Page 159 of Lost
“As much as I love Bertha, it may be time to say goodbye soon.”
“I think this style of van fits your needs, even if you’re no longer living in it,” I say. “We can find another that’ll work for you.”
“This kind of hiccup and revelation would usually make me spiral,” she admits. “I have some savings that would allow me to make the purchase, it just feels weird to be able to.”
“I get it,” Felix says, walking up to us and overhearing her. “None of us want you to be stuck on the side of the road when you should be at a birth delivering babies.”
“You need something that’s more reliable,” Hollis agrees.
“I’ll get her out of the street,” Malcolm promises.
“I feel bad that you’re in nice clothes,” Nova says. “I have a gown of sorts that you can put over them in the van. I have an extra.”
“Then don’t feel bad. Don’t be late to the party. I got this handled,” Malcolm says.
As we walk in together, Felix catches my eye.
“Nova’s van gives me anxiety,” he says, watching as she walks ahead of us with Hollis. “Malcolm does the maintenance on our vehicles, and his dad is a mechanic who taught him. It’s no trouble for him.”
Relaxing, I nod. “I appreciate it. I’m glad she’s open to getting a new vehicle because I think Bertha gives me anxiety too.”
I’ve never been inside of Club Serenity before, but I can admit it’s beautiful inside. Someone checks us in, and then we’re walking inside to the main room. There are silks hanging from the ceiling waiting to be dropped to the ground, and lots of people are milling around talking.
“Let’s make the rounds,” Hollis says, hooking her arm through Nova’s. “Then we’re getting food because I’m starving.”
“Thank goodness,” Nova laughs, walking off with her.
“She’ll be safe inside here,” Caleb murmurs beside me, watching as they make their way into the crowd. “Hollis is great at making introductions as well.”
“Excuse me, are you Nova Edwards’ alphas?” a female voice asks. I suppose Nova is an Edwards more than anything else.
We need to decide what our pack will be named. Glancing at Lars on my other side, he inclines his head to tell me that he heard me.
“Not fair, I want to be able to do that,” Caleb grumbles.
“Anytime you want, baby,” I sass under my breath before focusing on the woman in front of me. “We are her pack. Can I ask why you’re asking?”
“I’m the only reporter who was allowed in for tonight,” she explains. “I would like to run a feature on her pack as I coverthe charity event. My name is Gwen Lauren. Hollis can vouch for me.”
“You’re the reporter who blew shit up for the Regional Omega’s Women’s Society, aren’t you?” Caleb asks, eyes narrowing.
Now I know why that name sounds so familiar.
I refuse to answer anything until I know it’s safe to.
Nova, Gwen Lauren just tracked us down and wants to ask your pack some questions. Should we answer them or sic your sister on them?”I ask through the bond.
Hollis says she’s safe. Just keep it on the vague side,she replies.
“I am that reporter,” Gwen explains. “I felt I had to do the story if my mother was involved with the organization. Mostly, because if I’d looked just a little harder at things, I think I’d have seen what they were doing.”
“ROWS has fooled a lot of people,” Caleb sighs.
“They have. My mom was arrested,” she says with a wince. “And it looks like Emilia is going to get away with everything because she’s skipped town.”
“We know,” Lars murmurs. “We’ll find Emilia. If you hear anything, please call Hollis.”
“I will,” she promises. “Does this mean you’ll answer my questions?”
