Free The Lost Years by Natalie Shaw

to sense Louise, but the smell of wender berries was too strong. There was no sign of guards. As he entered the clearing, he noticed the door in the fence had swung open on its hinges. Throwing caution to the wind, he raced over to the enclosure.
    The cabin was empty, but now he could sense Louise's presence. This is where she'd lived for so many years. He glanced around at the spartan surroundings. It broke his heart to think of her locked away for so long. The back of the toilet door had been scored as Louise had tried to record her time there. How long had it been before she'd given up on him? One year? Five? Ten? He could almost sense her despair. Where was she now? If Milton's men had been sent to kill her, there would be signs of a struggle and possibly blood. She wouldn't have gone willingly with Lassiter's vampires.
    Craven had no way of knowing how long she'd been gone. It could be hours, but was more likely to be much longer. The wender berries made it impossible to know which way they had taken her. He thumped the table in frustration. His instinct was to seek out Milton and Lassiter, but they'd already lied to him once about Louise. He wouldn't trust a word either of them said.
     
    *********
     
    The Terroun border guards were out in greater numbers than he'd expected. The guard who stood in his way looked as though he was about to attack, but then backed off.
    “Craven?” the guard said. “Sorry, I didn't recognise you at first.”
    “That's okay. It's been a while. Are you expecting trouble? I've never seen so many guards on this border.”
    “It's great to have you back, sir. We thought you — ”
    “Were dead?”
    “Sorry, sir.”
    “No need to apologise. So what's going on?”
    “It's the Maja, sir. Ever since Milton came to power, there's been a lot of tension. The Maja have made numerous incursions.”
    “Co-ordinated?”
    “Well co-ordinated. Milton wants to expand his territory.”
    “Is Hill still your Alpha?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “I'd like to see him if that's possible.”
     
    *********
     
    “Craven! Am I pleased to see you.” Hill said. “I thought you were — ”
    “I know. Seems like everyone did.”
    “Have you come back to reclaim your throne? I'll be only too pleased to step aside.”
    “No. You're doing a great job from what I hear. Sounds like you've had a few problems from the neighbours.”
    “Milton is crazy. There's quite a few of his own pack who think so too, but no one dare step forward to challenge him.”
    “I hear he's been trying to move into our territory.
     
    “Trying, yes. But it's never going to happen —not while I'm still breathing. Are you sure you won't take over as Alpha again? It would be a fantastic boost for the pack.”
    “I can't. Not until I find Louise.”
    “I hate to say this, old friend.” Hill hesitated. “Don't you think maybe it's time you gave up?”
    “Not now. I'm too close.”
    “You know where she is?”
    “She'd been on Maja territory all of the time. I only found out a few days ago.”
    “How's that possible? You searched there after you first stepped down as Alpha. Are you sure?”
    “I'm absolutely certain. I've just been to the enclosure where she'd been held. She was there up to a few days ago. That's why I'm here. I need your help.”
    “Anything. Just name it.”
    “Do you still have people undercover in Maja?”
    “A few. They've killed five of our under-cover operatives this year alone.”
    “Ask your people to sniff around. See what they can find out. Someone somewhere must know something.”
    “Of course. I'll get them on it straight away. While you wait for an answer you must stay in my place.”
    “No need. I'm okay.”
    “How long is it since you showered?”
    “Do I smell that bad?”
    “Worse. Get yourself over to my place. Take a shower, get something to eat, and try to sleep. I promise I'll let you know the moment I hear anything.”
     
    *********
     
    Craven was too tired to argue. After a