Chapter 0259.


    **Mason''s POV**


    4


    1 dag myself away from Josie, hoping she, Theo anduke manage to get some sleep. It would be so easy to shut myself away with them and drown in my own despair, but have work to do to find my daughter. Deacon''s idea of splitting into two groups was a good one. This way, we can always have at least three of us helping with the searching whilst three of us rest, although I doubt I''ll actually sleep when it''s my turn to rest.


    Back in the Cinema room, Archie sits with his father, talking to Raff. His leg bounces with nerves and frustration. I want to throw up my shields because there are just too many emotions flying around right now, and not just from my bonds.


    The unbonded are excited but also concerned, which is understandable, I imagine they are thinking of all the possible scenarios that they could find themselves in if they find their bond. She could be a dedicated rogue, and they will find her, only. For her to be transferred to our prison. Or she could be a victim and have been through some rough times. Either of those options are worrisome.


    Raff''s team are a mix of frustration, determination, excitement and disappointment. Then there are our family and friends who are regrly returning with information and a huge bag of mixed emotions. It is almost too much to bear, but I don''t block them out, because I want to feel everything Archie feels as I


    discuss my daughter


    with him.


    Deacon, Axe and one of Raff''s team leave with the seer and one of the unbonded and the tension in the room lifts a little. I hope they return with something useful. I sit in the row of seats in front of Archie and turn to face him. He continues listening to Raff, but his eyes keep flicking to me and I feel his anxiety increasing with every moment I remain silent.


    Raff exins the efforts to find Harper so far and then brings me into the conversation by telling them I have an idea that is a little more extreme and Archie and Charles look at me.


    "Forgive me if I get straight to the point, but I don''t have the patience to beat around the bush and ease you into this idea. I want you to pose as a human- raised Grey. We believe that the rogues are intercepting teens who are reporting to our assessment offices and recruiting them to their cause, either by force or maniption. If we can get them to take you, then you could lead us straight to Harper, or at least to someone who has information that can help us," I exin, keeping eye contact with Archie as I speak.


    The boy impresses me, there is a trickle of fear, but mostly he feels determined.


    "Is it safe? Do you know that they won''t harm him?" Charles asks.


    "No, and no," I say, keeping my eyes locked on Archie, who nods. "I''ll do it," he agrees.


    "Archie, just wait before you make such a decision. I understand your need to find Harper, but if there''s no guarantee you''lle back, then we need to think about this carefully," Charles protests.


    I canpletely understand Charles'' concerns. I''d be the same if someone was asking this of one of my kids, but ultimately the decision lies with Archie.


    "Dad, if she is my bond, then living a life without her won''t be worth it. Let me try, I have nothing to lose," Archie sighs, and my opinion of him grows more positive.


    "We would, of course, take every precaution we can. We currently have a team working with the highest performing undercover military team on an undetectable tracking device that we can nt on Archie, should you


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    both decide to go ahead with this," Raff adds,


    "And what if they discover he isn''t who he says he is? What will they do to him?” Charles asks.


    "We don''t know. We have very little intel on this group or what their morals are. What we can do is make sure Archie is prepared with a fully traceable backstory, including documentation such as school records, medical history, a human birth certificate and the like. We will ensife that he has everything in ce to pass any screening they do. We can even bring in a guide that will take him to spend a day in human college. I won''t allow him to do this until I believe he is fully prepared," Raff reassures


    "Then let''s get started. The longer we sit here talking about this, the longer my bond is in danger," Archie demands and 1 grin, 1 think I''m really going to like this


    be


    "If you are sure, then I can begin making the preparations, Raff nods.


    "Can we have a few moments alone to discuss this?" Charles asks.


    "Of course," Raff says, and we both stand; moving away to give them some privacy.


    I am not worried. The boy has already made his decision and nothing his father says is going to persuade him differently. I feel confident that this is the best n and the one that will find Harper.


    One of the search teams port in, all talking excitedly, and I give them my full attention as they exin they think they have found a previous residence of the rogues. They have found evidence of Greys living in an old abandoned hospital. Although there is no one there now, the ce could hold vital clues and Raff quickly mobilises an investigation team with forensic techs.


    N.O Darling Author


    Thank you for your continued support. Thepetition this story is in ends in 4 days and I don''t have enough views to be considered for judgement. I think my time without an editor didn''t help. If everyone could do me a huge favour and like this,ment, leav


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