Page 47 of Fate Awakened

“The tabloids would love that. ‘Politician's daughter caught in ‘Me Too’ accusations amidst campaign.’ Thanks, but no thanks. I’m fine.” Her voice leaves no room for argument, and she points to the couch. “Wait here. I'll grab her something. Does she work tomorrow?” I nod absently, unsure when Bri’s scheduled for her next shift. I follow her instructions and sit down to wait.

When Liv returns, she has a bag on her arm that she extends to me.

“I gave her a few options. Remind her we have early dinner with my parents on Thursday, you know, Thanksgiving and all, and tell her to answer my calls. Next time she goes this long without checking in, I'll send a search party,” she says, pausing and looking distressed for a moment before continuing, “As for this,” she points to her eye, “I’d appreciate it if we kept this between us. You know Bri, she’d just worry.” She sets her jaw waiting for my reaction.

“Are you done with him?” I ask, worrying about her safety. She looks back at me, no hesitation in her response.

“Yes.” She’s firm, and I believe her.

“You still have to see him in class?” I probe.

“No, he’s a hospitality major. We don’t have classes together,” she reassures me, waving her hand as if throwing the idea away.

“Fraternity entanglements?” I continue.

“No,” she repeats.

I take a moment to read her, trusting my intuition that she’s being honest with me about him before I respond.

“Okay, but if he so much as walks in your direction, I want you to call me,” I say, putting my palm out in a request for her phone. She sighs, giving in, and hands it over. I input my number before passing it back. “I won’t lie to Bri for you, but I won’t bring it up if she doesn’t.” It’s the best I can offer Liv.

I’ve lied to Bri enough.

Leaving her inside, I head out of the apartment, back to Keith and Jake. Keith stands alone outside his car, and Jake returns to his SUV seat.

“Do you know the guy’s name? The one who dropped her off,” I ask Keith, reading the concern on his face.

“Jeffery Denning. He’s a senior. Plays football. I always knew he was an asshole, but I never thought.” He shakes his head, anger building in his face.

“We’ll take care of it,” I state before changing the subject. “I’m going to need you to start your work for Marlo.” I see a look cross his face that I know too well, and my wolf stirs.

“Don’t even think about trying to go rogue on this. You will get her killed,” I growl at him, getting in his face to drive the point home.

“If I’m giving you information, I want to be in on everything. I won’t be sidelined while you use my information to ride in and save the day. I’m staying with you until WE find her. I can work from wherever you do. I just need a computer,” he demands, crossing his arms defiantly.

Jake clears his throat behind me, whispering so Keith can’t hear him, but I can.

“Might be a good idea. Pres could keep an eye on his work to ensure he isn’t withholding anything from us,” he says.

My muscles clench, holding back my wolf as I consider his offer.

“You want in? Fine. But you need to understand one thing. You aren’t in charge. You follow instructions without question. If you do anything that compromises her safety, I’ll kill you.” By the end of my statement, I’m right in his face, and my wolf simmers beneath my skin, begging me to let him handle Keith.

To his credit, he doesn’t back down, but rather, he maintains his stance, never looking away from me. I can almost see the gears turning in his head as he chooses his next remark. For a moment, I consider pushing some command into my voice but decide against it.

“Brielle’s my priority. I’ll do whatever I have to do to get her back safely,” he responds, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with my terms. The determination I see on his face satisfies my wolf, and I turn, giving him my back, and head to the SUV while pulling my phone out as I go.

“Then we’re on the same page. Grab your shit from the car and get in,” I say, shutting the passenger door while dialing Pres.

“Where do you want him?” Pres asks, not bothering with a greeting. That tells me she’s been listening through his devices to our conversation.

“Alternate conference room. It's secluded enough to keep pack affairs separate but close enough to keep an eye on him. Give him the basics, but make sure you can monitor whatever you give him. If he finds her, I want to be the first to know.”

“Got it. It’ll be set up when you arrive. Also, where’s he staying?” she finishes, asking a question I hadn’t thought of, and my eyes slide over to Jake as Keith climbs into the back seat.

“I’ll get back to you,” I end the call while considering where we should keep him.

My eyes wander to the time illuminated on the dashboard. It’s after two.

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