Page 12 of Lost Fate

I smile at that, too. Ember checking over my body to see if I’m getting better has become part of our routine as well. We both pretend we’re not turned on by it, and I guess that’s also part of the routine.

Slowly, she walks over to me, checking the injuries that have long since faded. Everywhere that her eyes travel, my skin prickles like she’s touching me.

When she does touch me, I shiver and watch her eyes glow slightly at my reaction.

Yeah. I need to figure out how to call someone to ask if I’m taken. And pray that I’m not.

Finally, she straightens, giving me a quick nod that I know is meant to be clinical but comes across as barely restrained.

“You’re good,” she says softly, her voice deeper than I think she wants it to be. “Still can’t remember anything from the last few weeks?”

I shake my head. “No.”

Honestly, I’m not trying very hard. I’d much rather pretend that wherever I came from doesn’t matter, and all that matters is being here with Ember.

However, there are some questions that currently demand answers. Namely, I have to know whether I’m fucking taken or not.

“Well. Do you want to go back, or…” Her voice trails off.

“No. I mean, I’m here for a reason, right? Maybe I just need some more time to work out all the fucking stuff in my head before I go.”

Ember nods. “Sure.”

“But,” I blurt, the word taking me by surprise a little, “I think that I want to call my parents.” I haven’t reached out to them yet because I don’t think I have to. They know that I’m a high-ranking enforcer, and I’m often sent out to do stuff for the pack. They wouldn’t worry, necessarily, but I didn’t feel like I needed to call them, either.

Now, however, I do. Because I need to know if this is something I can pursue.

“Oh,” she says in a little squeak of surprise that’s highly unusual for Ember. I caught her off guard.

“Um. I want to know… if I’m seeing anyone. Or if I started seeing anyone before I left,” I say.

“Oh,” she repeats again. But this time, color creeps into her cheeks, and she bites her perfect lips, and the sight makes me groan.

“Yeah,” I reply. My voice sounds hoarse, and I wish that it wasn’t quite so obvious. “You know. Just in case.”

“Do you think they’ll tell you about, like… why you’re here?”

No. Because I won’t ask. About a week ago, when I remembered what pack I was from, I knew that I should get a hold of my alpha. But… I’m not ready to do that in case I have responsibilities that will force me to leave Oakwood.

“I don’t think they’ll know,” I answer her question. “It’s not like my parents hear about all of my job responsibilities as an enforcer.”

She nods. Most enforcers are kind of in a loop that the average pack member isn’t in when it comes to their jobs, so it’s not unreasonable for either of us to assume. I have no doubt that my family loves me, and I love them, but there’s no way I told them what the hell I’m doing in Colorado.

“Do you remember how to contact them?”

I snort. “My mom’s had the same phone number since I was five. I definitely know that.”

“Okay.” Ember looks away, making a slight humming sound. It’s so cute. I want to hold her in my arms and kiss her until whatever she’s worried about just disappears.

You have to find out if you have anyone you’re dating first, dumbass.

“Well. I don’t have a cell signal out here. But if we go into town, we’ll be able to get a call out.”

The reason for her apprehension hangs between us. Town is where the pack is. And the pack…

“It’s okay, Ember,” I say quietly. “We’ll just stick to the story. We’re cousins.”

“That’s really weird to think about right now,” she laughs.

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