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We fell out.
It wasn’t fireworks or anything like that, but I told him exactly what I thought, and Mav wouldn’t change his mind. And that was that. I could have spent his last few weeks before basic training with him, but I didn’t, stubbornly hoping my silence would make him change his mind. It didn’t, but that’s sixteen-year-old logic for you.
Before Mav left, Brock’s behavior changed abruptly. I still remember that it happened seemingly overnight. One day, he was insisting that I continue the schedule of staying at their place like I had since my parents separated, even though I was certainly not a child anymore. And two days later, he stopped insisting. Told me, in fact, that he respected my decision and that he understood I was “becoming a young man and wanted time to spend with my friends.”
That was absolute bullshit, of course. So was his explanation for what looked suspiciously like a shiner. I never dug into it, though — I didn’t want Brock to change his mind and take it back. I didn’t talk to Maverick. I should have, but I didn’t. I’d never get the answer, but I’d always wonder.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket, flicking through my contacts. I’d never deleted Mav. He said he wouldn’t change his number, but that was nine or so years ago. I had no idea if he’d kept that promise, but I had promised not to get in touch unless it was a real emergency. Something about being banished and not wanting to be reminded of what he was leaving behind.
Of what he’d never have.
Mav was an alpha, too, but his pack was…well, it was a shit show. It had collapsed a few years after Mav was adopted into Longbow. Even if he had a desire to go back, there was nothing for him there. He was an alpha without a pack. I didn’t understand it then, but I did now.
I sighed and looked around my empty condo. Nic had some business call to make, so he’d gone to the Austin office for privacy. Remus had only just left, and the coffee shop wasn’t that far, but I doubted he’d drive. I abandoned the webpage I’d been starting at blankly for the last hour or so and retreated to my bedroom.
I tapped the call button.The phone rang. I began to pace my room as the line continued to ring.
What if he changed his line? What if someone else entirely picks up?
After four rings, someone picked up. “Eli?”
My chest constricted at the sound of Mav’s voice. “Maverick?” I knew it was him, but I needed to confirm it.
“Yeah?” he replied, rumbling. “Eli, what’s wrong?”
Of course he’d ask that.It was the promise I’d made, after all, but it still made my throat feel too tight and my tongue feel too heavy. I had to clear my throat just to be able to speak. “I…” But then, I felt like it was closing up again. “Shit, sorry. Didn’t expect it to hit me like this.”
“It’s okay,” Mav replied. “Take your time.”
I coughed again, wishing I had that coffee right about now. I had missed Mav, but the ache and anger had both faded over time. While I was relieved the anger didn’t reemerge, I was a bit surprised the ache had become so strong again.
“What’s wrong?” he prompted again, clearly picking up on my raspy breathing.
I sighed, but I couldn’t really be annoyed. It was the promise. He had no reason to think otherwise. “Someone I care about went missing,” I said, trying to steady my voice. “And I think she’s being held in a military facility.”
Mav inhaled sharply. “You’re sure?”
“Yeah.” I paused, frowning. “I — I’m in Austin, Texas right now. I think it’s in the area.”
“That’s a long way from home,” Mav noted calmly. I could hear something in the background. Typing maybe. “And who was it you said went missing?”
I paused for a moment, not exactly sure how to describe Iris. She was more than just an acquaintance. A fellow shifter? A colleague? A friend? More than that? We really hadn’t talked about it at all, we’d just…worked on this case, and…
“Eli? Did I lose you?”
“Sorry,” I said, shifting the phone from one ear to the other. “Her name is Iris Walker. She’s a private detective. We’ve been working together on this case and…” I trailed off.
“Ahha,” Mav said, as if he suddenly understood.
I scowled into the phone. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” my old friend said, but I could hear the smug smile in his voice. “I didn’t forget what you were like, Eli. But don’t you worry, I won’t make you talk about those dreaded feelings any longer.”
I rolled my eyes so hard, it was a miracle they didn’t get stuck. “Thank you, oh generous one. I can forward you her website after we hang up if that would help, but…doesn’t exactly tell you what we’ve been working on, you know?” I paused, an idea coming to mind. “I can also forward you the information on the missing person she was looking for.”
Mav rumbled quietly. “That’s alright. I’ll take any information I can get and see where it leads me. No stone unturned.”
“Yeah. Yeah, honestly, that’s probably something she would say,” I said, breathless with relief. I might finally get some damn answers, but I also didn’t want to take advantage of a friend, especially after all these years. “You’re sure? I don’t…I know it’s been a while, but—”
