Page 31 of Gavin

When they were back in their home, Gavin’s phone buzzed. “Hold on, sweetheart, I left a message for a wolf in Adam’s pack.”

He answered the call and spoke to the male named Brick, who she remembered as being Alpha Adam’s second in command.

“No worries, I just wanted to keep you updated. I didn’t see anything, but I sure as hell felt like we were being watched so I told Midas I’d pass along the strange vibes. If anything comes up from our security team investigation, I’ll let you know. Hey, thanks. Talk to you later.”

He ended the call and put the phone on the kitchen table. “Brick wished us well on our mating. He’s a good male.”

“That’s nice.”

“I’m sorry if things got kind of messed up at the end of our date.”

She shook her head. “Date’s not over yet.”

Taking his hand, she walked backward slowly, bringing him with her as she made her way to the bedroom.

“You’ve got the best ideas.”

Chapter

Twelve

The following afternoon, Gavin stood in the doorway of their bedroom, leaning against the frame. He watched Sadie as she sat on the edge of the bed with her new phone in her hand. It tugged at his heart to see her so concerned for her mom.

She’d reached out again that morning by text and email and hadn’t heard anything. After lunch, she’d come into the bedroom and sent another text message. He knew how much her mother meant to her and how upset she was that her mom hadn’t returned her messages. He wished he could comfort her and take away her pain and worry.

Just as he was about to step into the room, the phone buzzed in Sadie’s hand. She nearly dropped it in her haste to answer.

“Mom?” she said, her voice a mix of relief and apprehension.

Gavin stayed where he was, giving her space, but he kept his eyes on her.

“Sadie,” her mother’s voice crackled through the speaker. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t get back to you sooner.”

Sadie’s shoulders drooped. “I was getting worried.”

Her mom sighed. “After the hunt, Alpha Halloway told me that he suspected I was in touch with you, and that he will allow it but I needed to come to an understanding about a few things.”

“What things?” Sadie asked. She glanced at Gavin and he could see the worry on her face.

“He won’t let me leave to come visit you. I’m not allowed to leave Ironwood, period. And he still won’t let you return to the pack. You’re exiled and if you come to town, he would at the very least throw you in a cell as a trespasser.”

“Geez, Mom. Why won’t he let you leave to come see me? You’re my mom and we’re each other’s only family.”

“He’s just being an alpha.”

“There’s an alpha here who isn’t an asshole like him,” Sadie pointed out.

“I know. But it’s about his authority, and I must do what he says. If I left, if people thought there were better things out there like what you’ve found, then his authority might come into question.”

“You could leave, you know. I could help you. You could come here and stay with me and Gavin. I know his people would welcome you.”

The hope in Sadie’s voice made Gavin’s chest hurt.

The long pause made Gavin certain that he knew what her mom would say, and he wasn’t surprised when she said Ironwood was her home and she wouldn’t leave.

“I’m so happy you found your mate, honey. And I’m so glad you’re building a life with him, but my life is here. We can keep in touch, and maybe video chat too. We’ll be close even if we’re far apart.”

“I understand,” Sadie said. Her voice cracked and she looked at Gavin with tears in her eyes. She opened and closed her mouth a few times and Gavin joined her on the bed and put his arm around her.

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