Chapter 233: Back where they first 'officially' met

It had been days since Erick had left for the mission. And from what she had heard from Hamish, it seems like quite a big mission since there were other packs joining in the mission. She had met the latter that day when she went over to his house to visit Makena.

Makena's due date was near so Amber took the chance to visit the other woman, bearing gifts. The two women were having some small talk in Makena and Hamish's living room when Hamish just returned home from work.

He did not seem surprised to see Amber in his living room because other than Jeayan, Amber was also a frequent visitor to his house. The reason why Amber and Jeayan loves to visit his house was because they were excited and wanted to care for Makena while he was out for work. Makena was carrying the first baby of their generation. It was unfortunate that Jeayan had some work at Roel's restaurant. Or she would have joined the other two women.

Hamish hung his coat on the coat rack and joined the two women in the living room.

Amber and Makena were laughing at one of the stories Amber was telling about her students at the daycare. The two stopped talking when Hamish walked in and sat down next to Makena on the sofa. Amber, who was sitting on an armchair, just nodded 'hello' before continuing her talk.

"Did you hear anything about Erick?" Hamish cut in through their conversation.

The two women stopped talking again. Amber then turned her head to Hamish with eyes gleaming with anticipation. "No, did you?" she asked back. Although she was a bit sad that Erick had not contacted her ever since he went for the mission, she could not blame him since he must be pretty preoccupied.

Hamish nodded. "I heard it from one of the elders in the pack," he answered simply.

"What did he say?" Amber asked, leaning forward in her seat.

Hamish quickly reenacts the things Elder Ulanni had told him to Amber. Apparently, before they went into the den, Paccia had sent over a spell that acts as a homing pigeon to send updates to the Kendall Alpha and elders.

After Hamish was done talking, there was a look of concern on Amber's face. She did not realize how dangerous Erick's mission was.

Seeing the look of apprehension on the woman's face, Hamish felt a bit guilty for telling her this. He quickly reassured Amber, saying that Erick will be fine. He has other shifters to protect him and in actuality, Dane was strong enough to protect himself too.

Listening to Hamish, in the end, Amber nodded. Yes, she should trust Erick and Dane's strengths. Even though she hasn't fully witnessed their full strengths, she knew that they were strong.

After another few minutes of small talks, Amber said her goodbye to the couple and went home. It was still early as the sun was about to set. Instead of going straight home, she decided to drive around town. Besides, if she went home, there wasn't anyone to greet her home, other than Luka, who probably was still sleeping.

She continued to drive until she reached the diner where she first 'officially' met Erick. She looked out the window as she drove past, feeling a bit nostalgic. The exterior of the diner was still the same. She swiftly parked her car at the designated parking lot before heading inside the diner.

When she entered the place, a strong savory yet pleasant scent hit her, making her unconsciously wrinkled her nose. The environment inside was bustling with chatters and laughter, brightening the place, which surprised her. Because she knows that the place was known as a stop-over for tourists or travellers who rested there for a bite to eat.

She smiled ruefully as she looked around her. The place really brings good memories. It has been years since she last went here. She went to sit in an empty booth and realized it was the same booth where she was waiting for her mother and then Erick and Hamish 'barged in' on her.

A few minutes later, after she had placed her order, she looked out the window, with her chin on her palm. She became lost in thoughts as memories began to flood her mind. She only returned back to reality when one of the waitresses had placed her food and drink in front of her.

Startled, Amber looked up at the waitresses, giving her a thank-you smile before turning to her food. Unknowingly, she had ordered the same thing she had back then, which was a cheeseburger, two large fries, a packet of wraps, an ice-cream soda and a coke.

The waitress who had served her earlier looked quite shocked when she saw Amber's order of food and drinks. At first, she thought that Amber was going to eat with a friend. But apparently, her thoughts were wrong when Amber said that she would be eating alone. It wasn't surprising as to why the waitress was shocked since Amber was quite petite.

Nearly an hour later, Amber was done eating with only her ice-cream soda left. She continued to sip her drink while looking out the window, watching the cars drive past the diner.

Once she got bored and tired, she decided to leave. She went to pay for her dinner before walking out of the diner.

The night has gone late with a few stars that could be seen shining on the dark sky, illuminating the roads and sidewalk.

Amber stood outside the diner for a few seconds before walking towards her car.

There weren't any people around as most of them were either inside the diner, still eating or had left the area.

She unlocked her car, unconsciously, without knowing that there was someone who had followed stealthy behind her.

Just as she was about to climb inside her car, her arm was roughly pulled back. Surprised, she whirled around and before she could see who was rough-handling her, someone had placed a cloth over her nose and mouth, making her drowsy.

She suddenly became limp and before she hit the ground, she was carried away in an unknown van, leaving her car door open and her handbag on the ground.