Page 35 of Eclipsed Heart

The room was small with Stevie’s full bed on the left, covered by her navy-blue comforter, and my full bed covered by my fuchsia comforter on the right. Between the beds was our shared white nightstand.

I shrugged. “I don’t know why, but the color just always spoke to me.”

I went to the closet across from Stevie’s bed and began pulling out my clothes. As soon as Dad brought in a few pieces of luggage, Bodey packed the bags while I sorted through everything. I even grabbed a few outfits for Stevie so she could wear her own clothes since I didn’t know how long she’d be there.

Soon, Bodey and I went back into the kitchen, Mom and Dad waiting patiently. Dad had the keys in his hand.

Everyone was ready.

Bodey lifted the bags. “Thanks for this. We’ll need to pick up my dad and Samuel at Zeke’s before taking off.”

Dad nodded. “Sounds good; we’ll follow you from here.”

We walked out the front door, and I heard the lock turn. By the time Bodey and I had tossed the bags into the trunk of his Mercedes, the garage behind us opened, and then Dad and Mom drove out.

As we climbed into the SUV, Bodey linked with the others,Are you ready to leave?

We’re finishing up now,Michael replied.

Nothing alarming wafted from them, so I asked,Did you find anything?

Nothing substantial,Samuel replied, his frustration leaking through.Something isn’t right though. Since only Zeke’s mate was home when the captive escaped, it makes sense that there wasn’t a struggle. She has a bump on her head from where they knocked her out, but something’s off. The prisoner’s chains didn’t have as much scent on them as I expected.

My heart sank. Could Stevie have taken them off? That wasn’t outside the realm of possibility.We’ll need to ask Stevie about it.

Bodey frowned as he turned down the road to Zeke’s.I agree but don’t say anything to Zeke. We can’t trust him with this information…not yet.

Oh, don’t worry,Michael laughed.We definitely didn’t say anything to him.

When Zeke’s house came into view, Jack, Lucas, and Miles were climbing into the Navigator while Samuel and Michael stood at the foot of the driveway, waiting on us. Zeke and Tina were standing in their front doorway.

A shiver ran down my spine, seeing the darkness in Zeke’s eyes. When he glanced behind me at my parents, he scowled and stalked down his front walk as Michael and Samuel climbed into the SUV.

“What’s going on here?” He gestured at my parents’ car.

I rolled down my window. “They’re coming to visit Stevie. That’s all. They’ll be back tonight.”

Zeke frowned. “And why wasn’t I asked about that?”

“Bodey and I invited them.” I gestured to my mark, forcing him to acknowledge who I was.

He huffed and crossed his arms. “It still would’ve been nice to have a conversation. That’s how a true partnership works.”

My face burned. I hated that he was right. Even if I didn’t trust him, he was still the territory advisor—unless we wanted to cause even more turmoil right now by replacing him, and I couldn’t risk it. “You’re right. I'm sorry.”

Bodey growled lightly.Don’t apologize to him. He doesn’t deserve it.

But he’s right, and I don’t want to be like him. I want to admit when I’m wrong.

Zeke smirked, my apology no doubt exactly what he’d wanted. “You’re still new at this, but don’t let it happen again.” He nodded and went back to Tina then turned to watch us.

My hand clenched on the door handle. His gloating made me wish I hadn’t apologized.

Jack backed out, and soon we were pulling out of the neighborhood. And I couldn’t stop myself from praying that I’d never have to come back here again.

* * *

About thirty minutesfrom our pack neighborhood, my tension from being around Zeke was gone. We still had questions that needed answers, but at least we weren't aroundhim.

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