Chapter 75: Chapter 13

HALEY

I toss my phone onto my bed and lay back with a hum. Virgil is so sweet. That kiss…incredible! How did I get so lucky as to catch his eye?

My fingers tingle as I remember touching his massive biceps and shoulders. His firm hands on my waist and my cheek, mmm.

Why can’t I have a mate? It’s so unfair! If just kissing Virgil once is so amazing, what would it be like to have a mate?

I said before that I don’t want my mate…yeah, bullshit! I desperately want him even more.

I would totally give up everything for one night with my perfect match. Glory will have her mate, she won’t off herself…right? I wonder if Uncle Ryan has figured anything out yet?

Oh, Goddess, please!

I close my eyes and think of Virgil. He’s pouring through a massive book. He’s reading to a group of pups.

He’s on a night patrol with the man that killed Castor. He’s talking to Martha.

He’s fighting off a group of attackers at my pack. What? Jason jumps in to get a wolf off his back. Uncle Ryan howls and they form ranks to fight off an attack.

Glory’s mate is here as are Kenna and a few more wolves I don’t know but recognize.

What is going on? That alpha from before stands back and watches his men dying. Virgil and Uncle Ryan both step forward and everything goes white.

I scream and sit up in my bed. My body is shaking and I fight to catch my breath. Uncle Ryan rushes into my room and pulls me into a hug.

I squeeze his shoulders and close my eyes.

“Do you want to tell me this time?” I shake my head, no. I need to figure out what that white light means. I wish I could tell when things happen.

This could be next week or ten years from now.

“Uncle Ryan, are there bad alphas? I mean, I guess I know there are, but do you know any?” I pull back to look at him.

“Yeah, tough nut, there are. I meet with over twenty other alphas at the summit every year. I have an alliance with only three of them.”

“Alpha Redd, Alpha Blackburn, and Damon?” I guess.

“Mhmm. Alpha Ramirez. Respect his title, he’s certainly earned it.”

“Yeah. Especially after all of those challenges.”

Uncle Ryan cocks his brow. Oops.

“I went to school with his sister, Bianca. She just graduated. Did you know she’s mated to his beta and that he was originally from the Redd Pack?” I change the subject in hopes he lets my slip-up go.

He looks at me skeptically, but eventually lets it slide. “I did. We like to stay up to date with what’s happening in other territories. Finn is a good guy, good fighter. I’ve met him a few times. We’ll be going to their pack for Alpha Ramirez’s birthday.”

I wonder if I should ask about that alpha. He’s evil, I can feel it. No. Now is not the time. Instead I think of something safe.

“I like that setup. It’s fun to go to the different packs.”

“Mhmm. It’s late and you’re still fully dressed. Go ahead and get in bed.” He kisses my forehead. “Good night, tough nut.”

“Goodnight, Uncle Ryan.” He closes my door and I change into my shorts and a tank top. I’m not one for cute jammies like my sister.

After a rough night of visions and Uncle Ryan coming in my room, I get up to find him asleep on the floor. My heart shatters at how much he cares about me. I tap his bulky shoulder and he stirs and stretches.

“Are you all right?” I shake my head and he sits beside me on the bed. “What can I do, Tough nut?”

“I feel bad that you slept on the floor.”

“It was easier than coming back and forth, your nightmares are getting worse.”

I shake my head. “They’re not nightmares. They’re real. I can’t explain it. I don’t know these people…” I look up at his tired face.

“Maybe I should get a futon or a couch so you don’t have to sleep on the floor again.”

Uncle Ryan smiles. “I could probably put a trundle under your bed.”

I nod with a smile. “Thank you for being here for me. I know it can’t be easy.” I get choked up and his giant hand wipes away my fallen tear.

“I don’t know what’s going on with me, that’s why I don’t tell you things.”

“I would imagine it’s more that you’re afraid.” I nod and look down. “Haley. Maybe talking it through would help you.”

“Not yet.”

He lifts my chin and wipes more tears away. “The Oracle told me to let you figure it out. As hard as it is to watch, that’s what I’m going to do.”

I reach up and hug him. His arms cocoon me in tranquility. “You’re an awesome hugger.”

He softly chuckles. “Lilah used to say that too.”

“Do you miss her?”

He squeezes just a touch tighter. “Every damned day.”

I chuckle at his curse then pull back to see his handsome, yet tired face. “Would you do it again, knowing you would lose her?”

