let Ramona take control of his head. The past days that had passed had got him thinking a bit too much, which bothered him a whole lot. He had been unable to perform his duties since he couldn’t concentrate.
When he couldn’t take it anymore, that was when he decided to storm her office and make her beg for him.
When he returned, Ramona was sitting, her whole body looking weak. One look at her, she seemed like she would collapse if not held well.
His thoughts had been that; being with Ramona would make him more clear on what he wanted out of life. But instead, he has been snowballing from one confusion to the other.
Compiling the pack duties and with the situation of things and tension around them, he is getting really stressed. The s*x had been quite comforting, though.
Ramona frowned at him, wondering what was going on in his head. Hoping he has no intention of changing his mind about her. As much as Caleb might seem like a love-struck puppy, he did not take insolence lightly.
“Why are you so quiet?” She asked him.
“What do you want Ramona?”
She inhaled, leaning further into him, “I know this might sound absurd…” Looking up at him, “but I want to be your mate, Caleb. I want you to marry me.”
Something turned Caleb’s inside as he held her to himself tightly. Becca was right; all he needed to do was ask her what she really wanted.
Resting his jaw on her head, he rubbed her back slowly. “We can’t have that now; the pack is unstable at the moment.”
Moving her a bit forward to see her face, “do not worry, I promise to make it up to you after all of this. Just wait a little and don’t push me away, I really can’t take the heat.”
Looking at him with puppy-dolled eyes, Ramona nodded like a child would when being rebuked. “I promise. I love you.” She mused.
“I…love…you too” it sounded odd on his tongue, but not bad.
“I should leave now, Caleb. It’s getting late.” She announced.
“Did you come with your car?”
“Yes.”
“Let me help you to the car then.”
Picking up her things, they both stepped outside the office with Ramona locking up.
Caleb watched as she drove out of the parking space. His heart still acting weird.
“Did he just indirectly propose to Ramona?” He muttered to himself.
Closing his eyes, he patted his heart lightly.
“You are so smitten.” He jested at himself.
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 113
Authors POV…
Jason chewed rapidly on a nut, his mind working faster than his mouth. He had been in deep thought for days; it was becoming more disturbing that he had traitors amongst his clan.
He has been trying hard to figure out ways to make them pay without necessarily alerting their enemies, which was the plan. But at the same time, being discreet in carrying out such a purge was extremely risky.
“Should we inform the others who aren’t with the mark?” He questioned no one in particular, “what if they are also one of them, but not with the mark?”
Scratching his head roughly, almost peeling his scalp. One of the hardest things to do was fight an enemy within. It isn’t an easy task.
“Ah, so much for a leader. Who the hell chews but in this sort of times?” Carlos taunted as he moved swiftly to take some of the nuts.
Jason glared at him, “have you lost your mind? Why the hell would you do that?”
“You seem like you needed some help with it. I’m your brother, you are my brother….”
“I’m not your brother.”
“Not like you would ever fit the criteria.” Carlos taunted.
Gritting his teeth, Jason muttered under his breath. “I still don’t know why I haven’t killed you yet.”
“I can hear you, you do know that right?”
Feeling frustrated, he threw a glance at him. “What the hell do you want and why are you here?”
Carlos looked around. They were at the foot of the tree that overlooked the whole of the night howler’s pack.
“The last time I checked, you don’t own this place. And I should be asking you that question. You rarely come by here.”
Jason snorted, “keeping tabs on my movement now?”
“You really wish I was, right?”
“Stay the f**k away from me, Carlos! I really do not like seeing your face.”
Ignoring his protest, Carlos sat next to him, stretching out his hands on his bent knee.
“It’s been four years, Jason. Shouldn’t you have gotten over it?” He asked.
“That’s what it seems like to you. It’s just like yesterday, you lying, cheating son of a gun.”
Raising his hands in surrender, “I take it that you are really mad at me. But it’s been too long holding on to his grudge; we should bury the hatchet already.”
“I hate your guts.”
“It’s not like yours are pretty.”
Jason tried hard to not smile, Carlos had a way of easing up a tense mood. He wasn’t exactly angry at him, turned out the lady he wanted to kill himself over slept around. He just decided to vent his anger on Carlos since he was too much of a coward to do so with the main culprit.
And according to her, they only made out. Carlos had been reasonable enough to not betray his friend. But Jason had held on to his anger still.
