Page 48 of Escaping Wildfire
The phone rang before a woman’s voice sounded from the other end of the line. “Alpha Kedrick Jones, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?”
Alpha Kedrick paused, speechless that she knew who he was before saying anything.
“You’re quiet…are you surprised I know who you are?
“Actually, I am.” Alpha Kedrick cleared his throat finally finding his voice. “It took me a while to locate your number, how is it that you have mine already?”
“I have my ways.” She said cryptically. “I have the number of every Shifter Council member on hand. You never know when you’ll need to get in touch with someone…or need to know who’s calling before answering.
“Fair point…I don’t need to know how you got my number then…”
“Smart man, now I’m a busy woman, so let’s cut to the chase. Why have you called, still trying to get me on The Council?”
“No, actually, I have a proposition for you and the other cats, nothing to do with The Council. I’d like to have a meeting with you to discuss the details.”
“Hmm…” She seemed to mull his words over. “I can be at your pack on Friday, we’ll talk then. I know how to find you, just tell your guards to let me in.” She hung up without another word, and we were left speechless at what just happened.
“She’s an interesting woman.” I thought out loud.
“Interesting or scary? She sounds like she could skin someone alive if they crossed her wrong.” Jordan shuddered.
“Both? But at least she’s meeting with us, that’s a great start. We can do more research on her before she arrives and really try to get on her good side.” I wanted to remain positive, especially after Gema’s call.
“Good idea, now I’ll go tell the others the good news about Friday.” Alpha Kedrick headed towards Luna’s office, leaving us alone again.
“I need a run.” Cristian took off before we could say anything.
“This is going to make Ax spiral out again, isn’t it?” Jordan looked at me and I nodded my agreement. “I think you’re right, but we should give him today to work through it. We can set him right tomorrow before things get bad.” I knew Cristian was going to beat himself up over his father, and I hated that for him, but we would find a way to get through to him, eventually.
21 Meeting
NOAH
The rest of the day passed by slowly as we waited for Cristian, but he didn’t show up for lunch or dinner. I tried mind linking him before bed, but he had closed off his link.
I woke up the next morning to thoughts of Gema, and Cosmo kept asking me what I thought Amora would be like. He was already smitten with her, and we hadn’t even confirmed the mate bond, but maybe Cosmo’s reaction was all the confirmation I needed. Either way, I knew I wanted Gem with or without the mate bond.
′You up yet?′ Jordan’s voice came over the link.
‘Yeah, what’s up?’
‘You up for a run with me?’
‘Let’s go, I’ll throw on some clothes and head out.’
I got dressed and stepped out just as Jordan was leaving his room. We both froze as we saw Cristian’s door open at the same time, and none other than Evie came waltzing out. She smiled and gave us a little wave “Good morning, boys.” She walked up to me with a swing in her hips before raking her finger down my chest. “Looks like you missed your chance with me.” She shrugged and winked at me before sauntering down the hall and making her exit.
“That had to be the most shameless walk of shame I’ve ever seen.” I shook my head and glanced over at Jordan.
“Fucking hell, so much for not having touched her.” He marched over to Cristian’s door and didn’t bother knocking before swinging the door wide open and letting it hit the wall.
The room stank of alcohol and sex, and Cristian was still in bed, staring up at the ceiling when we barged in.
“I was wondering when you two would attempt an intervention. I’ve gotta say it’s a little earlier than I expected. I was sure you’d give me at least until the end of the week.” He threw off his covers. Luckily, he was wearing sweats, so we didn’t have to bear witness to his naked ass. He made his way to the bathroom before we could say anything.
I sat down in the armchair to wait for him as Jordan opened up the balcony door to air out the room. Cristian had always been close to his dad and looked up to him, so I knew he must be really hurting because of what Gema told us.
After what seemed like forever, Cristian finally emerged from the bathroom and paced the room. “So, are you guys here to tell me I made a mistake with Evie or that I shouldn’t drink my sorrows away? Better yet, are you here to talk about how much you hate my dad…because if that’s the case, then take a number. My dad sold my sister off to that…that bastard, and he what? Just expects Gema to go along with it to save his ass. As far as I’m concerned, making deals with that asshat Marek makes him a fucking traitor. I’m the son of a traitor now, and who’s gonna want that as their pack Beta?” He stretched out his hands to the side, clearly angry at the entire situation. Jordan and I stayed silent and continued to let him rant. “I guess it’s a good thing I no longer have a pack to go back to, can’t be a Beta with no pack, right?” The bitterness in his voice was obvious, but so was the hurt behind his words.