Page 55 of Escaping Rejection

I didn’t want to think about the way Kira’s face had split apart to reveal that howling mouth full of tentacles. I decided to change the subject.

“How are things back home? Any more news on whether war’s gonna break out?”

“It’s getting bad,” Kolton admitted. “A lot has changed since you guys left. Skirmishes are breaking out daily. It’s not only in the borderlands, either. There have been a few small riots in Fangmore City. Even human and wiccan cities are seeing trouble. We had a big group of teenagers from the Sixth Pack come through our lands and stir up shit. Your guys helped take care of that.”

At the mention of my unofficial pack, I pressed for more information. “How are they doing?”

“Fine. Dad let them stay just for the extra manpower. A lot of the elders wanted them banished. Said it put a target on our heads, having an unofficial pack staying in our lands, but for once, Dad stood his ground. August has been my main contact since you’ve been gone. We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well the last few weeks. That guy has atonof contacts. He’s the one who got me the fake press pass to that ‘Meet the Mega Fans’ event last week.”

I chuckled. “Of course he did.” August had been a member of the First Pack before getting tossed out. His connections ran deep. He had amazing people skills, plus he was a hell of a computer whiz. Those two skills had helped us a lot over the years. It was good to hear that he and Kolton were getting along.

“August will help you keep things from going sideways. Keep him close, Kolton. You’ll need all the help you can get if things get bad.” I glanced over my shoulder at the door, then back at Kolton, my attitude more subdued. “I want you to watch out for my pack, okay? Tell August he’s the main guy in charge. I’m not entirely sure I’m making it back from this place.”

“Hey, none of that,” Kolton said quickly. “Don’t think negative stuff like that. We’re working on stuff from our end to get you guys off that island. It’s a massive undertaking since Bloodstone is out in the middle of nowhere. It’s both the most secure and dangerous place in the world, but August and I are working on a plan.”

My expression must have been hilarious because Kolton laughed outright. “All you need to worry about is staying alive. You and Kira both, okay? If we can help you, we will. Count on it.”

I’d already spent too much time on the call. That warlock or someone else might be back at any moment, so I needed to get out of here before I was caught.

“Okay, I gotta go,” I said. “Take care. If I get a chance, I’ll contact you again, but if not…” I trailed off.

“I got you,” Kolton said. “We’ll see you soon. For sure. Stay strong.”

“We’ll try our best. See ya, bro.”

I spent the next several seconds putting the computer screen and chair back exactly as I’d found them. Unlocking the door, I checked the hall, finding it deserted. My luck held until I stepped onto the first floor and ran almost directly into Von. The vampire looked surprised, then pissed.

“And where thehellhave you been?”

“Stretching my legs. You know how it is,” I said with what I hoped looked like a convincing smile.

“For your information, Wyatt, the staff started looking for youfifteenminutes ago. We’re late for filming the Q&A segment. They looked all over the place. Where exactly were you?”

I shrugged, giving him a shit-eating grin. “Around. It’s no big deal.”

Von’s eyes narrowed suspiciously before huffing a petulant sigh. “You know, I’ve told you before that I really do like you and Kira. You guys have been great for ratings. Everyone on the planet wants to know if this thing between you two will play out like a love story or a tragedy. That being said,” he added, pointing a pale finger at me, “if you don’t play by the rules and quit doing shit like this, I’ll have no choice but to feed you to the wendigo out in that jungle with my own two hands.”

“Wow,” I said, heedless of my words now that Von was starting to piss me off. “Tell me how you really feel.”

Von rolled his eyes in mild disgust. “I’m actually surprised you two are still here. If you ask me, one of the showrunners must have a soft spot for you.” He rubbed his chin absently. “In fact, I think I know which one it is, though why she’d give a damn, I don’t know. She’s rarely interested in anything these days.”

“Hang on,” I said, my curiosity piqued. “What do you mean by that? Why is the lady on the board of directors so important?”

Von checked his watch and scowled. “Ugh, no time for that. We have to hurry. I’m flying in my personal masseuse for a massage at two, and if we don’t get this filmed, I’ll have to bump it. Let’s go, Mr. Rivers.”

Something about his comment stuck with me as we made our way down the hall. Why would that strange woman have any sway over the rest of the board? Garth Sheen was the richest and most powerful shifter on the planet. How could that weird woman in white sway anything?

“You know,” Von said as we neared the room where the session would happen, “I’m pretty excited about this afternoon’s challenge.”

“Yeah, me too,” I said dryly.

Ignoring me, Von went on. “It’ll be dramatic. I don’t know if it will be as entertaining as yesterday’s, but it does have a shot at being fun. One can only hope, at least.”

“Right.” I rolled my eyes. “One can only hope.”

Chapter15

Kira

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