†††
MIZELLE contacted them in the late-afternoon.
“Amanda is tracking the car. Tire marks were found on the way to the vast mansion overlooking the forest in the mountains, located in the northernmost part of the villa zone. The rain washed away the smell of Nightz, but we’re lucky that the mountain road isn’t paved because it counts as a nature reserve. Amanda dropped Sand Limas along the way, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding it.”
Sand Limas were small legumes with an irritating odor. Adult Beast Bloods didn’t have the same sharp sense of smell as their children, but they could easily sniff out and follow the Sand Lima stench. Mizelle had thoroughly thought out a plan before sending Amanda in.
“There were also humans hunting down the same target. I’d guess they’re Gothic City Guardians by the smell of them. Can’t say if they are friend or foe,” Mizelle explained in an emotionless, matter-of-fact voice.
“Gothic City Guardians are on your side, right, Zelaide?” Vulcan looked over at Zelaide. “But we don’t work well with humans. Thanks for your help, Mizelle.”
“It’s too soon to thank me. Amanda hasn’t come back yet.”
“She tracked down the location of a single car in that huge territory. That merits thanks enough.”
“Who owns the property?” Zelaide asked with impatience. Panic flashed in his eyes.
“Don’t know yet. But we were able to determine it belongs to a big player from Gothic City.”
That was all he needed to hear.
“I’m goin’,” Zelaide stated, fists clenched.
“Yeah, time to go. Look after the kiddos who came back, Mizelle. You don’t have to fight.”
“Amanda isn’t back yet. I’m going too.”
“……”
Zelaide tightly furrowed his brow. He wasn’t used to fighting with others. Especially alongside women.
The older Beast Blood laughed and pacified him. “Don’t look like the world is over, Zelaide. It’s true that our kind doesn’t usually work in a pack. But it’s a different story when it comes to our mates. We’ll band together to protect them. It’s not an exaggeration to say we males live solely for our mates. This Euphemia you roared about and nearly burst the speakers on my IHT for is your mate, right?”
“…She is.”
“Then this is a job for us men. It’ll be a debt owed, but ya don’t have to pay it.”
“If we rescue Euphemia, I’ll pay you back double. I’ll even work with the humans… Let’s move!”
“I’ll remember that! But do me a favor now and don’t try to be a lone hero for your woman. I won’t be able to collect on your debt if you end up dead!”
“Time to go?” Leo rose from the shadows. The other Beast Bloods he contacted stood with him.
Zelaide wordlessly slid into his car and started it. He gunned it and was out of Vulcan’s sight in seconds.
“Wilds be with him. He’s at his limit. Not that I blame him.” Vulcan got on the oxlike motorcycle that was custom built to fit his size.
The other Beast Bloods scattered to take their own routes to the villa.
“Get to cut loose for the first time in a long time. This is gonna be fun.” Vulcan zoomed after his young kin with a roar.