The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 35

He studied my face for a long moment. "You really think it could be her."

It wasn't a question.

"I think too many things don't add up. Too many coincidences line up perfectly. Too many pieces fit." I exhaled roughly. "And yeah, I think Laila might be alive."

The possibility sat between us. Terrifying and hopeful in equal measure.

If Vanessa was Laila, that meant she'd survived. Built a life. Raised our daughter.

It also meant she'd chosen to hide from me. Deliberately. For six years.

The betrayal would cut deep. But god, the relief would cut deeper.

"I need you to find anyone who knew Vanessa before the gap," I said. "Anyone at all. I need descriptions, photos if possible. Anything to compare."

"That's going to be difficult—"

"I don't care how difficult it is." The Alpha command bled into my voice. "Find them. Also, I want you to set up a meeting with Riley. Make it seem casual. Like we're just asking about Laila for closure."

Marcus closed the folder. "This is getting expensive, Jason. The offshore account traces, the international investigation, tracking down people who might not exist. We're looking at serious money."

"I don't care what it costs."

"Your father's going to ask questions. The pack elders too. We're using pack resources for what looks like a personal obsession."

"Then let them ask." I met his eyes steadily. "Find out what really happened six years ago. That's an order."

He nodded slowly. Understanding this wasn't just Alpha business anymore. This was personal.

After Marcus left, I sat alone in the booth. The folder open in front of me.

My mind drifted back. Memories I'd tried to bury resurfaced with painful clarity.

Laila at sixteen, the first time she'd stayed up all night with me when I was sick. She'd been human, exhausted from school, but she'd brought me soup anyway. She held my hand when the fever made me delirious.

"I'm not going anywhere," she'd whispered. "I promise."

She'd kept that promise then. Sat beside my bed until morning.

Another memory. The night after my first shift. When the pain and terror had left me shaking. My wolf was massive, overwhelming, and I'd been terrified I'd hurt someone.

But Laila had touched me. Her small hand gentle on my fur.

"You're beautiful," she'd said. No fear in her voice. Just wonder.

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