The howl of my heart

Chapter 21

Joseph packed his things quickly, not wanting to waste any more time. He knew where he needed to go, and he couldn't wait to see her again. Elena, his mate. The thought of her filled him with a sense of longing and urgency. He had to find her, and bring her back to his pack where she belonged.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with apprehension. He was about to embark on a journey that would change his life forever. He had waited so long for this moment, and he was finally going to meet his mate.

His mind filled with thoughts of Elena. He imagined what she would look like, how she would react when she saw him. He hoped that she would feel the same way he did. He hoped that she would feel the connection that he felt, the bond that tied them together.

Joseph's daydreaming was disturbed by a light knocking on his office door. He was momentarily disoriented, lost in his thoughts about Elena and the upcoming mission to rescue her. Shaking his head, he quickly regained his composure and called out, "Come in."

To his surprise, it was Lisa who entered. She was looking as beautiful as ever, her long hair flowing down her shoulders in soft waves. "Hi, Joseph," she said with a smile, "I was wondering if you'd like to go out for lunch, or maybe just a drink?"

Joseph hesitated for a moment, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Elena. He knew he shouldn't be leading Lisa on, but he also didn't want to hurt her feelings. "I'm sorry, Lisa," he finally said, "but I'm really swamped right now. Maybe some other time?"

Lisa's smile faltered for a moment, and Joseph could see the disappointment in her eyes. He felt a pang of guilt, but he knew he had to stay focused on finding Elena. "Sure," Lisa said, trying to sound upbeat, "I understand. Just let me give you this." Lisa hands him a basket filled with baked goods. "I thought that if you will be too busy to go out you might be able to just accept this at least." Lisa said with a small smile.

As she turned to leave, Joseph couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. He had known Lisa for a while, and she was a kind and caring person. But right now, he had to stay focused on the mission at hand. Elena was out there, and he had to find her.

***

Joseph drove for hours, through winding roads and over steep mountain passes, until he finally arrived at the small pack that Elena was living with. He parked the car and took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. He got out of the car and started walking towards the pack's territory.

As he walked, he could feel the tension rising. He knew that there would be resistance, that he would have to fight to bring Elena back with him. But he was determined. He would do whatever it took to be with his mate.

As he approached the pack's border, he could see a group of wolves waiting for him. He recognised some of them as members of the pack he was about to enter. He could feel their eyes on him, watching him closely. But he didn't falter. He walked up to them with confidence, and introduced himself.

"I'm Alpha Joseph," he said. "I'm here to see Elena."