Page 33 of Haze

“It’s that easy?” I ask with a sigh. “Do the opposite of what Da did?”

“Don’t you take that tone with me, boy. Magnus may be Alpha, but don’t you forget who they’re loyal to.” Ma threatens, “The Atlantic Ocean isn’t that big.”

“Yes, Ma, I understand,” I answer.

I’d like to say she’d never send someone to remind me, but I wouldn’t put it past her. Love is sometimes delivered with a knife and a gun. She wouldn’t hesitate to have someone make me bleed to prove a point.

The sound of barking dogs comes through the line.

Ma sighs. “I love you, Finn. Follow your gut. I can’t wait to hear more about her.”

“Godspeed, Ma. I love you too.”

The line disconnects.

* * *

The drive from Minneapolis to the parcel of property north of the cities is long. Driving through some sleepy little towns where the speed limit drops a few times, I understand why Lena would keep an apartment close to the university for the three days a week she has classes. I like it much better than the idea of her commuting this distance regularly.

Flashing my passport proved to be a quick ticket through the security check of the Alden pack property. Armed with instructions from Thalia, the Luna, on where to park, I ease up in front of the main garage of the house. The large log-and-stone estate sits on top of a small hill.

The front door opens before I knock, and an individual lets me in without bothering to ask my name. I follow the sounds of voices into the hearth of the home, where there’s a large kitchen and a great room area.

“Finn!”

I turn to find who is calling my name.

Thalia Clark is waving at me, her red hair bouncing from the movement. Cade sits at her side, resting his hand protectively on her thigh.

The house is by no means crowded, but at least twenty people are milling about in the indoor space and outside on a large deck visible through picture windows.

“Please, sit.” Cade indicates to any of the seats in the area around him.

A large leather chair adjacent to him gives me an excellent view of the room and the main entrance.

“Thank you for inviting me today.” I try to focus on the two of them.

Being a stranger in a strange land is an adjustment. I’m used to knowing everything about where I’m going. Not having the lay of the land is unsettling.

“Thank you for not making me hunt you down,” Cade answers. “Do you need assistance getting settled?” The offer comes with a genuine tone.

I shake my head, letting my eyes drift around the room before settling my attention back on Cade. “The university is sponsoring my work visa for now. I haven’t thought of anything beyond that. Doctor Thorpe gave me next week off to perhaps find a place to live and a vehicle with plates from this state. It seems the ones on this rental are triggers for hostility.”

“Iowa plates.” A man jumps over the sofa and sits to my right.

“He lives!” Thalia raises her arms like a zombie, and it sparks a laugh from the man who just entered the conversation.

“Deacon Alden of the Ardelean Bloodline.” He introduces himself without offering his hand to shake.

“Yeah, Iowa plates. That’d do it.” Cade laughs. “Let me know if you have any trouble setting up bank accounts or signing for the car or a residence. We can work something out with the pack fund.”

“Much appreciated.” I nod.

I do not smell her or hear her. My wolf is antsy. He pushes, wanting me to look for her. Ask them. The Leviathan knows. He respects us.

“She’s not here,” Cade answers my internal thought, clearly picking up on my wolf looking for her. Cade cocks his head. “Lena took the weekend off to hole up in her apartment and finish her paintings for the exhibit Thalia signed her up for with the Smithsonian.”

“I hope she gets both done. They’d really like two or possibly three,” Thalia adds.

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