Page 48 of Broken Souls

“Yes, six o'clock.”

“Everyone has been informed?”

Dash nods professionally. “The word is out. Brian will ensure everyone of age is there.”

“Thank you, Dash. You'll start the meeting like we discussed?”

“According to the plan.” Dash leaves shortly after.

“Everyone of age?” I ask, confused.

“Only kids who have shifted can attend. So, twelve or thirteen up. Some meetings are too mature for children so during a pack meeting, a few of the elderly women open their homes and create a fun bonding day for them,” Axe explains.

“Oh, that's good then.”

This meeting may lead to violence so children not being there is smart. I never knew about bonding days during meetings since I always stayed home as a kid. I've never even been to a meeting.

“Do you have plans for Joel?” I ask.

“Are you worried for him?” The lines of Axe's forehead crease.

“No, it's just, he's been missing for a few days.”

“Why haven't you told me?” Axe frowns.

“You told me to tell you if he did something. Since he's gone, I figured that'd be a good thing.”

“That mutt doesn't get to run off without his punishment. I'll have Brian track him down.” Axe stands up and kisses me intently. “I have a lot to do today, so why don't you spend the day relaxing?”

“Okay, I'll watch some movies.”

Axe spends the day in his office and Dash makes another appearance and joins him in there. I try to pay attention to the movies but the meeting is a daunting thought. It stays in my mind all day. I have so many concerns. Even though Axe will take care of everything, I've never overthought something so much in my life. There's a knock on the door before it opens and Brian walks in.

“Elora, is Axe here?” He stops in the doorway of the living room.

“He's in his office with Dash.”

“I've still got to check up on things for the meeting but I just wanted to let Axe know I tracked down Joel.”

“Oh, where was he?” I ask, trying to hide my interest.

“He was just at his house, moping about,” Brian says. “Why's Joel so important to Axe anyway?”

“Axe didn't tell you?” I frown. I guess only Axe, Dash and Carson know.

“No.”

“Joel... is my mate. He rejected me,” I say softly. I absolutely hate the word rejection.

“Oh shit.” Brian grimaces. “Sorry for your... loss, I guess.”

“Don't be. Axe is a million times better.”

“As long as you're happy, that's all that matters.”

“Thank you. You haven't met your mate yet. You're getting older, it's surprising,” I make an assumption. He sits down in the armchair, clearly going to tell me about himself.

“Yeah, actually I don't mind. I've wanted to travel around to other packs to find her but I couldn't leave Dash here on his own. But now that Axe is alpha again, I'll ask him for some time off when things calm down. Perk while I'm single is, I can have anyone I want in the meantime.”