ZAIA.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, concerned. The meeting has ended, and we had just gotten home. I immediately called Dad in the car but he had not picked up, making me extremely worried. Sebastian had told me to remain calm, and I was relieved when he had rang back a few moments ago.
“Calm down, Zaia, everything is handled, but you should come down as soon as you can,” Dad says calmly. Why did he sound… different?
“What happened?” I asked. “You said it’s urgent and now you’re saying to calm down?” “We’ll discuss it when you pop down, say tomorrow? Alright?”
Pop down?
That doesn’t sound like Dad, his voice sounds almost indifferent.
“Are you sure tomorrow is ok? I can come down tonight?” I suggest, running my fingers through my hair as I take out some black pants and a fitted black top from my suitcase.
“Yes. You should come tomorrow, take care. He ends the call and I frown down at it. That was… strange.
He didn’t even ask about the children, that… isn’t like Dad.
Is everything ok? Tomorrow… I’ll talk to the boys and Val, and see what they make of it. Putting my thoughts aside, I change swiftly and pull on some boots, ready to meet Olivan and his people. Leaving our room, I head downstairs, the sound of talking reaching my ears.
Three voices?
and… is
I make my way down the stairs, surprised to see him there. He’s standing with Jai and Sebastian, and they
with you,” Atticus says with a small smirk. “Sebastian
confused, as I walk over to them, and Atticus gives me a hug
Atticus replies with a small smile. “It’s not that. I’m just curious
with you to the Rogues. I wanted to make sure you have enough backup.” He says to me, his
sure you are enough,” I say with a smile. His eyes meet mine
staying with the
a little concerned, but he’s masking it well.
me he’d come with me, but… I was
am I acting so emotional? I went alone last time. Maybe because he seemed concerned… and I didn’t think he’d let me go alone We are a
Atticus to accompany me. Although I think I would have been fine alone.”
three of you this one final time. The decision is ultimately yours. Don’t go anywhere with them. They chose the meeting spot. Do not
be that bad. I mean,
eyes cold as
a bow
say lightly before becoming serious and crossing my arms. “I called Dad, he sounded weird… I think
he
let’s head out now, it’s almost time.” I say,
cheek fleetingly before he steps back. Our eyes meet and I give him a smile, wondering when
I say to
are staked all around. I had a feeling they’d watch your pack, so I had mine put in place.” Atticus says, as he fixes his jacket and I see the
“Smart move,” Jai says.
have
at me as I’m sitting in the
get out,” Jai mutters. “You sure they won’t fuck up the car?” “I don’t think so, but it doesn’t matter.
he was being so paranoid,” I say as we get out, lock the car doors and head to the same spot where I
everything around me, trying to feel and hear for any change in
give the boys a small nod as we step
Olivan?!” I call out. There’s silence for a few moments before I hear a rustle in the trees, and we all turn as Olivan steps out of the trees with two men who I am certain were
don’t look impressed, their eyes sharp as they assess us. “Alpha Zaia, what a surprise – I had thought perhaps you would change your mind.” He smiles, but there’s a distrusting glint in his eyes as he looks at Jai and Atticus.
understand what I am trying to do. So together we can discuss our
alliance,” Olivan says, taking me by surprise, but
potential alliance. I told you before, that I am willing to do an exchange.” I
the terms and what benefits it would bring for both parties,” he says, motioning for me
we…” I trail off, knowing that if I did just that….
asks, almost as if expecting me
plenty to discuss.” I say instead with a
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Rt/4vMDLEPDm9SeWhfCxC1voIUjGOprVkQP9QyK8O9hoTSSlex07GgN1lpGG7c5DeyJc85I6
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