Staring out at the sky as the sun went down, Carlos gulped. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, and you should know I would never do. I was just really drunk that day. I’m sorry.”
Jason nodded, “it’s all good.”
“So, putting our personal feud aside, have you figured a way to work this purge?”
“No. You?”
“Just as perplexed as you are.”
They both stayed silent, each person lost in his own thought.
Carlos snapped his fingers as an idea struck, “how about we set a trap for them all at the same time?”
“How would that work?” Jason asked.
Standing hurriedly, “I know I should share this with you, but I think we need to see Beta Caleb first.”
“Ok, ” Jason responded, dusting himself as they walked fast back towards the pack.
Carlos dialed Caleb as they walked. He picked on the second ring.
“I have something that might really interest you, Beta Caleb.” He said into the receiver, “where are you?”
A slight pause, and he nodded. “Would be right there in a jiffy.” He replied, hanging up.
“Where is he?” Jason asked.
“At the pack house.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“It sounds genius in my mind, but I don’t want to jinx it yet. I’m sorry.”
“It’s all good, as long as it helps us in our quest.”
“Thanks for understanding, man.”
Raising his hands in surrender, “I take it that you are really mad at me. But it’s been too long holding on to his grudge; we should bury the hatchet already.”
Getting to the pack house, Carlos was a bit surprised to see Caleb having what seemed like a deep conversation with Becca. He scoffed. Seems like the Beta had so much time on his hand.
“Now, I think I know why you’re frequently at this place all the time.” Carlos bickered.
His voice got Becca and Caleb’s attention as they turned to him. Caleb stared back at him with a sneer, while Becca smiled brightly instead. Carlos chose to ignore Caleb, turning his attention towards Becca. He held her hands, patting them lightly and intentionally.
He paid no mind to the burning glare holes Caleb was drilling into this side.
“Hey there mama.”
Becca blushed to Caleb’s horror, “how are you, Carlos?”
“I feel great seeing you now.” He replied, holding back a yelp when Jason pinched his back.
“It’s always nice seeing you.” She said.
“That’s enough pleasantries now. Can we head in for whatever it is you came here for?” Caleb bellowed, an obvious strain in his voice.
Carlos looked up at him, smiling a bit too widely.
Of course, Beta, after you.” His voice was taunting in response.
Caleb practically stomped into the house. Becca excused herself as Carlos and Jason followed his trail.
Carlos felt victorious at the reaction he got from Caleb. He had been wanting to pay him back in his own coin for always finding a means to embarrass him whenever he was with Becca. He had no plans to get a hold of him today, but it seemed like the moon goddess was in tune with his thoughts.
“He would gladly have your head.” Jason said, chuckling
“Were we that obvious?”
“You were obviously trying to get on his nerves. Seems like you aren’t in everyone’s good book.”
Carlos shrugged, unrelenting. “Can’t help being who I am.
Jason nodded in agreement, “true, an a*****e.”
“Shut up!” Carlos yelled, punching him playfully.
They both laughed out loudly, shutting up when they received a Stern look from Caleb.
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 114
Alexander’s POV…
Having conversations that revolve around personal hurts and betrayal makes my head ache. I had to swallow my pride and plead with Edwina over dinner. She had a point. Just because she has more mind to forgive and let go of grudges doesn’t make her foolish or less smart than the rest of us.
I sighed as I flipped through the files on my table. I had decided against retiring to bed immediately, spending some time in the study. Edwina had seemed to have a long day and was too tired to keep up with me after she ate her dinner.
I was planning to work on some stuff on my laptop when Caleb called, saying Carlos had something important to share.
Times without number, I had warned that brute not to bring pack matters to me late at night. But then, he said it was very important, and I needed to hear it. Not like he knew what Carlos had to say.
The door clicked open, and I looked up to see Caleb’s face contorted in a horrible shape. A child would see him and cry to his or her mother.
“Who the hell bit your a*s?” I couldn’t help blurting out.
I had never seen a person look so distasteful while pissed.
He threw a glare at me in response, taking a seat at the far end of the room, looking dangerous, then the door opened again to show Carlos and Jason. With the victorious look on Carlos’s face, I put two and two together, and I can bet my life it had something to do with Becca.
I snorted a chuckle; Caleb’s attitude toward the situation was really amusing. One would think he feels some type of way toward Becca. He is too overprotective of her. I wonder if Ramona feels comfortable with the relationship between him and Becca.
