Ch. 176..180: The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate Chapter 176-180

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 176

Alexander’s POV…

B***d rushed through my ear as I tried hard to process the bombshell Caleb had just dropped. My voice seemed to fade for a brief second.

I held on tightly to the tablet, trying to control the emotions flowing through me. With a steady breath, I opened my eyes as I watched the video. My eyes stung at the sight. It was a clear scene of John snuffing the life out of Sonia.

“How the hell did he get in? And where in the pit of hell did this bastard arise from?” I boomed, letting anger surge through every pore in my body.

Caleb sat down on the edge of the bed, looking exhausted. “I’m just as confused as you are. But then the most surprising thing is how he came through the main door and locked it from inside.” He said in reference to the video.

“Who was assigned to be Sonia’s maid?” I inquired.

“Should be the lady who carried Star in her arms when we came in,” Caleb responded.

“I need her right this minute.”

Standing up, I paced the room impatiently. This is the most confusing state I have ever been in my whole life. How can someone who had been proclaimed dead for a long while now suddenly show up? And not just that, he came back to kill his own daughter.

My memory flashed back to the times Sonia was being trailed, and she had made the sudden revelation of her father being a molester and doing all sorts of things to her. It was definite that she must have been telling the truth when Sonia told Edwina that he was after her life.

But the most amusing at the moment is why he took so long to get to her if he was still planning to execute her. Looking at it the other way around, the packhouse is safely guarded. There was no way he would have gotten in on his own.

It must have been someone who was close enough to Sonia and knew John was in connection with her that let him in.

I cussed out in annoyance when I remembered that I wasn’t supposed to be out of my wheelchair. I sat in it hurriedly, and only by a split second of luck did I not get caught as the door opened. Caleb came in accompanied by the said maid, who looked super young and extremely innocent.

However, I have learnt to not judge people by their looks and instead have proof of who they really are.

“Here she is,” Caleb announced, pushing her in front of me.

“Alpha!” She murmured, her voice sounding coarse, like she had been crying her lungs out. She went down on her knees in front of me, matching my gaze.

“What’s your name?”

It took her a moment to get a hold of herself, but she responded eventually. “Athena.”

I gave Caleb a confused look, “why are you here as a maid? Aren’t you too young to be working here?”

“My mother was the one who worked here, she got sick, and I had to take her place because we needed the money,” Athena responded.

I almost didn’t hear her. Letting out a long breath, I directed my gaze at Caleb, giving the go-ahead to question her.

Caleb cleared his throat, looking more vicious. His wolf was on the surface, almost like it was ready to pounce on her.

“Where were you when the deed happened?” He asked.

Athena gulped hard, moving on her knees like she was backing out. “I was in my room sleeping. I had been with ma’am Sonia all morning during the birth. She had permitted me to go and rest.”

“When you came to check on her, how was the door?”

“It was locked from the inside.”

I could feel Caleb sizing her up, trying to figure her truth out. Taking the tablet from me, he showed it to her.

For a split second, recognition flashed through Athena’s face, and I knew instantly that she was familiar with John. Caleb gave me a nod.

“Do you know him?” I asked her.

The wheels turned in her head as her wolf panicked. She was definitely thinking of a lie. That wouldn’t work at all, as my wolf was convinced she had something to do with it.

“A guard should come in,” I growled.

In a second, one of the guards came inside, and he happened to be the same one who had come to break the news of Sonia’s death.

“You know her?” I asked him

“Very well, alpha.” He responded, bowing lightly.

“You should know her room then. Everything that belongs to her should be brought right here.”

He ran out almost immediately.

“Now, Athena, if you know what is good for you, it would be nice if you start saying exactly what you know. I won’t be so kind if you make any attempt to lie to me.” I warned, rumbling in my deepest voice to let her know just how serious this was.

Caleb had his hands underneath his clothing like he would bring out a kind of weapon to threaten her. Athena got scared, her eyes rounding like saucers.

“It’s really not my fault. I didn’t know he had bad intentions for her,” Athena wailed.

“Enough with the tears, and tell us everything you know!” Caleb looked pissed.

Repositioning herself, she started talking. “I met John on a site.”

“What site?” Caleb and I blurted.

She looked mortified, “it’s a sight where rich old werewolves connect with younger werewolves like myself to meet up for s*x, and in return, the girl gets paid a good amount of money..”

