Deidre“You’re quiet.”“Was the press conference not enough for you?” I can feel the words land with unnecessary force, but I’m preoccupied right now. “I thought it went well,” he said neutrally.“I agree,” chimes in Mark. He’s up front with Charlie, watching the roads. “By the way, when we get there I’m going to stop and speak with our pilot. Make sure everything is set for our departure next week.”I turn to Mark, momentarily forgetting about our trip to Texas. “Are we flying together?”“Perrin will fly separately. You know we never put two Alphas in the air at the same time.” He speaks as if this is something I should know. I do, but counter.“I think we need to arrive at the Welcome Ceremony as a united front, though.”“We can do that. I’ll ensure our car services pick us both up upon arrival.”“Good.”We pull up to a private hangar. Mistra is waiting for us, her luggage to the side. “I thought she was flying first-class?” I asked, recalling our agreement that night in my office.
DeidreThe meal goes unconsumed. Mistra and I each manage to push food around our plates much to Jason’s dissatisfaction, while he and Mark both eat as though they haven’t in days. Jason even tries ordering a bottle of wine to lighten the mood, but to no avail.Finally, he gets up to use the restroom and Mark follows. The room is emptier and yet filled with more tension in their absence.“How is Sirius?” Mistra finally asks, throwing her napkin down in surrender of our unspoken charade.“Why didn’t you ask when Jason was in the room?”“Because it’s clear something is going on between the two of you.”I wouldn’t doubt Mark noticed either. “Since when did you care about our relationship?”Mistra reaches for the first sip of wine. “I know better when to try and pry my way into a relationship.”“That’s rich, coming from you.”Mistra sets the wine glass down, refusing to take the bait. “How is he?”“He’s fine. He got out.” I try to say it nonchalantly, only to watch her eyes bulge.“What?
KiraIrene seems to think I’m well enough to attend the AA meeting two days after I’ve woken up. “Nothing like returning to our scheduled programming,” I mutter as she checks my vitals and we prepare to leave. Jennivah stops by as we’re about to exit the room, handing me a pair of sunglasses.“Won’t this just make me look hungover?” I ask, inspecting the pair but not putting them on. “Not really the vibe I’m going for.”“Consider this a soft rollout of the real you,” Jennivah says. “A statement is coming out this morning regarding your attack. It didn’t go unnoticed that the Alpha and Beta took a meeting with our northern neighbors. It’s best we ease into your new… look, with care.”I scowl at her, looking at Irene for permission not to wear them. But Irene gives me a stern look in return. “AA is based on anonymity. If the group sees what you look like, the rumor mill will start flying. Our members are happy to keep their own identities a secret, but let’s not tempt them with having t
Kira Satisfied with the sputtering and utterly confused Gowan that leaves me at my room, I haul myself up and back onto my bed. So, Gowan really didn’t know. Looks like he and Jesamine aren’t that close after all. But what’s up with Jack? Since when are him and Jesamine… friendly? Friends? But I have bigger fish to try right now. I pull out my phone, grateful that Perrin brought it with him earlier. KIRA: Um, when were you going to tell me what day it was? PERRIN: You are holding a phone right now, aren’t you? KIRA: Shut up. KIRA: I mean, shut up, sir. PERRIN: Cut your crap. KIRA: Fine, sir. KIRA: I mean, why the hell didn’t you tell me I was out for so long? PERRIN: I did. PERRIN: It’s not my fault you can’t count days ;) The winky face does nothing to soften the blow I know is coming. KIRA: Did you tell my brother yet? PERRIN: Nope. That’s your job, remember? KIRA: Fine. PERRIN: That means you actually have to call him. KIRA: Or I could tell him in person. You kn
Kira The morning passes slowly after my mother’s visit. Then the afternoon, too, only punctuated by a few brief visits from various members of the patrol guard. They don’t seem to have cared about whatever statement Alpha Jason put out. They came to see for themselves that I’m quite alright. Which was kind of adorable, really. Seeing grown men trudge in and out of my room. They didn’t bring flowers. Or words, for that matter. Only the occasional approving grunt and nod. As much as I appreciate them coming to see me, I don’t think they have much they want to say. They just want to see. Galpin physically gasped when he saw my eyes. He came by himself, and didn’t stay long. Just a few awkward fist-bumps from a man old enough to be my father and trying to relate. Tenzin and Royhill followed an hour later, visibly relieved that I was still breathing. Had they walked in wearing their wolf-form, they would have had their tails between their legs. But once I reassured them it was no way in
Deidre“Can you really be so foolish?”What had happened in the Archives had sobered me, but my breath still felt like cotton and stale whiskey. “It’s fine, Jason. Nothing happened.”“Like you would do anything with the boy!” Jason scoffed, pacing his office. My space on the small sofa couldn’t be further away, and yet still wasn’t far enough. “That’s not what I’m talking about and you know it.”“Afraid I’m going to be seen by someone?” I poked. I knew it wasn’t what he was talking about, but it didn’t matter.“You know damn well that’s not what this is about.”“That what is it about?”He turned on his wheel, face furious. “It’s about protecting you!”“I don’t need protecting! Besides, Mark and the crew didn’t find anything. We probably just forgot to lock the door–”“Ben never forgets to lock the door.”“There wasn’t anything–” but I stop short. “What did you say?”Jason puts his hand on his hands, impatient now. “You really think I didn’t know where you were going each night? Of cou
BenI was shaking. Nearly consumed.There was at least one. Two?Goddess, could there be all four?I wait, distracted on the sidewalk and wave stiffly as Lo gets into the back of Charlie’s SUV. Oh my Goddess. All four? How could any of them, let alone all four, just be casually dumped into a box of old books? There’s no way Lo’s mother even knew what they were. Lo had been complaining these weren’t even her books. But Salindra wouldn’t have carelessly sent these–Stay calm. Charlie pulls away from the curb, his turn signal blinking.But there’s no way. How could these books out of the millions across the werewolf Archives and across the country end up here?My brain is moving at lightning speed, moving through a series of possibilities and posits and cogently sorting through options. It was as if my mind was finally stimulated after two weeks of disuse. I was practically buzzing now. This was better than any type of buzz that bottle upstairs could give me.How did the Chiyad Archivist
BenFor a moment, the Luna’s face contorts with annoyance. “She’s here? Now?”“Yes, I am.” Mistra steps out from behind Marge, who bows unnecessarily and retreats, leaving us three alone.“Of course I didn’t hear you,” the Luna quips. I don’t follow, but Mistra looks annoyed, then adjusting her face, gives me a tentative smile.Apparently all three of us are annoyed. First one she-wolf, now two? Not that the books are going anywhere, but can’t this wait? I just want to set them aside in a safe, private location until I figure out what I really have my hands on–“You want to speak with me?” I ask Mistra. “I mean, good morning, Mistra.”“Yes, I’m here to see you,” Mistra says. She looks more tired than yesterday, and she’s not wearing any shoes. She’s wearing a giant shapeless dress, and her shiny hair is matted and I’m pretty sure there’s a twig sticking out behind her ear.She sees me looking at her unkempt appearance so I gesture at the picture books behind me. “Can I recommend some