“Good evening to you, alpha Xander,” Jason and Carlos mouthed together, bowing their heads.
I nodded, acknowledging the both of them, “how are you both doing? Shouldn’t you be resting at this hour?”
Taking their seats, Jason cleared his throat.
“We couldn’t find the heart to, when there is so much for us to deal with at the pack.”
Carlos took a side peek at Caleb. When their eyes met, I could feel the cold tension in the room. These two men have lost their minds to think Caleb let himself be fooled by Carlos, who was only having fun by taunting him.
Returning his gaze to me, Carlos sat upright. “I have an idea that might work, if we want a silent purge to take place.”
That got me perked. I lifted myself up a bit in my wheelchair, not that it made any difference, though.
“Let’s have it then. Come here Caleb.” I ordered.
Caleb responded, giving me an attitude. “I can hear him clearly from there.”
“Don’t make me snag your skin, Caleb. Come stand here right this minute! Why are you acting so childish?”
Carlos looked towards him at that question, and I could hear him silently growl in annoyance. I wanted to laugh so hard, but I needed to act like the alpha I was.
“Fine!” He scoffed, standing up to sit on the table, his legs facing me.
We all brought our heads a bit closer. As much as the packhouse might be the safest place to discuss some issues, we still couldn’t trust just anyone yet.
“So, I was thinking; since we can’t get Ben and the sizzlers to know of our intended purge and avoid an unintended attack, we should imitate Ben.”
“Imitate Ben? What are you saying?” Caleb sounded like he just told Carlos to shut the f**k up.
It was smart enough of Carlos to ignore his tantrums and keep up with his discussion.
“What I mean is act as Ben’s imposter. Since we know the signs, they all have on them as one of his cohorts. People who indulge in secret associations like that have an encrypted means of communicating with each other. What I feel we should do is, get one of them and lure him into giving out their means of communication.”
“When you mean lure, do you mean make friends with him?” I asked
Letting out a devilish grin, Carlos muttered. “Not lure in the actual sense, I mean raiding his home and, if need be, silencing him. There is the need for a scapegoat.”
I rested back in my chair and stared at Carlos for a moment. Wondering how much of a genius he was, how did it take me so long to find him?
I was obviously surprised, totally blown away by the man, whereas Caleb scoffed loudly. Such a hater!
“After we are able to do that. The encrypted phone can be taken to one of my friends. He is human and a very prominent hacker. He could hack into the code and send a direct message to everyone in connection to it.” Carlos kept on.
“What if Ben uses one of those and the message gets to him?” Jason queried.
Carlos grinned widely, “when I mentioned the guy being good at what he does, I wasn’t playing one bit. He can decipher each location of the devices. Since we all know he is at the enemy’s camp, we won’t be sending his phone a message.”
“What would the message entail?” Caleb spoke up this time. I felt glad he had decided to grow up.
“And that’s where the fun begins.” Carlos rubbed his hands together. I had never seen someone so dramatic, but the suspense was worth it and quite enjoyable.
“The message would entail; an important notice for an urgent meeting in the woods, between a long border of the night howlers and sizzlers pack. And just like that, we set a trap to capture every one of them.”
“These men are more than a hundred.” Jason said.
“And we have about 100 heavy nets that carries heavy loads like a person.” Caleb responded, fighting off a smile.
I clapped my hands at Carlos’s brilliance, “this is awesome,” I commended.
“I’m glad you are with me, my instincts had been right about you.” I stretched out my hand for a handshake. He took it in full grip.
“I await your order alpha.” Caleb stood up, standing firmly.
“There isn’t much time to waste, we have got to act fast. I’m trusting the three of you.” I said to them.
“Trust us to conquer till the very end alpha.” Jason assured me.
Watching their backs as they walked out of the room, for the first time in a few weeks, I had a feeling I would have a pleasant night’s rest. Everything is finally coming into shape.
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 115
Edwina’s POV…
“I can’t seem to understand Caleb. He goes from being friendly at one point to acting all protective like a mother hen in one minute.” Becca complained as she arranged the clothes in my closet.
It was one of those days I just loved to laze around and do nothing but listen to gossip from Becca or complaints like she was doing at the moment. I had woken up to a cold bed.
Xander had headed out early yet again, and I had forgotten to ask him how the prisoners’ training was coming up. Thinking back to last night, it felt as if I was being dramatic.