I marked that in my head to ensure that such an illicit site should be brought down. Now, it is duly affirmed that John has a thing for young girls.

Our silence urged Athena to keep talking, “I had met with John, and he was quite generous.”

Indeed, I must say, since the guard corroborated her story with his entrance and among the things he found in her room was a bundle of cash. It looked a bit crispy and untouched. She must have collected it a while ago.

“Keep going.” I glared at her, shifting in my chair.

Athena sniffed as more tears rolled down her eyes. “We got together twice, and the second time was when he knew that I was working with ma’am Sonia. Then he said she was his niece, and he wanted to see her and make amends for the last time because a whole lot of people were after him. I felt pity.”

I had no intention of interrupting her, but the bitch was definitely lying through her f*****g teeth. Caleb growled in annoyance at her, and she gasped in fear.

“Don’t make me lose my cool right now.” Caleb threatened.

She looked like a scared cat as her lips wobbled. “He promised to pay me some good cash if I let him in, but I promise he meant no harm.” Athena tried to defend him. But got quiet when my eyes and that of Caleb bore into her. “I was so excited today and had told him, ma’am Sonia had put to bed. He pleaded to see her to congratulate her. I never knew he was coming to kill her.” She wailed loudly now.

I didn’t know what to think, she sounded pathetic, and none of me felt sorry for her. Athena’s greed would now lead her to the night howlers dungeon where greedy backstabbers are kept.

One of the guards rushed back in, “the Luna is awake.”

I looked towards the guard. “take her away.” I ordered. I called Caleb to take me to my mate, blocking out Athena’s voice as she pleaded for mercy.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 177

Edwina’s POV…

The room looked so white it almost blinded my eyes, I noticed I was a bit stuck in the bed, and I feared I had been tied down. Just as I attempted to pull myself out of what I thought was bondage, Becca’s hands held mine. She had a sorrowful look in her eyes.

“What am I doing here?” I asked, trying to remember why I was on the bed.

Then it all came rushing back to me like a dam of my forgotten memories had been opened up. “Where is my sister? Where is Sonia!” I screamed, jerking myself off the bed.

My movement was too quick for Becca to hold me still, and my wobbly legs gave me out as I fell back on the floor. I was super dizzy and dehydrated.

“Please keep still, Luna. You aren’t so strong, please.” Becca said, holding me up to sit back in the bed.

She handed me a bottle of water, and I gulped the whole content down my throat as I stared blankly at the wall.

“What I saw wasn’t true, right?” I tried hard to tell myself repeatedly that it wasn’t true and that my mind was only playing a dirty trick on me.

Becca sat next to me, pulling me to herself, “stay strong, please. Not just for yourself but for Star.”

The scream that I let out was too raw and animalistic. If there was anyone around with weak hearing, they would definitely go deaf. Different emotions raked through me. I had just been with Sonia a while ago, the both of us happy that she would be really close to me soon.

Sonia had personally asked Xander and me to be Star’s godparents. I was setting up the nursery, dreaming of how beautiful it would look as I painted it together with Sonia.

There was no way my sister could be dead; I needed to confirm it myself. I struggled out of Becca’s embrace, trying to get out of the room to find my sister.

“Please calm down!” Becca pleaded. She was in tears herself.

Refusing to listen to her or let her subdue me, I wiggled out of her hands, heading towards the door.

I got stopped at the door by the entrance of Xander and Caleb. I glanced over at both of them, the look in their eyes too blank for me.

Kneeling in front of Xander, I stared at him, my eyes glassy with tears. If anything, I trust Xander to tell me the truth. He wouldn’t lie to me about what had happened to my sister. I smiled at him.

“Tell me the truth, Xander and stop pulling my legs. Sonia is fine, right? She just passed out, isn’t it?” I know I sounded crazy, but I was really holding onto faith.

With a rigid stare, Xander caressed my hair. Leaning forward towards me, I could hear his shaky breath as he placed his forehead on mine.

“I’m so sorry, baby, she is dead.”

His voice sounded like a car tyre screeching to an abrupt stop in the middle of the road. They sounded like odd music to my ears.

