Chapter 30

I squinted at the files in front of me, the lightning outside casting dancing shadows across the room. The musty scent of old books filled my nose as I hunched over the heavy oak table, surrounded by stacks of records and case files.

"I thought investigating crimes would finally get me out of this dreary house," Astor drawled from his perch by the window. "Instead, I'm stuck in an even drearier library. How thrilling."

I bit back a retort, knowing he was fishing for a reaction. It was just day 2 of “working” with Astor and I was already tired of having to deal with his snark.

I focused on the ledger in front of me instead, searching for any connection between the missing Omegas. There had to be something linking them, some pattern I was missing.

"You know, if you'd actually help instead of complaining, we might make some progress," I said offhandedly.

Astor's chair creaked as he leaned back, stretching languidly. "Oh, but you're doing such a marvelous job on your own, darling. Far be it from me to interfere with your... detective work."

The condescension in his tone made my jaw clench. I took a deep breath, reminding myself for the hundredth time that hour that engaging would only encourage him. Still, a part of me longed for Elroy's steadfast presence instead of Astor's constant needling.

Elroy would be useful. He had a brain in his head, most of the time, and he actually cared enough to use it—neither of which were traits that his brother seemed to share. They didn’t share much, actually, and not just in terms of temperament.

It didn’t matter how different they looked, though, what bothered me was how different they acted. Even with all my mixed feelings around Elroy, I could recognize his strengths and appreciate them. He snarked at me too, but he seemed more teasing and less antagonistic.

Goddess Above, was I actually wishing for the man I hadn’t spoken to in days?

That’s your own fault, my wolf chimed in. He’s probably not asleep yet, you can go apologize.

I grumbled in my mind, even though I knew she was right. While we both agreed that I hadn’t actually done anything wrong, I had been unnecessarily short with him the morning after. I was taking my own anxieties out on him, and that was unfair.

It was the easiest thing to smooth over too, if I just went to him and said the damn words. We’d even decided I could blame the hormones—not ideal, but better than explaining The last two nights I’d slept in the Pearl Room, with the excuse that I’d stayed up too late investigating and didn’t want to wake Elroy up (which was true, just…not the whole truth). It was only around 8 pm though, so he was definitely still awake.

I still don’t want to, I pouted internally. I sounded like a child, even to myself.

Then stay miserable like this, my wolf rolled her eyes. You’ll have to go back to the Ruby Room soon anyway, if only for the baby. Just apologize for snapping at him that morning and you can both move on—hell, maybe even thank him for eating you like a five-star Michelin meal?

I blushed, and I hoped Astor didn’t see it. My wolf was vulgar.

As the metaphorical candle burned lower, my eyes began to blur from strain. I’d been at this for days now, poring over every scrap of information I could find while Astor lounged nearby, offering nothing but sarcastic commentary. No one else seemed to care about the missing Omegas - it was up to me to find the truth.

Determination kept fueling me despite my exhaustion. I would not let Astor's apathy deter me from my mission, not when the missing Omegas were counting on me, even if they didn't know it yet. And I would not let them down, no matter how many snide remarks I had to endure in the process.

Still, my fingers trembled as I reached for another stack of papers, my fatigue battling with my resolve. Still, I was so close to finding something, anything, to point me in a direction to go—maybe that necessary puzzle piece would be in the crime scene photos of the latest abduction? It was the only one where the victim had struggled enough to maybe leave behind real evidence.

The kidnapper’s MO seemed to be sneaking up on the Omegas, possibly knocking them out with one hit to avoid any real combat. Omegas were perfectly capable of punching back, after all. I still didn’t know how he chose his victims though—there wasn’t much similarity.

They were all between the ages of 20 and 35, so that was something. Most of them were brunettes. None of the abductions had any witnesses.

Actually, in some cases it wasn’t even clear when or where the Omega was taken. That made my job that much more complex.

Suddenly, Astor's hand shot out, knocking the pile of papers from my grasp. Notes and photographs fluttered to the floor, scattering across the library's polished wood.

"Oops," Astor drawled, a smirk playing at his lips. "How clumsy of me."

Something inside me snapped.

I whirled on him, my patience finally worn through. "That's enough, Astor!" I snarled, my voice echoing in the cavernous room. "Just because I haven't asked for your help doesn't mean you can sabotage my work!"

Astor's eyebrows shot up, surprise flickering across his face at her outburst. It was immediately replaced by indignation.

“Sabotage--?!” he yelped, furious. “You think pissing you off is so important to me that I’d risk a criminal investigation over it?”

“You are,” I spat, shoving my finger against his chest. He growled low at me, but I didn’t give a fuck. “Those crime scene photos are some of the only evidence we actually have, and the scene’s already been cleaned so there is literally nothing else to lead me to this guy!

"You might not care about these missing Omegas," I continued, voice cracking with frustration and anger, "but I do. And I will not let you keep me from helping them!"

A surge of energy bubbled in me as I spoke, and the air around her seemed to thicken. I noticed Astor's eyes widen, fixed intently on her face.

With a jolt, I realized what was happening. My Alpha aura, usually so carefully controlled, was beginning to manifest. I took a steadying breath, but didn't back down.

"Let me be totally clear with you, Astor Allegheny," I said, my voice low and intense. "These people matter to me. If I can't bring them home then I'll bring them justice, and you will not stop me."