If I must admit, Xander is a good and very lenient person. I couldn’t even do as much as pout my discomfort when I was with Ben. I had to act like it was all fine, and I had no problem being treated like shit.
The thoughts had been on my mind when I woke up, and I wanted to tell him how sorry I was. But he had gone off before I could even blink my eyes.
I sat up on my elbow to get myself back into the present time. “What exactly did Caleb do?” I was keen on the conversation now.
“Remember, I told you he thinks Carlos is a threat and feels I might be harboring some type of feelings for him?”
I nodded my head in affirmation, “yes I do remember.”
“Last night he had been at the packhouse, to gloat over his current status with Ramona…” She paused at that.
“What status?” I pushed, knowing she might decide to not talk about it anymore.
Becca took a deep breath, “they intend to get married after the war ends with the sizzlers.”
“Oopss.” I let out unintentionally. “How do you feel about it?”
“Dejected, not good enough.” She responded in all sincerity.
“But you know that isn’t true, Becca.” I sat right now, staring at her lovely face.
Her beauty amazes me every time; I wonder how Caleb refuses to see her as a woman, not just a friend he needs to protect.
Cheering herself up, Becca switched from a gloomy look to a more friendly one.
“He was raving on and on about it when he excused himself to receive a call. Coming back to continue from where he stopped, Carlos showed up, and some little show of hell was let loose.”
I laughed my head off, “the silent tensity of the atmosphere would have been scary.”
“You bet. And it was so obvious Carlos enjoys getting on his nerves.”
“He does deserve it,” I supported Carlos.
“Yes, he does. He had embarrassed the poor man too many times,” Becca stated as she hung up a suit trouser.
“Have you guys spoken since last night?”
“No, why do you ask?”
“I haven’t heard anything on the Intel we had given to them. Xander had asked me about it last night.”
“Judging by the presence of the clans’ representatives aside from the kappa clan, they must have had an urgent meeting.”
“How do you think it went?” I had switched the conversation from chatty to all serious, all because my mind won’t stay put.
“Relax your mind, Luna. Alpha Xander is more than capable of handling the situation.”
I shrugged, “guess you are right.”
“You know I really am.” She insisted, smiling
As we both stayed silent, each person was nursing their thoughts. My mind went back to yesterday and the moment I had with Sonia. I kept having nightmares about it. Different scenes of Sonia becoming a monster and chewing my head off.
It sounded funny. However, it really scared me. I want to believe my mind is contorting negative reasons to not give my sister a chance. But at the same time, what if they were correct? I might be unable to recover from whatever blow she lands on me this time around. All because I am in my most vulnerable state, if I must be truthful.
“What the hell am I doing?”
“The right thing,” Becca responded with one of her brows raised. She had her left hand on her waist, giving me the kind of look a child would get from its mother when being reprimanded.
I didn’t realize I had said it out. I gulped, “how would you know what I’m thinking?”
“You were talking to yourself.”
“What!” Can’t believe I had zoned out within that short time.
“I know you have been overthinking the moment you had with your sister yesterday. You really do not have to, it’s not wrong to have a good heart and be compassionate.”
“I don’t want to be made a fool of.”
“You wouldn’t, as long as you take your time and do whatever it is you feel comfortable with.” She was out of the closet now, standing in front of me.
I patted a side next to me for her to sit. The moment her butt touched the soft mattress, I hugged her tightly.
“You have been so sweet to me Becca. I can’t thank you enough.”
Hugging me back with a more loose hold, “I should thank you for possessing a good heart.”
We took warmth in both of our hugs, consoling each other. Becca’s phone rang, and she left me to go pick up the call.
“What? We would be there right this minute,” came her panicked response to whatever it was she heard from the receiver.
“Luna Edwina,” Becca stood rigidly, staring wide-eyed at me.
I was getting scared now, “what is wrong?”
“Your sister had a bad fall.”
“Oh my!” I gasped, feeling like I had been punched in the gut. Without waiting, I practically ran out of the room.
I headed straight for the guest quarters without responding to Becca’s persistent call. Different negative thoughts ran through my head as I reached. The thought of her losing her baby kept coming to my head. I was so going to lose my mind.
Barging into the hallway that led to her room, I panted heavily as everyone bowed their heads, trying to avoid my eyes.
“Where the hell is my sister?” I bellowed.