Hitting at his chest persistently, I tried to understand all that he was saying. “Tell me you are lying. Why are you being so cruel? I know you didn’t like her much, but you didn’t have to eliminate her. She already apologized.” I accused

Xander appeared hurt by my assumption, and for a split second, I rebuked myself for being so insensitive. But I couldn’t help being so, my sister was dead. He didn’t take it to mind as he still held me to himself.

Placing my head on his chest, I wailed loudly, uncertain what I was supposed to do or say. The moon goddess didn’t show Sonia mercy like I had pleaded. Why did Sonia’s life have to be cut short just when she was about to have a good life?

Her childhood had been saddled with assault and molestation from our father. And then the neglect she experienced while growing up definitely forced her back to fall into the hands of the wrongest person anyone would wish to come across in their lifetime.

I was so happy for the future we both would create together, coupled with Star being in the picture. My heart ached as I still didn’t want to believe it.

“What happened? Did she lose b***d? Sonia was perfectly fine when we left her, and the theta assured us she had no complications. What happened then?” I bombarded Xander with different questions.

He looked like he had something to say but seemed a bit uncertain about it. “what’s the matter, Xander? Is there something you are not telling me?” I held onto his face letting the tears fall freely.

Xander held my hands, “baby, I need you to listen to me and not lose control of yourself, please.”

I gulped dryly, my heart picking up a super fast pace as I wondered what he might be intending to say.

“Sonia was killed and just as you had suspected a while back. She was murdered by your father!” He released the bombshell.

A long silence like a kettle whistle played in my years as it felt like I was going deaf or something. I blinked severally, feeling like every of my senses had been blocked and aren’t working any longer.

“Tell me that’s a lie?” I said to him.

Xander held on tightly to my hand, “don’t be like this, Edwina. You have to stay strong, please, baby.”

But I wasn’t listening. I snatched my hands from him, trying to leave the room. Unfortunately, Caleb’s steel body stood by the door. Even if I can pass him, the other guards won’t let me. I looked back to Becca for help, but she only had tears of pity in her eyes, and it suddenly annoyed me.

“Let me the f**k out, Xander!” I screamed, stomping my feet. “I want to see my sister!” The wail was uncontrollable.

Seeing none of them would see to my needs, I ran straight up to the window side, attempting to jump out. Amidst the call of my name, the next thing that I noticed was me falling into darkness.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 178

Alexander’s POV…

When Edwina passed out the second time, I knew right there and then I was surely going to skin John alive whenever my hands got a hold of him. My head ached from the ruckus that ruined my supposed peace of mind.

I remembered something and glanced over at a devastated-looking Becca.

“How is Star?”

Leaning off the wall, I felt like Becca would fall but judging by Caleb’s stance, he was ready to rescue his woman.

“She is with a maid in the house.” She replied.

Rubbing my hand against my head, it felt like an ache was coming through. I watched as Edwina’s eyes fluttered like she was battling with something in her sleep. The theta had done some quick checks on her and decided that there would be a need to carry out more tests.

I would never understand these medical people. Edwina was only passing out as a result of the shock, and the theta insists on whatever test to be carried out. I couldn’t argue with her; I had no idea what such things involved.

My mind spiralled out of control as thoughts on how to project the case on hand to Edwina would be. The fear of her passing out and lapsing into a coma paralyzed my thinking. It might sound bad to be thinking of such, but it’s the actual truth.

Edwina’s eyes fluttered a bit, moving her hands. I wheeled myself closer to her, “hey.”

She looked calmer now, aside from the tears falling down the sides of her eyes. “Sonia is really dead?”

“I’m so sorry, mama.” I caressed her hair, trying to calm her down.

All of a sudden, she jerked up violently, sitting down on her butt and hugging her legs to herself. Her eyes were devoid of emotions; it made me draw back a bit. I have never seen Edwina look so livid before.

“I want John Sinclair’s head.” She turned towards me, “I don’t care how hard it would be for you. I want his head, Xander.”

Now that’s my girl. I had almost thought she didn’t have a vengeful bone inside of her. With Edwina, there had been cases in that I felt like the villain. It’s true that when life gets you, you really can’t imagine what kind of thought you would be capable of.

“Ok, baby.” I mused, pulling her to myself.

I nodded towards Caleb, “call all the guards to ensure no one goes out or in of this pack. If they love themselves, that is.”

Mouthing a yes, he stepped out of the room. Becca sat on the other side of the bed next to Edwina, rubbing her back while her head placed on my chest.

