Page 88 of Ember's Claim

“Thank you, sir,” I say, bowing my head. “That’s good sportsmanship.”

His face breaks out into a toothy grin. “Better watch out, Alpha. One day, I’m gonna run this pack.”

I chuckle, shaking my head.

“Can we do a few more?” Kent asks.

“Ember, Dash is on the phone and it sounds important,” Veryn says.

I frown. “Sorry, I’ve got to grab that. It’s my brother.”

“I’ll take over.” Anders climbs over the wooden fence, landing in a crouch in the ring. “I heard you threatening my mate.”

Kent laughs. “Yeah, whatcha gonna do about it?”

“You better run, you little shit,” Anders growls, but it’s a very playful sound.

Kent squeaks, taking off in the opposite direction.

I climb through the boards, walking over to Veryn. He pulls me to him with a hand on my ass and smirks, but I snatch the phone and bring it to my ear.

“What’s up, Dash?” I ask, praying this isn’t another round of questioning about what Rogue has been up to. I’m pretty sure our parents aren’t above pressuring my little brothers for information, but I’ve kept my mouth shut, like any solid friend.

Truthfully, I barely know anything, outside of that she’s with Cohen and Calyx. Oh, and Owen is losing his shit because, somewhere along the way, that cranky bear decided she’shismate.

“Have you talked to Greer lately?” Dash asks as something crashes in the background. “Jesus Christ, be careful!”

“No.” My stomach drops. “I haven’t seen her in weeks. I want to say it was a Friday or Saturday night. I came to see you guys, but none of you were in. We chatted a little about her newboyfriend and that was it.” I frown, shaking my head. She told me to call her, but I got busy and forgot. “Why?”

“Something is up,” Dash growls. “She’s been here, what? Three or four years? She called in…didn’t even ask to speak to one of us. Just talked to the bartender on duty and told them she wouldn’t be back.”

“What the hell?” I whisper as my eyes meet Veryn’s. He looks every bit as taken aback as I feel.

“I have no idea, but Chaos and I stopped by her apartment…” Dash sighs. “It’s fucking empty. She broke her lease and left town. Apparently, she told her landlord she was healing from a bad breakup and needed a change of pace.”

“Damn, I had no idea.” My stomach rolls.

Greer and I have been close for years, but I’ve been so caught up in my own stuff that I completely forgot to check in on her.

“I don’t know why, but something feels off. Maybe give her a call, yeah?” Dash suggests.

“I will.”

“All right, let me know what you find out. By the way, now that you’re no longer contagious…” Dash chuckles. “Buckle up. Your brothers are coming to visit Monday when we’re off.”

“Heats aren’t contagious, dickhead.” Veryn snorts. “And it was over an entire week ago.”

“Yeah, but we had to wait for the stench to wear off. I’m hanging up now,” Dash says. “Love you, Ember.”

I quickly blurt out that I love him too.

Veryn’s hand slides up and down my back. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, but I’m definitely calling to check on Greer.” I find her number and call, pulling the phone back to my ear.

The fact she sends me to voicemail three times in a row makes my skin itch.

“Maybe she really did just need a change,” Veryn says, prying my phone out of my hand before I can try for a fourth time. “Okay, you’re bordering on creepy ex-boyfriend level.”

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