“Without a doubt. The mate bond is so intense that it just grips you and there’s no backing away from it. Not that you would ever want to.”

I swallow hard and pain, fear, and utter anguish grip my heart. “Oh, tough nut.”

“I want my mate.” I barely choke out.

“I know. I’m trying to find an answer. You’re only fifteen, there’s time.” I nod and try to get control.

“Audrey and Cambry are doing some running around in no-mans land today. Do you want to get out for some girl time? I’ve told them that you’re having a hard time and Glory has been dying to go shopping. They’ve invited you both along.”

“That sounds fun.” Cambry pops into my head and a gasp. “Oh, I’m going for sure.” I hop up and start rummaging through my clothes.

“I’ll let them know.” Uncle Ryan leaves and I rush through a fast shower then text Virgil since he was in my vision.

“So what are you shopping for, Glory?” Cambry asks through the rearview mirror of her SUV.

“I want to get some new clothes for school, but I also want to get a new swimsuit. I haven’t been swimming yet because I don’t have one.” I should probably get a few things too.

Maybe something cute to wear for Virgil.

“Great. We’re going to the mall.” Audrey supplies.

“Can we stop for lunch afterward?” We have to be there at the right time or she’ll miss him.

“Of course, does the food court work?”

“Perfect. I could totally go for pizza and a Cinnabon.” My mouth already starts to water at the thought.

“Ooh, me too. This baby says it’s a good idea.” Audrey drops the bomb I’ve been waiting for.

This little girl is going to have Kenneth wrapped around her little finger. I smile to myself as I look out the window. Glory and Cambry scream in excitement at the news.

We make it to the mall and Cambry leads the way to the best stores. I find some cute tops and a few pairs of skinny jeans that “make my ass look awesome,” according to Cambry.

I find a cute dress that everyone insists I buy. We get swimming suits then head to the food court.

“Look, there’s Jason and Virgil!” Glory just can’t resist and we follow her to meet up with them.

Virgil gives me his gorgeous smile, but turns it to everyone. “Hey.” He looks to Cambry then back to the other guy with him.

Virgil clears his throat. “This is Luke, he’s one of our guards.”

Luke takes a quick second to shake mine and Glory’s hand. Cambry blushes as she places her hand in his.

“Cambry and Audrey.” Glory introduces.

Virgil gives Glory a quick hug then I get mine which is much longer and firmer. “You smell amazing.” He whispers just to me, making my cheeks heat up.

I don’t rush to pull away because I know everyone is looking at Cambry and her mate. “Have you ladies eaten?”

“Not yet. I was thinking of pizza and Cinnabon.” I tell him.

“I think I want something else.” Glory comments.

“I’m all for pizza. I’ll go with you.” Virgil says.

Jason grunts and goes off for something more “meaty.” Cambry and Luke have already strolled away to chat. Audrey and Glory start walking behind them.

“You look beautiful as always.” Virgil comments the second we’re alone. I thank him then he reaches out to hold my hand, which I accept until we make it to the line and his hand goes to the small of my back.

“Are you having fun shopping?”

“I’m not the biggest shopping fan, but I did need some things.”

He looks down at my bags. “Looks like you were successful.” I smile up at him.

“You came here for me, didn’t you? You knew I would be here.”

“Really? I thought you came here for me after I sent you a text.”

“You knew I’d bring Luke.” He states, entirely accurate.

“I’ve never met him before. I only told you that the beta’s mate and her sister were taking us to the mall. You brought him on your own.” I clarify, but otherwise that’s about what happened.

“You knew I would bring him. You always know things.” He doesn’t relent.

I look up at him with an innocent face. “How would I know that? You usually have Jason, Able, and Natalie with you.”

“Jason wanted to get something for Natalie. Her birthday is coming up. And Able is working.” He tells me and we step up to order.

He carries the tray and we find a table big enough for everyone. Of course he takes the seat beside me.

He pulls me to his side and I relax into his strength.

“And how would I know all that, Virgil? I don’t talk to anyone but you and Glory. My uncle set up this little outing. I didn’t even know anything until this morning.” I’m not exactly lying.

Virgil looks around to find everyone then holds my chin as he plants a quick kiss to my lips. “Whether you knew or not, I’m happy I get to see my girlfriend.”

“I’m happy to see you, but let’s not forget Cinnabon.”

Virgil laughs. “Of course not.” He shifts so he can hold my hand under the table as everyone joins us. It’s a good thing he’s a lefty.