None of us said a word, as everyone was lost in their own thoughts. Staring down at Edwina’s lone figure, I could tell this was the time she would need a shoulder the most. Always acting all strong and capable won’t do this time. I would ensure to be by her side as much as I can.

The theta burst into the room, her eyes shining brightly. A soft hiss escaped my lips. Edwina was beginning to dose off, and it would be nice for her to catch a proper sleep.

“What’s wrong, theta?” I asked, raising a brow at her.

Her first reaction was staring at the whole space before her eyes landed back on me. “Can I see you for a brief moment, alpha?”

I gave her a suspicious look. I wasn’t in the mood for surprises. My whole self is disoriented as it appears. Nodding towards Becca to hold on to Edwina. I wheeled myself after her.

“Why are you looking excited, is something wrong?”

She grinned a bit too widely. I can’t seem to remember when I had become so accessible to my pack members for her to act so free with me. It’s not like I have anything against being free with them, but I am not in any mood for such moments. She should know better that today isn’t the best day.

“I know this isn’t the right moment for this.” She began, “but I do have good news for you, alpha.”

Impatience got the better part of me. “Can you speak up, please I have other things to attend to.”

The moment she attempted to say whatever was on her mind, Caleb returned with a worried look on his face.

I glanced at him, “any news?”

“We can’t stop movements, sir. There are outsiders here who need to return to their homes. And also other pack members who have slated travel times.”

“Are you intentionally being dumb right now, Caleb?” Now, I was angry.

Caleb had the most stupid look I had ever seen in my entire life. I tried to calm myself down, a whole lot of emotions were flying around, and it would be unfair to take it out on anyone.

“Maybe I didn’t make myself clear. Have all of the borders checked for whoever looks like John. Have the bastard’s pictures spread out all over the pack and get him here right this minute!”

I know I was raising my voice, but I can’t help it. My wolf felt restless.

Caleb scampered back out. Something was definitely wrong. He would never look so disoriented; this incident must have gotten the better of him. But wait a minute, shouldn’t it be me losing focus?

Oh, I almost forgot, I am the alpha. Controlling my emotions is the right thing to do, but the last time I checked, Caleb was the alpha.

I am really going to lose my mind at this point. Looking to my side, I had almost forgotten about the theta’s presence. May the moon goddess protect me. I am certain she would have me discussed at the infirmary as an unconcerned alpha.

At the same time, I don’t want to feel sorry for my actions at the moment. I have just been hit with the most sudden tragedy. Throwing tantrums should be given freely to me. I have earned it. I could do with some rum right now.

Returning my gaze to her, I massaged my forehead. “What was it you wanted to tell me?”

She looked tired as she handed me the paper in her hand. Collecting it with a sceptical look, I skimmed through the content.

Raising a deviant brow, “do you mean this?”

“Medically proved, alpha Xander.”

I gripped my throat hard. I should really get that rum.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 179

Alexander’s POV…

The rum burned down my throat as I gripped the bottleneck hard. One interesting thing about my study is having a minibar. You chose to do whatever you feel like in the said study, might study and get drunk.

After ensuring Edwina would have a long night’s rest due to the injection she was induced with, I left the room, ordering Becca to stay with her. Caleb wasn’t back yet, so I decided to have a moment with myself. I locked the study door behind me, getting up from the wheelchair to take a long stretch.

Dipping my hands into my pocket, I stared into the dark night, hoping John wouldn’t have gone far before getting caught. I gulped down the content of the rum bottle. I know it sounds uncultured to drink straight from the bottle, but I don’t feel like indulging in formalities at the moment.

I want to go back to the times things looked pretty fine, but I know that was quite untrue. Nothing was actually fine; I had just paid little attention to it.

Walking towards the table again, my eyes read the content of the paper the theta handed me. Edwina was pregnant, and I didn’t quite understand the mixed feeling raging through me. As much as I would love to be over the moon and happy about the news, It didn’t seem like it, probably because I had heard such news before, and it ended up not being mine.

The theta must have been baffled by my reaction. Not like I really care. None of them would understand my pain like I do myself.

I heard a rapid knock on the door. Knowing who it was, I g*****d inwardly, but just to be sure, I had to ask.

“Who is there?”

“Caleb.”

