Page 15 of Understanding Fate

“Coffee would be great. Thanks,” I return, leaving my stuff and following her out the door. Something about that photo has my heart aching. It’s everything I wanted my childhood to look like and everything I want for my kids someday—happy memories, together memories.

My thoughts drift to Cain, and I have to forcibly focus on the now to keep from picturing our future.

Do we have a future?

Forcing a smile, I take in what could be my future office. It has an open concept, with desks and tables set up strategically throughout the space. The main offices and conference rooms line the outer edges of the floor, and the center houses a large kitchen and coffee area complete with snacks and fridges with drinks and water, set out with tables like a cafe.

A few employees sit eating and looking over a tablet in front of them. There’s a buzz in the atmosphere that has me smiling as I take it all in. Large screens show current projects and ads that are being perfected for mass media markets across the globe.

“How do you take it?” Tristan asks, making me realize she’s already got a cup of coffee in front of her.

“Cream and sugar, please, lots. I like the caffeine but can’t stand the coffee taste,” I say as she laughs.

“You and me both. We have caramel syrup if that helps,” she says.

“Yes, please!” I add.

Once my coffee is made, we tour the floor and talk to several associates. Everyone gushes about their jobs, hasnothing but great things to say about the company, and is incredibly welcoming.

Two hours later, I’m pinching myself. This place feels like a dream. I’d gotten to meet everyone I’d be working with and sit in on discussions about current clients for whom the company is creating content. I even met the owner, Vince Gordan, who I have followed on social media since my first year of business school.

It’s like this place was made for me.

The imaginary pro list in my mind has gotten incredibly long throughout the day, and I can’t imagine any place checking all of the boxes like this one has. The only question still looming in my mind is whether I can make it work here as an Awakened wolf… that part of my future seems to be the only piece I have no choice in.

Chapter 6

Cain

Sitting in the conference room is giving me deja vu. We were just in here talking about my Mate and kidnappings, and here we are again.

Deacon Marlo’s a dead man.

Pres sent everyone the contract while we wait for Jake to join us. Elijah and James are away on business with neighboring packs, trying to realign those who have heard the rumors about the LLC investigation and possible hearing. Why no one thinkstaking Reno over now isn’t the easiest way to settle this mess is beyond me, but one thing I know for sure is that Bri is mine. No one else will lay claim to her while I’m still breathing.

I try to calm myself by rereading the contract. It uses her UNLV photo and describes her as a Reno pack member. It issues a $750,000 return fee, which is only paid if she’s returned alive.

That’s probably the only reason I’m not already on one of our jets.

“Have you heard from Carter?” Erik asks Dante, concern evident in his tone.

Carter is Erik’s best friend; the two do everything together, and I can see the worry written all over Erik’s face as he waits. Jake jogs in, cheeks flushed as Dante answers.

“He checked in a few minutes ago. Someone gave him something. Slipped it into his drink on the plane. The flight crew escorted him off and held him for medical review because he was slurring his words. They thought he was drunk and wouldn’t release him until EMTs verified he was coherent. By then, Brielle was gone. She hasn’t checked into her hotel, and from what we hear, no one has closed the contract.”

Erik’s jaw clenches, but I can see tension release from his shoulders at the news. I’m glad for him, but knowing my Mate is still missing relieves none of mine.

“I’ve been sweeping chat rooms and board posts, and from what I can tell, no one claims to have her yet. A post stated a possible location of her last sighting, but that turned out to be a false trail. So, right now, we have nothing, and until I fix the power issue, I can’t bring HUNTER online here. I’d need to be at Berkeley to run it to its full capability,” Pres says, eyes flipping to Dante, asking the silent question.

“If it comes to that, we’ll send you with a team. We currently have a few leads and friends in the area we can work with. Jess has reached out to her brother, Nyxon, and he’swilling to work with us to return her. I’ve also messaged the twins, and they are waiting for instructions. Carter will meet up with all three of them tomorrow morning to gameplan, and…” Dante’s interrupted as his phone vibrates on the table, pulling all of our attention.

His eyes scan the screen before looking up at me.

“She's safe.” As soon as the words hit my ears, I let go of the air I’d been holding.

“Where?” I ask, grateful she’s okay but not alleviating the worry I’m carrying with the contract still in place.

“She’s with Ghost,” he says, before continuing. “He will keep an eye on her until she returns.”

---