Page 71 of Rogue Games

Glancing up from my screen when Callum clears his throat pointedly, aware I’m not paying one bit of attention. Lynn suggests inviting Samuel’s father here to meet Alpha Steel and collect his son. It might be harder to start a pack war after he’s spoken to us face to face and heard the story, firsthand.

Callum shakes his head, assuming correctly, that with how I’m feeling, a visit here may exponentially increase the chances of a feud.

Drawn back to the screen by movement, I watch as Jamie shoves the coffee table out of the way, lifts the rug and stares at the floor. An adorable pout on her disappointed face, she was expecting a trap door. Carefully, she replaces my furniture and begins her search for the entrance to the basement.

It’s easy to see how intelligent Jamie is, and relentless. She scours the walls in my kitchen and utility for a hidden door, eventually running her fingers under the kitchen island and finding the concealed button. The countertop slides back, and she fist pumps as the steps are revealed. Without hesitation, she follows them down, and I shake my head at her lack of caution.

She has no idea what’s down there, yet she recklessly goes to investigate.

Is she really a thief? Does she mistakenly think I have treasures hidden under my kitchen island instead of expensive wine?

When she doesn’t reappear in the kitchen, disappointment dampens down my enthusiasm for her little victory. I admire her for finding the entrance, but this is more than being nosy. Somehow, I have a feeling she's not looking for childhood photos or love letters from an ex-girlfriend.

Jamie’s looking for something juicier than that, and I can guess what. Her mother. Or clues as to where she is.

I sigh, wishing she hadn’t crossed a line to do it. Just when I was convincing myself that her being a rogue shouldn’t matter. And taking a mate might be nice.

“I'm sorry, are we bothering you?” Callum finally says with more attitude than a beta should.

I didn’t realise I was growling. Covering it with a cough, I sit up straight and rub my eyes.

“Sorry, it was a long night.” I pause for a moment, staring at an old, framed picture of me and my father. I’m not quite sure why I keep it here, other than to torture myself. “Samuel should get the book thrown at him. She could have died.”

Callum nods along. “This is exactly the kind of thing we didn't want to happen.”

Holding this competition full of alphas and so-called respectable wolves was supposed to show my pack that the outside world isn't to be feared, and vice-versa.

And what's the first thing that happens? Someone who's slightly different gets tossed off a bridge and left for dead.

“It's not really helping improve our reputation, but neither will ripping him limb from limb.” I lean back, watching the entrance to my basement, willing Jamie to reappear. “If I go easy on them, it'll look like what he did doesn’t matter because Jamie’s a rogue.”

It’s not lost on me that I’m not much better. I’ve treated her poorly because of the bad hand in life she was dealt. And I hate myself for it.

My father got away with murder, literally, because he was a dominant wolf. I've tried to show my pack that not everybody gifted with a strong animal is like that. I've tried to show them that through my actions and gradual introductions to other packs, like Grey Ridge and the Steel pack.

But it's been a hard sell.

“Okay, leave it with me. I'll think of something.” I assure them, pushing to my feet. This meeting is over. My phone chirps again, and every set of eyes lands on it and then travels to me.

My fingers itch to pick it up immediately, dying to see which of my alarms she’s triggered, but I can't check without causing any more suspicion.

“Thanks,” I say, looking expectantly at Callum and Lynn. They show no signs of moving.

“Is that a notification for one of your sensors?” Callum asks.

“You know it is,” I say shortly, picking up my phone and sliding it into my pocket.

“Are you not going to check what she's up to?” Lynn asks, with a more amused look on her face. She doesn't agree with me locking Jamie in my cabin, so she's enjoying seeing me uncomfortable. But she loves Maggie too and knows what she’s been through. She’d want to protect her too if she knew the truth.

“I better go and take care of this,” I say with a huff, standing slowly. I extend a hand to Callum and then Lynn. “Thank you, for everything.”

We still have a day or two, but there's a lot to be done.

“We’ve got it boss. Go do what you need to do.”

Lynn and Callum are basically telling me to go and deal with Jamie.

The temptation to run from the room is strong, but I force myself to walk slowly out into the hallway. I wait until I'm around the corner before taking out my phone and flicking open the screen.

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