I g*****d inwardly, not bothering to get back in my wheelchair. I walked to the door and peeped through the hole before opening it. I stood behind the door just in case I needed to slam the door in any other intruder’s face.

Caleb asked me, “why are you hiding behind the door?”

“Cause I am naked!” I hissed, rolling my eyes at him.

He mirrored my expression, walking towards the chair in exhaustion. “Can I have some?” Caleb nodded towards my drink.

I hid it behind me, “not this one. I have no intention to share.”

Shaking his head, “don’t be so selfish.” He hummed, snatching it out of my hand like the thief he was.

Sitting my butt down, I stretched my legs on the table, watching him keenly. I exhaled. “I am really sorry for the manner I spoke to you the other time, man. I didn’t mean to yell at you like that. Was really in my head.”

Caleb waved me off, almost choking on the rum. “It’s okay, man. I was just as disoriented myself. Had no idea what I was doing. Sonia’s death is a big blow. If he isn’t much of an important criminal, putting it out to the public feels more like a shame to us.”

“I am sure Carlos and Jason must have heard about it and probably be on their way.”

“Carlos called me. I told him to wait for it up till tomorrow.”

“Alright.” I leaned further into the chair, uncertain of what to discuss. The matter on hand feels too absurd to discuss.

“What’s on your mind?” Caleb asked, his eyes looking bloodshot

“Are you drunk already?”

He sniffed, “don’t play too smart. Tell me what’s wrong with you.”

Sometimes I really hate how Caleb reads me so much. I should really start thinking of a way to bare my teeth at him. Probably, he would be scared to question me.

“You should know the last thing I would ever indulge in is get scared of you.” He bellowed as if reading my mind.

“Did I say that out loud?”

Nodding his head, took a swing at this drink. “Hmmn, hmmm.”

I shut my eyes tightly, “Edwina is pregnant.”

Announcing that to him resulted in Caleb spluttering half of the rum in his mouth to my face. I could really wring Caleb’s neck right now. This bastard disrespects me too much. “What the hell, man!”

Wiping at his mouth hurriedly, he stared wide-eyed at me. “That’s good news.”

I gulped, looking away as I snorted. “I don’t know if it actually is.”

“Why are you acting so off. I know you feel comfortable with Edwina, and more feelings have grown.” He observed me with keen eyes, “you are doubtful?”

I sighed, dropping my legs off the table. “How about a DNA?”

“Xander!” The look on his face seemed like I had just made a blasphemous statement.

“What!” I retorted, unrelenting.

“It’s been almost long months since you both have been together. Why would you think that?”

“I had been with Sonia for years, and she still did what she did,” I argued.

“Sonia isn’t the same as Edwina.”

“But….”

“No f*****g buts, she is different, and she is carrying your baby. You both were betrayed. Do you think she would want to be the person that does the same thing as the one who hurt her?”

Though I hate to admit it, I thought deeply about Caleb’s observation. He was right, Edwina had been nothing short of a comfort to me, and I feel happy. The only uncertainty is her feelings for me.

I sighed, “I’m going to be a father.” A grin found its way to me.

“You already are a father to Star.”

My heart stood heavy as I got reminded of the unfortunate happening of the day. My mind went out to her. I wondered if she knew of the tragedy that had befallen her mother.

“I should go check on her before retiring for the night. My head aches badly.” I whined

“Don’t get fooled, man. Edwina is a blessing bestowed upon you by the goddess. Don’t let your doubts get the better part of you.”

“You are definitely drunk!” I mused, knowing Caleb doesn’t talk philosophy. All he does is scrunch his face like something got stuck in his butt. Probably his association with Becca is beginning to tell on him.

“I hope this day rolls over and we get the culprit. Edwina might have your head tomorrow when she wakes up.”

The mention of Edwina made me super scared the more, snatching the bottle back from Caleb. I chugged down the content. I am so f****d.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 180

Authors POV…

Pulling the hoodie over his head, John moved as fast as his legs could carry him. He had no intention of stopping until he got anywhere that appeared safe for him to make a quick call.

“Don’t you think he looks familiar?” A lady said behind him as he was about to step out. John panicked, thinking he had been discovered.

Glancing behind, he relaxed a bit when he noticed she was only referring to something on her phone as she spoke to the red-headed guy standing next to her.

“I wonder why the alpha guards have ordered his arrest all of a sudden.” The red-headed guy said.

