Chapter 157
Liam POV
My arse and back are fucking killing me at this point. We have been in the van for 40 hours straight, only stopping for petrol, bathroom, and snack breaks. The 10–minute reprieve every 4 hours is what s keeping me going at this point.
We have driven at least 3500km at this point. We are at the other end of the country, and if we go any further, we are going to have to board a plane or a boat.
I know we are also starting to lose hope that this is just a defective compass, as it is still only off slightly, but Alpha King is so sure. Suppose it’s the only thing he has to hold on to now.
The sun is starting to set on the second day, and I can see large city lights coming into view. We
were approaching the largest city in the north east. Oakwood Valley. We have stuck to the plan and
only driven on major freeways heading in the direction we needed. I’m currently driving my last
stint for the days before I get some sleep in the back and someone else takes over. Alpha King is sitting in the passenger seat as I drive along the freeway that circles the city.
“We only have about 1000km left before we reach the border. Do you have a plan after that?“.
He just signs as he stares at the compass in his hand. “Guess we will just work that out when we get
there“.
“Well, I have heard the North Pole is lovely this time of year“.
He remains as still as a stone. Staring at the compass and just willing it to work. He starts to look confused as I drive, and he suddenly starts to pat his pockets before opening the glove box. He pulls out the other compass and compares it.
“It’s moved“.
I’m confused. “What moved?“.
“The dial. It’s no longer facing north east. It’s facing east“.
I excitedly bang on the divide in the van, and the two in the back open the slot to speak to us.
I excitedly yell at them. “The dial on the compass is now facing east towards the city. We might have
location“.
Both men and I start laughing and high–fiving. I yell in excitement, “I knew the compass would work. Thank you, Moon Goddess“.
Alpha King is still focusing on the compass. “Exit here“.
“We need to take our time, remember, and have a plan“.
“I SAID FUCKING TURN“. He grabs the steering wheel and turns it, narrowly missing a truck as he crosses a lane of traffic. It blares its horn furiously at us as the two in the back fall over and curse him out.
I struggle against him for control, and he is not letting go.
“WE WILL BE KILLED IF WE STORM THE PLACE HOLDING HER. WE NEED A PLAN“.
He yells back. “I’M NOT LETTING THEM HURT HER FOR ANOTHER NIGHT. WE’RE GOING“.
I do the only thing I can do. I see a gravel carpack coming up as it’s on the back of a river. I use all my force to turn against him into the side area and slam the brakes on.
He turns and growls at me. “Why the fuck did you stop? We are so close“.
Before I can answer, his door flies open, and Eli rips him from the passenger seat and throws him to the ground. He has blood running down his face from a wound on his head he sustained in the back.
I get out quickly and see Alpha King ready to fight Aalto and Eli, who are both furious. They all have their fist raised, ready to draw more blood when I jump in the way with my hands raised.
“STOP. I get everyone is pissed and tired, but this will accomplish nothing“.
Alpha King laughs with a cruel, mocking tone. “You don’t think we could take them, Liam“.
“I think we will all lose her if we do. You remember her, right? Your Luna Queen, who is waiting for you to successfully rescue her and not act like a jackass. The blessed light both your people need to restore balance“.
The three men freeze and realise I’m right.
I look at all of them who are now looking to me.
“We need a plan, and we need to not be killed by a fucking truck accident while we execute it.
It’s Eli who speaks first. “We need to do a full loop of the city. If she is here, then the compass should point to it from all sides Then we need to find a place to actually rest for the night. We will work out a more concrete plan/tomorrow“.
I look at Alpha King, and he just nods. He starts to move toward the van to get in the passenger seat again before Aalto stops him.
Chapter 157
“Not a chance. You’re in the back this time“.
He grumbles buts gets in. We do a full loop of the city, and the compass does point to the city the entire time. She is definitely there.
I started looking online for some rooms to stay the night. I find a holiday 4–bedroom rental home and book for a week just in case. Anonymously online profile booking, paid with pre–paid credit card, and no one sees us at check–in. Just a text sent with a code to unlock the key box.
We walk in and all sigh at the home comfort of couches, a kitchen, and a TV. Eli just grumbles about taking a shower and going to bed. I tell Aalto to head outside. As soon as he sees the pool, he jumps straight in, fully clothed.
I turn to Conrad with a stern look. “You’ve always been a man of your word, Alpha King. I need you to promise that you will stay here, develop, and stick to the plan. We will develop the pit tomorrow, so we will rescue her the day after if we can. You need to keep it together“. I step forward and pull out the moon necklace he has been wearing since she lost her. “You need to do this to give it back to her“.
He stares at the necklace and kisses it before putting it away again. “I promise. For her“.
