Page 2 of Chosen Destiny

Zeke.

I’d never understood why Mommy liked him. He stared at her in ways that made me feel uneasy, and then his gaze would turn to me and harden into something that made me want to disappear. My wolf always helped me lift my chin and not cower.

Mommy stiffened, and her hand clutched mine harder. She rasped, “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be gone.”

Her speaking out loud caught me off guard, but then I remembered that she’d told Daddy she had to make sure Zeke understood that their relationship had changed. That had to be why.

Zeke’s emerald eyes darkened, and his face twisted in agony. Stepping away from the corner of the house, he rolled up the sleeves of his pale-yellow button-down shirt, revealing more of his dark-olive skin. Adult me noticed there was more black than gray in his hair, unlike his salt-and-pepper look of today. “We need to talk,” he said softly. “We’ve been best friends for forty years—you can’t just throw us away.”

My stomach clenched. Zeke never talked to anyone like that. He seemed genuinely hurt.

“I’mwithRichard.” She tugged me behind her. “We have two kids, and weloveeach other. You need to get that through your head. You and I have always beenfriends. Nothing more.”

I froze, my blood turning to ice. Zeke had been in love with my mother.

“But—”

Mom sighed and linked to me,Care, I need you to go to the study. I’ll be there soon with your favorite snack.

Chocolate ice cream!I replied. Gone was my discomfort about whatever conversation these two adults were having.

Adult me screamed at young me not to go inside, but my little legs propelled me into the house. I guessed it didn’t matter since I couldn’t change the events of this memory.

As I hurried into the basement rec room, I heard Daddy telling Samuel good night. Without pausing, I took the wooden stairs straight ahead to the main floor. At the top, I turned left, rushed through the kitchen and dining room, and made it to Daddy’s study in less than a minute.

I walked past the huge mahogany desk and hurried to the globe that sat in the far-right corner in front of a built-in bookshelf beside the brick fireplace. When Daddy joined me, the first thing he would do was light the fire. Then we’d sit and talk about whatever business he wanted to keep me in the loop about. He always asked for my opinion and listened to what I had to say, even if he didn’t take my advice. He said I had a unique way of looking at the world, and he treasured the insight I gave him.

I spun the globe, playing a game my friend Bodey and I often played when our dads met. Bodey would spin the globe, and wherever I was pointing when it stopped would be one of the places we’d visit together when we got older. The idea of traveling with him made my stomach feel funny.

Adult me knew why it did. Bodey and I had been drawn to each other because we were fated mates. That was why I needed to wake up and get to himnow.

Daddy stepped into the study, smiling warmly. He arched a brow. “No snack this time?”

Turning around, I pouted. “Mommy said she’d bring it in a minute. Zeke stopped her outside.”

His smile changed into a deep frown. “She’s talking to him.” His eyes glowed, indicating he was linking with Mommy.

“Should I have not left her?” My head hung. “I’m sorry—”

“Oh, baby girl.” Dad came over and kissed the top of my head. “You didn’t do a thing wrong. You listened to your mother.”

My bottom lip quivered. “But—”

“She’s heading up now.” He winked, though adult Callie could see his tension. “Everything’s fine. We just might not see Uncle Zeke for a little while.”

“That’s good with me.” I nodded eagerly.

Daddy laughed. I liked the sound of his laughter. It was one of my favorites, besides Bodey’s.

Sounds of Zeke and Mommy echoed through the house, and Daddy scowled. He turned and headed back toward the foyer as he linked,I’ll be right back. If you hear Mr. Valor come in, don’t be alarmed. I asked him to return to help with Zeke.

Zeke’s, Mommy’s, then Daddy’s voices grew louder, and I wrung my hands. I didn’t like how they were all fighting.

“Why don’t you go into your study?” Zeke growled. “This is between Mila and me.”

“There’s nothing left to discuss,” Mommy replied. “You need to leave.”

“Come on, Mila,” Daddy said. “Follow me.”

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