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 that
here?” I ask with a smile as I make my way down the stairs, surprised to see him there. He’s standing with Jai and Sebastian, and they fall silent, turning to
a small smirk. “Sebastian himself called
walk over to them, and Atticus
so happy to see me,’ Atticus replies with a small smile. “It’s not that. I’m just curious as to why.” I reply as I look
you to the Rogues. I wanted to make sure you
say with a smile. His eyes meet mine before he looks
be staying with
but
come with me, but… I was expecting it.
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
Atticus to accompany me. Although I think
yourself and I will tell all 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 let them dictate the final location. Keep
won’t be that bad. I mean, they did let Zaia go unharmed.”
don’t care what happens to anyone but her. Bring her back, safe.” Sebastian says, his eyes cold as
with a bow
sounded weird… I think something isn’t right, but he’d like us to come
he
you return,” Sebastian says. I nod “Alright then, let’s head out now, it’s almost time.” I say, glancing
of yourself,” Sebastian says. I nod as he bends down, kissing my cheek fleetingly before he steps back. Our eyes meet and I give
I
is anything but safe,” Jai mutters. “We’re prepared. My men are staked all around. I had a feeling they’d watch your pack, so I had
“Smart move,” Jai says.
if it’s a smart move. I frown. “Might have been partially
over at me as I’m sitting in the back. “I’ll
Jai mutters. “You sure they won’t fuck up the car?” “I don’t think so, but it doesn’t matter. We aren’t returning in this one.” I murmur as he opens
idea?” Jai says. “Mine actually, since he was being so paranoid,” I say as we get out, lock the car doors and head to the same spot
attention, honing in on everything around me, trying to feel and hear for any change in the vibrations beneath us or our surroundings. I can smell others around. They aren’t close, but people are
nod as we
a rustle in the trees, and we all turn as Olivan steps out of the trees with
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. “I didn’t know you
you understand what I am trying to do. So together we can discuss our views and what we want for this
me by surprise, but I keep
potential alliance. I told you before, that I am willing
let’s go somewhere a little private so we can discuss the terms and what benefits it would bring
we…” I trail off, knowing that if I did just that…. it would do nothing but
almost as
Jai murmurs. “I would like to request we move quickly. There’s plenty to discuss.” I say instead with a small smile. Atticus looks down at me, frowning, clearly not happy
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Rt/4vMDLEPDm9SeWhfCxC1voIUjGOprVkQP9QyK8O9hoTSSlex07GgN1lpGG7c5DeyJc85I6
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