Christopher and Michael checked every room and space, but found no trace of Patrick. The pack leader ordered Ty and Leon to search the top floor.
"Patrick slipped away from me on the first floor. I think he was heading down to the ground floor," Jia Hao's voice came through the earpiece.
"And Mu Yang?" asked the pack leader.
"He's been injured. I brought him outside, and Dr. Silver is taking care of him."
"What's his condition?"
"The doctor said he has a punctured lung."
"Is anyone else hurt?" he asked, calling each of his warriors by name. They all replied, confirming they were fine.
Meanwhile, Ty and Leon returned from the upper floor, reporting they had found nothing.
"Ty, go to the cars and take Madison and the doctor to the hospital."
The male nodded and ran down the stairs.
"He's escaping through the back!" Alex's voice crackled in their earpieces, drawing everyone's attention.
Gunshots rang out, followed by the screech of tires tearing away over the gravel.
Michael was the first to react, leaping down the stairs, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.
"Alex?"
"I'm fine, but he got away."
Mick reached her and grabbed her by the shoulders, turning her to face him.
He had blood on his face and clothes. She brushed some dirt from his cheek.
"It's not mine."
He nodded, and for a moment his legs nearly gave out with relief.
Christopher joined them. "What happened?"
Alex pointed to a door leading to the back of the building. "There was a car parked here. He escaped with two of his men. He was clutching his right arm."
"Leon, Raeg, look for tracks. Markus, any way to trace him?"
"The drone's out of power, unfortunately. Do we have a license plate or a car model?" asked the Swede over the earpiece.
Alex shook her head at Christopher's questioning look. "No," he replied for her.
"Christopher, I need you at the cars," Lucian's voice came through.
"On my way."
---
Christopher ran up to the warrior.
"You need to make him shift back," Lucian said, pointing to the wolf lying on the ground, with Madison crouched beside him.
The pack leader knelt and placed a hand on the wolf's head. The animal shifted back into human form. Jia Hao quickly removed his jacket and covered the naked werewolf.
"Let me go with him. I give you my word I won't say anything to anyone. You can stun me, blindfold me, tie me up—just please, let me go with him."
Christopher nodded. "I trust you. Go with them."
"Thank you." Jia Hao picked Mu Yang up in his arms and carried him to the car.
Madison stepped closer. "You're injured, Christopher. Come with me."
"There are still things that need to be dealt with here."
She looked at him. She knew she wouldn't be able to change his mind, so she turned to Lucian.
"Take care of him."
The male nodded.
---
They searched the entire villa and the surrounding grounds, but found no one else.
"We need to clean this place up."
"We'll take care of it," Michael said, stepping in front of him. "You need to go to Madison. You're wounded, and you've lost too much blood. As soon as the adrenaline wears off, you won't be able to stand."
Christopher looked at his brother, who met his gaze firmly. Finally, he nodded. Michael was right—he had already been feeling tired and slow for a while.
"Alright. I'll go with Lucian. As soon as you're done, call me. If anything happens or you hear anything, I want to know immediately."
"Of course."
He saw his brother hesitate.
"Is Alex alright?"
"It doesn't look serious. Her blood scent is faint..."
"Mick, don't worry. I'll take her with me and have her checked at the hospital."
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it."
When he reached them, Alex was already waiting, looking at him for instructions.
"Lucian, Alex—you're coming with me to the hospital. Michael, I'm leaving you in charge."
The warrior looked at the pack leader, then at her mate, throwing him a sharp look, but said nothing and followed the two men.