Page 40 of Lavender and Lightning

“No kidding,” Jason huffs.

“Is that what you’ve been trying to tell me about? Mom finding out about the article?” I ask, unable to hold it in anymore.

“Sort of. Darren started acting weird a few days ago, and I overheard him talking to Sam about you. He’s pissed, Lydi.Realpissed,” Jason says seriously.

I swallow a whimper and ignore the phantom throb in my left shoulder.

“What exactly did he say?” Mateo pushes, kneeling down to be level with me.

“That some omega named Seth finally came through on his promises. He said this guy has been dragging his feet on his end of their bargain, but he finally came through. And now that he knows where you are, our father should bring you back so he can—”

“I can imagine the rest,” I say, cutting him off with a shudder.

“He specifically said that Seth got the article printed as part of a deal?” Mateo pushes, eyes brightening and spine straightening.

“Yeah. Darren’s not the brightest crayon in the box, and he admitted that he’s been working with Seth to get Lydia away from his alphas. I’m assuming that’s y’all?”

“Jason, I know we’ve just met, but would you be willing to speak with my prime alpha and our lawyer about this?”

I look up at the excited spark in Mateo’s voice, head cocked to one side in question. But Mateo isn’t looking at me. A smile splits his face, a feral, vicious grin that makes my heart skip.

“That’s not Rhett?” Jason asks, confused.

“No, my prime alpha is Alexandra St. Clair. You’d be talking to her about what you’ve heard,” Mateo goes on.

“Now that you mention the name, I think Rhett said something about her. If my statement can help keep Lydia safe, then just name the time and place,” Jason says without missing a beat.

“Jace, I’m sorry—”

“No, Lydi, I’m the one who should apologize. I shouldn’t have said those things. It wasn’t fair and you deserve to be happy. If this pack makes you happy and keeps you safe, then that’s all I can ask.”

Jason’s earnest tone makes my eyes burn again, and a single tear slides down my cheek as I blink. I wipe it away and smile slightly.

“They do, Jace,” I say warmly.

I hear a faint beep on his side of the line, and Jason utters a colorful profanity. “It’s Mom.”

“Don’t let her know that you’ve spoken with us. Lex will be in touch soon,” Mateo blurts.

We all agree, and Jason hangs up, leaving Mateo and I in silence again. Mateo whips out his phone and starts typing away.

“Why do you want Jason to talk to Alexandra?” I question when the curiosity in my chest fills me to bursting.

“If Seth is actively working with your ex to intimidate you into leaving us, then he’s violating the terms of our latest agreement. In exchange for us not telling the judge that he violated the stay away order, he was to leave you alone. He clearly isn’t doing that, so it’s time for us to show him the consequences.”

Mateo’s words come out in a rush, and I feel a hopeful little jolt run through me. Maybe something good will come out of this after all.

seventeen

Lucas

“Thanks,Matty.We’llseeyou tomorrow,” Rhett finishes before hanging up.

Rhett flops back onto the bed, an arm draped over his eyes. When Mateo woke him up an hour ago and told him that Lydia’s mother somehow found her new number, he was about ready to walk to Louisiana to have words with the bitch. I managed to get him to settle a little, but this most recent call seems to have finished the job.

“Mateo has the situation under control for the time being. They’re going to come back tomorrow morning,” Rhett drones.

“That’s good. How’s Lydia?” I ask gently.

---