Page 39 of Forever Mine

“Oh, okay then,” she stammered in a fog. “I'll see you tomorrow.”

She left quietly and I headed back to bed, falling fast asleep with a smile on my face.

The week had gone by faster than I expected. Lily headed home the next morning, but I had to stay for the charity event I had used as my cover to track Maddie down. I tried to convince Lily to stay and watch Oscar so Maddie could attend with me, but she said she couldn't without raising further suspicions, and Maddie was still adamant no one could know she was alive.

Only two days were left to convince Madelyn that she and Oscar were better off with me in their lives. I would do anything to keep them, even if it meant quitting my job and leaving my family behind to be with them. Whatever it took, I was ready to make that sacrifice. But I knew it would freak her out to hear that, so I kept it cool and enjoyed a relatively quiet day with her and Oscar, hating the moment I had to finally say goodbye to prepare for the charity ball.

I dressed in my tux, alone in my room, despising the silence. Madelyn had truly come out of her shell with Lily's presence. The girls combined with Oscar's abundant chatter meant very little quiet, and even without Lily today, that hadn't stopped the momentum. The stillness in the empty room was depressing. I couldn't take it long. While normally I would show up deliberately late to such an event, I decided to head down early.

The charity ball was to raise money for the local sea lions. Of course I was happy to contribute on behalf of Steph and Mark. The host of the evening was Stephen Daniels, and Westin Foundation managed several of his charities. The man was extremely wealthy and giving, though I had heard he was quite ruthless in the boardroom, not someone you wanted to get on the wrong side of. Still, as far as Westin Foundation dealings went, he had proven quite generous. I had never met him in person, only talked to him over the phone. I was surprised to find I was looking forward to meeting him.

The ball was being held in the same hotel I was staying in, so a short elevator ride down to the first floor and I was there. People were beginning to arrive in their formal best. The women wore gowns of every color that shimmered and sparkled when they walked. The men were all in black tuxes similar to the penguin suit I wore. It was without a doubt the fanciest party I had ever attended. I immediately felt out of place and the various smells of perfume and cologne bothered my sensitive nose.

I looked around the room for any hope of fresh air to clear the smells some. I did not enjoy human events, which is why I had originally told Chris to regretfully decline this invitation. I didn't regret coming, though. It had allowed me to find my mate, my Maddie. I knew I was smiling like a smitten schoolboy, just thinking of her, but I didn't care.

Madelyn had come a long ways in the last few days. I could feel our bond growing closer. She had told me she had no wolf spirit, that it had died, but I could feel it. My wolf could feel it, and she had shown signs that it too was strengthening as my own wolf called to it from within her.

I couldn't let myself think of the future. I wanted too much and I knew she wasn't fully ready for that commitment, but I had hope that maybe someday she would. Oscar had taken quickly to me once we made our peace and he didn't feel as threatened with me around his mom. I could even touch her without being growled at now.

I made my way across the room to the balcony doors and stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. The ballroom continued to fill. If there had been any other shifters present, I'm not sure I could have told with the amount of stench the humans covered themselves in. Maddie and Oscar lived in the human world. I couldn't understand how it didn't bother them more. I wasn't sure I could ever fully adjust to the unnatural smells humans used.

I watched them mingle and dance through the windows. A hush and stillness came over the crowd and a man walked up on stage. I knew from pictures it was Stephen Daniels. I quickly headed back inside just in time to hear him welcome everyone and thank them for coming. After a few quick words to start the evening, he exited to his left.

I looked around the room, trying to gauge where he was headed. I needed to at least introduce myself and place my contribution before I could bail. Spotting him heading for the bar, I made my way over and ordered a root beer ahead of his arrival.

“Hello, Mr. Daniels,” I said as he finally worked his way across the room to where I was standing next to the bar. “Wonderful party tonight. Appreciate you having me.”

He eyed me suspiciously like he was trying to place me, then recognition shone in his eyes and his face morphed into a big smile. The scrutiny with which he looked me over set my wolf on edge.

“Liam Westin,” he finally said, shaking my hand and clapping me on the shoulder. “I must say I was quite surprised to hear you were coming. In all the years of balls and celebrations, I don't think your father or brother ever made a single one.”

“The Foundation certainly keeps us busy, but I am making an effort, sir, and we do appreciate your business.”

As he waved his hand in gesture as he spoke, I couldn't help but notice a large ring on his right ring finger. It had an odd insignia on it I had never seen—or maybe I had and just couldn't place it—but it drew my attention and I couldn't stop staring at it.

“Liam, let me introduce you to a few of my friends,” he said, interrupting my curiosity over his ring. I tried to shrug it off, thinking it must be a family symbol or just something of special meaning to him.

He introduced me to three men, all around his age and stature. I didn't pay close attention to names after the first one who went to shake my hand was wearing the same ring. In fact, all three of the men wore the ring. I had a fraternity ring back home. It wasn't something I just wore, especially on formal occasions, unless I knew my brothers were present. This ring didn't look like any frat symbol I recognized, but I figured it must be something similar.

One of the men, I think his name was Kent something or another, kept staring oddly at me. It creeped me out and my wolf was getting restless. If I didn't get away and settle him soon, I'd be looking for places to change tonight in order to calm him, and it wasn't safe to do that in the city.

Spotting familiar faces in the crowd, I politely made my exit. I headed right for Jacob and Annie, grateful though surprised to see them. Jacob looked uncomfortable and his eyes kept scanning the room ahead of my approach. I didn't miss the shared look of concern between the two.

“Liam,” Jacob said, hesitantly offering his hand.

“What's wrong?” I asked, lowering my voice. My wolf was on full alert at this point.

“Not here,” Annie whispered with a smile planted on her face.

“It's good to see you again, I didn't realize you'd be in attendance tonight,” Jacob said in a normal voice. He looked over his shoulder and something akin to fear flashed in his eyes.

“Winthrop,” Daniels interrupted. “I didn't realize you and Mr. Westin were acquainted.”

Something in me told me to lie. “We're not really,” I started. “But we are staying here at the hotel and struck up a conversation a couple mornings ago over breakfast. It's nice to see a familiar face in a crowd such as this.” I was oozing charm and I knew it, but I didn't know why. Jacob seemed to relax some, though Annie was still very tense. I could hear her heart beating erratically.

“Ah, yes, I suppose it is,” Daniels said, sounding a little disappointed.

My brain was spinning with questions. How did a renowned geneticist connect to a business tycoon such as Stephen Daniels? And then I saw it.

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