John stiffened as he took a sneak peek at the phone they had in hand. On the screen was his picture. Turning around, he quickened his pace even more trying to not get caught in his attempt to listen.

He blamed himself for getting too carried away and not finding another means to kill Sonia. John had miscalculated his whole movement, but what he didn’t seem to understand was how they got to know it was him.

Getting onto the street, he had to sideline the thoughts when he saw everywhere, almost at a standstill, the cars moving at a slow pace. Ahead was a guarded checkpoint. The hotel he had lodged in is quite a busy one and harbours different people, most especially tourists. And it wasn’t a surprise there is a checkpoint put in place in search of him.

Pulling the mask he had on his face and hoodie closely again, John rolled into a dark corner of the street that didn’t have many people moving around. He tapped on his phone, trying to make a call. The contact he was searching for seemed a bit far, and it was stressing him a whole lot.

Smirking to himself as his eyes got a hold of the contact. John tapped on it. It rang for a while with no response.

“Pick up the damn phone!” John bellowed in a whisper, glancing around to avoid anyone hearing him.

Trying the line again, the person picked on the third ring.

“This isn’t a good time John.” The voice came in a whisper. “Everyone is searching around for you. How the hell did you get yourself involved in this mess?”

John rolled his eyes, “whichever way I got myself involved is none of your business. I need you to get me out of here, Ryan.” He boomed in anger.

Omega Ryan had been his second hand when John was considered alive and didn’t have to hide away to save his head. Ryan owed him a whole lot, to say the least. He had known this sort of day would come.

He heaved on the other end of the line, “please, John. My whole life will be on the line if I try this. Moreover, where would you go to?”

John hissed uncontrollably, “the sizzlers pack. Where else?”

“The sizzlers pack is on lockdown currently. Why can’t you just surrender yourself, John? This is a lost battle.”

“You won’t be the one to tell me what to do.” John threatened. “I am on the alley by the street next to the tourist hotel. Come get me out of here right this minute if you know what’s best for you.”

“J..j.john….”

Not letting Ryan finish whatever he had to say, John hung up on him. The joy that comes with having a form of control over others. Ryan had at a time, indulged in giving the sizzlers pack information about the night howlers in conjunction with Ben.

He had been in on the attack against Xander during the war with the sizzlers pack. One would wonder how just an ordinary omega who worked underneath him had become so rich. Only to discover that Ryan was a spy under alpha bethel.

It made him feel a bit betrayed that Ryan wouldn’t let him in on the deal he had gotten involved in. To spite him, John had contacted one of his good friends to get some evidence in the form of pictures and videos of Ryan whenever he came over to the sizzlers pack.

He had not yet been given a timeline to leave the night howlers pack by Ben, but John loved indulging in blackmail. It seemed like his favourite pass time, and he practically had one thing or the other on the people around him.

Jolting out of his reverie, he saw a car parked discreetly next to him, the lights off. A lanky man came out of the car, dressed in a thick black overall.

“Nice to see you again, Ryan.” John poked, his face holding up a smirk.

Ryan hid back the rage that sparked through him. One of his worst mistakes was being too careless in watching his steps and eventually getting caught by someone as sneaky as John. John had always been a pain in the neck, even when they were together, always too self-centred.

The reason he couldn’t do anything to John was because the truth getting out won’t just put Ryan at stake, but his whole family would be banished, coupled with the fact that John had people around who would expose Ryan if he played funny by trying to hurt John. If not, he would have definitely gotten him killed for real.

“I really don’t have time for this, John,” Ryan muttered

“Well, I don’t have the time either. I need you to sneak me out of this place. Now that I think of it, it would be better to use your contact in the sizzlers pack to get me in, and I must have access to Ben.”

Looking like he had been hit in the belly, “why the hell would I do that? I thought you had it all figured out.”

“Don’t question me, man. Just do as I say.” John glared at him.

Taking in a deep breath, Ryan took John’s backpack.

He then opened his car trunk, “you should get in. They won’t check my trunk since I am one of them. I will try to drive around the back of the pack to put you in the hand of the one that would get you to Ben. I hope this works out for you, though.”

John snickered, “I don’t need your best wishes. All you need do is play your part well.”

Without paying attention to Ryan, John got into the trunk. Shutting the trunk tightly, Ryan cursed out loudly.