Page 94 of Alpha Reid

It's reassuring to hear that the other Alphas share my sentiments when it comes to the six-pack. Even given the victory against the shadow pack, none have any intention of leaving the alliance. In fact, now our alliance feels even stronger; more solidified. While each individual pack will have to pick up the pieces and grieve their losses over the coming weeks, we all remain connected, intricately intertwined and completely supportive of one another. This alliance we’ve created is a thing of beauty.

By the time the meeting is called to a close, I can tell that Serena’s restless. I assume it’s because she wants to get back to her sister, but she surprises me when she hits me with a question out of left field, instead.

“Wanna run me up to Norbury?” she asks as I take her hand and thread my fingers through hers. She must see the confusion in my eyes because she quickly adds, “I wanna check in on Chase.”

“Ah,” I nod, smiling down at my mate. “Of course.”

Astrid approaches us, a bottle of champagne in hand. “Here,” she says, handing it off to Serena.

She takes the bottle from Astrid, brows drawing together in confusion as she holds it out in front of her. “What’s this for?”

Astrid shrugs, a mischievous smirk tugging at her lips. “He may not wanna talk much, but alcohol helps.”

Serena narrows her eyes. “Wait, did you…” she leans in, dropping her voice. “Seesomething? A vision?”

“No, girl,” Astrid laughs, elbowing Serena playfully. “Not everything is related to my psychic powers. Sometimes I just eavesdrop.” She winks.

Serena chuckles, nodding. “Touché.” She lifts the champagne bottle, tipping it toward Astrid. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it,” Astrid replies coolly. “You should definitely urge him to talk to Gray, though. He’s gonna need him. And yes, that one’s vision related, but that’s all I’m gonna say.” She moves her fingers across her lips like she’s zipping her mouth closed.

“Oh that’s just cruel,” Serena whines, thrusting out her lower lip in a pout. “Can’t you give me a little peek somehow?”

“Pretty sure that only works on Brock,” Astrid laughs. “Mate bond and all.”

Serena heaves a sigh.

“You ready babe?” I ask her, and she nods in agreement, tucking the bottle of champagne in the crook of her elbow to carry it.

We say quick goodbyes to our friends, and I wave Cy over, letting him know that we’re making a quick detour to Norbury before going home. He’s cool with it, as I knew he would be, and the three of us hop in my car and start heading that way.

The closer we get, the more it feels like a weight settles on me. Vaughn was a good guy- a great guy, really. An excellent leader. His whole pack must be reeling from his loss, especially his son. I may not be able to relate to Chase’s situation directly, but I’m close with my dad. I can only imagine how much I’d be hurting if I lost him.

Even with as much as I keep my shit together, I’m pretty sure I’d lose it if I lost my old man. And if someone like me couldn’t keep it together, I can only imagine what that means for Chase right now.

CHAPTER FORTY

Serena

After leaving the council meeting in Riverton, we follow Beta Rob back to the packhouse in Norbury. I’m not sure what I expect, but when we walk in and I see Chase slumped on a couch in the living room, eyes glazed over as he stares blankly out the window, my heart sinks. What Rob said earlier was right- he looks like absolute shit. His hair is sticking out in all directions and his red-rimmed eyes have dark circles etched underneath from lack of sleep. He doesn’t even glance over when we walk in, and when Rob calls out to him, he doesn’t so much as acknowledge our presence. It’s like his body’s here, but his brain has completely checked out.

“Wanna step into your office?” Reid asks Rob, turning and clapping him on the shoulder. “We can go over what arrangements you’ll need to make for the funeral, maybe Cy and I can take a few things off your plate.”

Rob nods, heaving an exhausted sigh and gesturing for Reid and Cy to follow him toward a hallway to the left. Reid glances back at me as his hand slips from mine, offering a small smile of encouragement. It gives me the little boost I need and I take a deep breath, making my way over to Chase.

As much as I want to be there for the guy, I’ve never been very good at this stuff. I tend to bury my own emotions, so it’s a bit hypocritical for me to ask someone else to talk about theirs. Maybe he won’t want to talk, and if that’s the case, I’ll sit with him quietly. Just so he doesn’t have to be alone.

I tuck the champagne bottle behind my back as I approach, but he’s still just staring off into space like he’s a million miles away.

“Hi,” I venture, and his eyes flicker to meet mine.

“What are you doing here?” Chase asks, his voice low.

I shrug nonchalantly. “Just seeing how you’re doing.”

His eyes darken and he looks away, staring out the window again. “I don’t need to be checked up on.”

“Oh I know,” I say quickly. “But remember when you stopped by to check on me after I came clean with Reid about everything? I’m just returning the favor, I hate being indebted to people.”

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