Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Ana

I could not locate my father. It appeared he was avoiding me, like he held important answers that I desired yet refused to give up. After Courtney's disclosure, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands to gain closure. Did Alex need to be informed of Shauna's alleged deception? Was it possible for a werewolf to sense something like this without being told? These unresolved questions needed attention.

I turned on my phone, which had been deactivated for the past week, and discovered many missed calls and voicemails from Alex, Gills, Brad, and even some other acquaintances. Though I felt betrayed, I went through all of them before deleting everyone and blocking their numbers. I would get a new phone shortly and then alter my number again. Before I could do that, however, there was an urgent call that I needed to make.

I tapped Gill's contact information and dialed her number. She answered almost immediately. “Ana! Is that you?” she asked, sounding worried. I suddenly felt a pang of betrayal as I remembered how they had all let me down and not told me the truth about Alex and Shauna hooking up.

“Yes, Gills, it's me,” I responded in a monotone voice.

“Oh my god, Ana. How have you been? Everyone has been so concerned and Alex has been looking for you everywhere. We did not know you would just take off like that. I thought we were friends.”

My jaw clenched, and my annoyance was palpable as I heard the last few words. Friends? Is that what she called it? I thought friendship entailed loyalty and kindness and if I didn't get any of those, then I certainly couldn't call her a friend.

“I really apologize for all of this, Ana," Gills started again, "Alex is dying to talk to you. He has so much to explain...” But I wouldn't let her finish, not in my current state of mind.

“I have no desire to speak with Alex," I replied tersely.

“Just please hear me out," she pleaded. "Let me tell you something, okay?"

“No.” I said. Not wanting to give her too much time to come up with something convincing.

"Shauna isn't pregnant—I know this for certain." Of course, Shauna wanted to be with Alex—she'd been quite clear about that.

"Really? How can, you be sure?" Gill asked skeptically."

“You know I called you instead of Alex, Gills. It's your decision what to do with that information, but I wish you'd make the right one.”

“Ana, is there any chance I could change your mind about calling Alex?”

 “No. And delete my number afterwards–this will be the last call from me.”

“No, Ana, please listen. It's not what you think...”

I hang up the phone. Though I feel a sense of relief for having told her, I feel little else other than numbness. Yeah, I'm still mad at Alex, but I don't want him tricked into marriage either. Well, that's done now. Maybe I should try to find my father and see if he'll explain anything to me.

Courtney suggested taking a training camp in Montana to get more answers. – would it really change what happened though? No, it wouldn't. So, I need to move on from this and start forgiving Alex ... Dylan and Courtney said Max rejected his mate from California; not sure why she wasn't a good fit or what sort of help Max can offer me concerning all this, but maybe I should talk to him about it?

Max was once my best friend and high school sweetheart. Thinking about him brings a smile to my face. He's as strong as an ox, with long brown hair that he ties into a man bun. Max grooms his beard to perfection and his blue eyes are out of this world. He normally wears a black leather jacket over blue jeans and biker boots and drives his motorcycle everywhere. I loved going for rides with him; it made me feel free. Maybe fate has brought Max and me back together.

I decide to go find him, so I quickly change out of my pajamas. While I'm getting ready, I realize I haven't taken care of myself in the last few days. Instead of immediately seeking him out, I take my time to get cleaned up and put on some nice clothes. A smile appears on my lips. Maybe this could work out after all. Max is good-looking and funny, plus we're already great friends—maybe this is exactly what supposed to happen.