My Hockey Alpha



Chapter 0795noveldrama

Then, with a final nod and a resolute set to his jaw, he stepped through the portal, disappearing from sight in a ripple of shimmering energy.

No matter how much we all wanted to rest, the days that followed our return to Mountainview were a whirlwind of activity. With so much to catch up on, the days were packed with pack matters and personal matters.

But above all else, one thing was on my mind: Ronan.

He had stayed in our custody, under the close eye of those in our pack who had stayed behind. The mystery of this strange "Schreiber" family he had mentioned kept nagging at us, and we knew it would only be a matter of time before more of them showed up to try to kidnap me--and my baby—again.

Finally, after several days of avoiding the matter, Enzo and I made our way to his holding cell to question him.

"Well, well," he drawled, a hint of his former bravado creeping into his voice. "If it isn't the famous Enzo and Nina Rivers. Your bump is growing, Nina."

Enzo bristled beside me, but I put out my hand to stop him. "Ronan," I said, "how are you feeling?"

He scoffed. "Is that question really necessary? You've kept me locked up underground for days now. I don't even know how long it's been."

Enzo and I exchanged glances. I did have pity for Ronan, as someone who had once been trapped in one of these cells against my will; but he was clearly well-taken care of, with plenty of books and other supplies to entertain himself, as well as whatever food or drink he requested.

"So," Ronan said, checking his nails, "why did you two come? Did you return to beat me up again, Enzo?"

Enzo frowned, but didn't react other than a simple, "We need more information."

Ronan's eyebrows shot up, his lips curving into a sardonic grin. "Is that so?" he mused, leaning back against the wall of his cell. "And what makes you think I'll cooperate?"1

I felt Enzo tense beside me, but before he could respond, I placed a hand on his arm, silencing him with a single look. Turning back to Ronan, I took a step forward, splaying out my hands in a placating gesture.

"Because you've been here for weeks, Ronan," I said, trying to sound as friendly as possible. "And if there's one thing you crave more than anything, it's freedom."

Ronan's bravado faltered for a moment, his eyes widening ever so slightly as he processed my words. I pressed on, sensing an opening in his defenses.

"You help us," I continued, "and we'll let you go. No strings attached, no tricks. You walk away a free man."

For a long moment, silence hung between us, thick and palpable. Then, slowly, Ronan inclined his head, his expression unreadable.

"And what sort of help are you asking for?" he asked.

"Information," Enzo said. "Whatever you can give us. And..."

"And we'd like you to lead us to the last location you met with the Schreibers or their envoys," I finished.

Ronan quirked an eyebrow. "You're asking me to take you to them?" he scoffed. "Why not just put the final nail in my coffin?"

"We'll protect you if need be," Enzo said. "We know you only got caught up with them because you're stuck. Whatever you need to get out of this situation, we'll help you. I've got connections in the werewolf realm, people who can keep you safe and hidden until all this blows over."

Ronan was silent for several moments, considering our offer. He ground his jaw hard, his eyes cast down to the floor. It was clear that it was tempting, and how could it not be for someone in his situation?

"Alright," he finally said, extending a hand. "You've got a deal"

Enzo glanced at me one last time, and I nodded almost imperceptibly. Then, he took a step forward and clasped Ronan's forearm, giving it a firm shake.

"We'll return for you in two days, once we've prepared a bit," Enzo said. "Can you wait until then?"

Ronan nodded wordlessly. Enzo and I then turned, knocking on the window to have the door opened from the other side. Just as we were stepping out, however, Ronan called out one last parting remark.

"Noble of you, Rivers," he said. "Let's hope it lasts."