Page 48 of The Last Ultimatum: Part 1

“What's wrong?” I demanded.

“What? Nothing.”

“But you're crying.”

She sniffled. “Sorry. I had to say goodbye to Kayla tonight.”

“She's not coming with you?”

“Did you ask for her?”

“No. I told you I'd tackle that next once I knew for sure you'd be cleared to leave.”

“Am I?”

“Yes.”

I knew I still needed to explain things to Michael and get approval to fly her out of here, but otherwise everything was falling into place nicely.

I didn't dare call and inform her hosts of our incoming arrival. It was too dangerous. No trail would be left. I would make damn sure of that.

“Wow. You work fast.”

“Do you want me to see about Kayla?”

“No. She has her own priorities right now.”

“And how do you feel about that?” I asked her on instinct.

She gave me a funny look and snorted. “You sound like our Tribal shrink.”

I cringed. I hated being referred to as a shrink. It belittled my career. Still, I didn't correct her. I just grinned and bared it. There would be time discuss such things later.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded.

I couldn't stop myself. I walked over and wrapped her up in my arms.

“You're going to have to break this habit, you know.”

“Maybe.”

“Did you explain this part to my dad?”

“Hell no.”

She giggled. “Didn’t think so.”

“I need to take care of one more thing. Would it be okay if I had Michael join us here?”

“I guess that would be okay.”

I took out my phone and called. Within five minutes he was knocking on Tilly's door.

“So we were right then. This is your mate?”

“She is.”

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