TWO WEEKS AGO:
March 14, 2025: 7:15 a.m.
Whitemore Plantation
The twins ate some of my brownies, but they were nice enough to leave a sufficient amount for the Whitemore Pack gathering. With brownies in hand, I make my way to the car waiting for me.
Anders, our family’s head guard, stoically stands next to the car dressed in his formal guard attire. The deep hunter green of his suit contrasts with his pure-white hair and pale blue eyes. His youthful face might put him in his late forties or early fifties at least, yet rumor indicates he’s in his eighties. I guess that makes sense because he has so much experience in his line of work. He has trained worldwide, especially in the Asian territory, in weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, martial arts, and then some. I overheard my parents say that he once was a Russian military spy. Rumors are rumors until provenotherwise, but from what I witnessed firsthand, he’s an excellent fighter and guard, which is all that really matters.
I frown at Anders, unsure why he’s here. Not that I don’t want him to go with me. I’m sure he has more important matters to attend to than escort me to the Whitemore territory. Odyssey, my friend and fellow guard, stands next to Anders, also wearing his formal guard attire.
The driver door opens, and Ean pops out in uniform. I shoot Odyssey a questioning stare, but he schools his face, not revealing anything. Turning my attention back to Anders, I ask, “Where’s Xavier? Is he okay?”
Anders grimaces. “Xavier is fine. I gave him the day off. I knew you would object to a separate car escort so the three of us will travel with you in the same car to the Whitemore territory.”
Am I so difficult that I require two top guards, including himself? Odyssey offers me a cheeky grin. He must love this—he knows I won’t argue with Anders. I roll my eyes at Odyssey and hand him a small package of dessert, keeping the larger one for the gathering.
His eyebrows raise. “What’s this?” he asks.
“I made those for Xavier to thank him for being stuck with me all day and night. I guess you and Ean will have to share.”
Hesitantly, he peers into the bag. “Are these your famous brownies?” I nod. “Shit. I have to share with Ean? He’ll eat them all before I even get a chance,” Odyssey grumbles.
I laugh in response. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing he’s driving then.”
Anders scoffs, shooting me an irritated look, and opens the back passenger door. Without further delay, I slide in the car. Anders follows in after me. I notice the privacy glass is closed so we can talk in private.
“Thank you,” I tell him. “I hope this isn’t too much trouble.”
He frowns. “I am here for two reasons. One is business, and the other is personal.”
Personal? I have never really known Anders to do anything personal. He is always so dedicated to his head guard position.
“I haven’t spoken to you for some time, and I wanted an opportunity to, umm…” he clears his throat, “discuss some things.”
I study him. He avoids my gaze—so unlike him as he usually likes to maintain eye contact. He also perspires, despite the cool temperature in the car, courtesy of Ean, who likes it extremely cold due to his own internal warmth.
Anders clears his throat. Did he say something? He looks out the window and sighs, raking his fingers through his hair. “I would like to discuss my personal reasons first before we dive into business matters, if that will be okay with you?”
Nonchalantly, I respond, “Sure, whichever way you feel more comfortable.”
“I don’t particularly like discussing my personal business with anyone, but this is important to me. I would like to talk first.”
Important to him? Wait. Isn’t that what Luke said earlier this morning? He had something important to talk to me about, too. What is going on with this day? “Anders, if it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to talk about your personal business. We can cover business, and you can slide it in somehow when you are ready. It’s a two-hour drive.”
He shakes his head and finally makes eye contact. “I’m worried about you. I just wanted to see how you’re doing with the passing of Alpha Agnus. You two were quite close, and well, I know you don’t handle grief very well.”
I glance down at my hands, resting in my lap. “Thank you for your consideration, but I’m fine. I was with her the night before it happened.” Anders watches me intently. “I’m fine, really. Iknow she was old. It’s all a part of that circle of life. She left this world peacefully. She didn’t suffer, and she wasn’t murdered. I won’t run away, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Anders places a large hand over mine. His warmth comforts me, and I welcome it.
“Speaking of the circle of life,” I say, “we both have come full circle in this as well.” He cocks his head, I smile. “Eight—almost nine—years ago, you and I sat in a car just like this one, except instead of going to Whitemore territory, we drove away from it, driving toward what turned out to be the beginning of my new life.”
Squeezing my hand, he lifts and kisses it with fatherly affection.
Chapter 10
Running Blind
