Kids from One Alpha

Chapter 135: Search and Rescue

“Earlier today Serena’s children Olivia and Oliver went missing,” Logan said into the microphone. All additional chatter died immediately. “We are going to organize a search and rescue operation so that each quadrant of the territory is thoroughly searched.”

Logan motioned to the map on the whiteboard. Everyone was listening intently. It was important for them all to listen closely so they understood the plan. Carson and Santino were working on the sign-in sheet, splitting the pack into groups and laying out their search patterns. “As you all know, recovering children is the pack’s highest priority,” Logan continued. “Carson and Santino will split you all into groups, give you your lead assignment and the search route you’ll take in whatever quadrant you are assigned. Does anyone have any questions?” A few hands went up. Logan pointed to a male wolf. “Are you sure they weren’t taken by rogues?” he asked. “Positive,” Logan said. “The rogues have been taken care of and there was no sign of children at their camps, or that children had ever been there.” He pointed to a female with a question. “When did they disappear?” she asked. “Sometime this morning between eleven and eleven-thirty,” Logan said. “Remember, it is getting colder at nights now, so we need to find them as soon as possible. All group leaders will have a radio, blankets, food, and water. Each group will be assigned a tracker who will search in wolf-form. Thank you.” The pack members began to stand up and line up at the table where Carson and Santino began giving them their assignments. Logan had brought mini print outs of the territory map. Each wolf was given a copy of the map, which Carson had marked with their quadrant and search route, and told what group they were assigned to. The leaders of each group collected their search and rescue gear, which also included a flashlight to alert the twins to their presence so they didn’t get scared and run off and a rudimentary first aid kit.

“Remember, if they are hurt or stuck somewhere, they may not be able to come running out to where the search groups are,” Logan said as the groups all gathered together. “When you call out to them, pause long enough to listen for their voices so you don’t drown them out if they call for help.” Logan, Carson, and Santino were paired up in a group together. He wasn’t leaving anything up to chance. Carson was his tracker, because he was the one that was out in the woods in wolf form more commonly. The other groups broke off on their assignments and Logan, Santino, and Carson 5:20

Chapter 135: Search and Rescue –

headed back to Serena’s house.

“I couldn’t find anything about where they might have gone from the yard, but Carson, I’m hoping you can find something more tangible. You aren’t as used to their scent,” Logan said.

the ground. Logan tensed as Carson walked in a circle,

it a moment,” Santino

Logan turned on the flashlight as soon as they were in the woods. He didn’t want the twins to get scared of sounds in the trees. It might cause them to run or hide even deeper in the woods. “Olivia, Oliver!” Santino cried out. His voice echoed through the trees. There was no response. Every few paces, Carson stopped and sniffed around again. As needed, he adjusted his direction. It seemed like he had a good, solid lead, though. He wasn’t slowing down, whining, walking in circles, or pawing at the ground. Whatever trail Carson

wandered off or thought they knew where they were going and then got lost. It wasn’t uncommon for young wolves to want to play out in the woods and

a shiver down his spine. It concerned him to know the twins were out there somewhere. Carson howled again, a good sign that he had picked up more of the trail. He picked up his pace. Logan and Santino practically had to run

135. Search and

smoke!

trail practically led them right in the direction of where Logan could smell the smoke. “Is that smoke?” Santino asked, panting as he sprinted to keep up. “I think so,” Logan admitted. “That can’t be good,” Santino said. Logan nodded in agreement, breathing deep in his belly to keep his human stamina up. “Olivia! Oliver!” Santino shouted again. Logan waved the flashlight back and forth more vigorously. “If you can hear us, let us know!” Logan shouted. In the distance, he heard muffled voices. It was them, it was definitely them! “Hurry,” Logan said. Carson sprinted ahead, leaving Logan and Santino behind. They were close enough now that they didn’t need Carson as a tracker. He was faster than them and if he could get to the kids and protect them until Logan and Santino got there, that was

darkness. Logan turned the flashlight out. He could see better without it, and now that the kids knew they were coming, he didn’t need to use it so they weren’t

Logan and Santino caught up to Carson,