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“That doesn’t even sound like us.” I said around a laugh. “This is absolutely absurd. Play it again, then listen to our voices.” He narrowed his eyes at my demands but hit play again. He gave nothing away as he listened through a second time.
“Well?” Riven asked, looking absolutely livid now. “Do you still think this is real?”
“Well…I…until you were in front of me I couldn’t confirm or deny. I told you that this was just to remind you of the rules,” he stuttered out, flustered now that he’d been caught. Something told me the man standing here accusing us was hiding something, if not working with the same people who brought this to him.
“Rules that we have not broken. I’ve read through them as has every member of my team,” Riven said then glanced at me pointedly. My horse neighed in agreement with our mate, loving having him on our side.
“We have as well. We are allowed to speak to each other and that has nothing to do with throwing the competition, nor is what we speak to our mates about, any of your business. Frankly, I’m insulted and disgusted this conversation is even happening,” I agreed. “I understand that you have to investigate allegations but the fact that that didn’t even sound like us and you boldly assumed it was, is very disappointing. It in fact, hardly feels unbiased.”
Stanley’s face changed from pale to red and his eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed we’d struck him right in the pride by questioning his integrity. The claws would be coming out now.
“There was no intention of disrespect here, however, I have standards to uphold,” he blustered out.
“Then don’t let us stop you. Are we free to go?” Riven asked, still just as angry.
Stanley waved towards the door. “You’re dismissed.” There was the arrogance again. Bastard.
There was no apology from him and not even an ounce of remorse or embarrassment. He went straight to anger when we told him that he was wrong.
If he decided to try and use it against us then he’d be laughed right off the board. I knew nothing else would come from this but I was just as angry as my bear mate at this point.
When we left the room both El and Zath were sitting on a bench, waiting for us to come out. My raven mate looked tired as hell but he was shifting his silver coin between his fingers nervously until he saw us. This competition meant a lot to him as well, and I didn’t hesitate to offer reassurance so he didn’t have to keep guessing.
“Hey, no worries, we’re in the clear. But I have no desire to be here for breakfast and I need good coffee if anyone wants to join me.” I glanced down at my phone to check the time. “That wrapped quick enough we have time.”
“You had me at food,” El joked as he stood up, offering me his arm. I hooked mine through his and we started off, Zath and Riven following behind us like it was the most natural thing in the world. Maybe there was something to this ‘fated-mates’ bullshit after all. It shouldn’t have been this easy with the whole fucking world against us, but even without trying, they soothed parts of me that I didn’t realize were stills damaged.
They didn’t bother to ask questions until we found a diner and walked in. El headed straight for the large corner booth, sliding in and pulling me with him. Zath went right to my other side, leaving Riven to slide in next to El.
The old waitress walked up with a bright smile. “We don’t get many young people in here this early,” she teased. “My name is Jill, what can I get started for you?”
One glance around told me that she was telling the truth. Every single booth was filled with silver-haired patrons nursing their coffee and chatting with each other like old friends. If that many people made this diner their usual morning destination, then you knew it had good food.
“I need coffee in the worst way,” I said. “The stronger, the better.”
“IV of coffee. Got it. You want any pancakes to go with those jitters?” she teased. Even though she was in her late sixties she was bouncing with energy. She reminded me of a golden retriever, her blonde hair only adding to the image.
“That actually sounds good. Hit me with bacon and pancakes.” I slid over the menu and she tucked it under her arm before looking at the others.
Between the three of them they ordered enough food for an army. Shockingly, Zathrian was the only one who joined me in my coffee.
“Neither one of you are morning people, are you?” Riven joked as he studied us. Poor Zath had his arms folded on the table and his head rested on top, eyes closed while he waited for his caffeine. I knew that he wasn’t asleep, he was just listening as he tried to force himself to gain some energy. Even if he woke up at noon, he’d be the same way. We were night owls through and through.
“There’s no way you’re a morning person,” I said, turning to El. “I mean, you’re a raccoon, right? They’re known for being creatures of the night. Which, I could totally see you sneaking into the fridge for midnight snacks.”
“I’m more of a ‘sleep whenever I can’ type. I’ll sleep during the day, sleep at night, eat late night snacks, then sometimes, I eat a second breakfast. Sleeping and eating are pretty much my life.”
“I can get behind that,” Zath mumbled. “Naps are the best. But you might have to convince her to nap once in a while.”
“It’ll never happen,” I laughed. “I could get up at five in the morning and still not be able to nap. I’m an insomniac, so late nights and sleeping in a bit are my usual style. Good thing I work in a bar.”
Jill returned with our drinks and I doctored my coffee before taking a sip. It was pretty good and I let myself absorb the warmth for a moment.
“I really need to know what was said in that meeting,” El said, suddenly serious.
The reminder had my blood boiling.
“Just a bunch of made-up bullshit. I’m assuming the same lady you guys ran into was behind it. The voice on the audio clip he played sounded a bit like hers. But someone pretended to be Riven and I discussing your team purposefully failing the competition to give us a leg up.”
