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“It’s no longer his pack. It’s my pack now.” I remind her.
“I want her gone, Corbin,” she pouts. “She was never supposed to come back here. She doesn’t belong here. It wasn’t just the pack she turned her back on, or have you forgotten?”
“I haven’t forgotten what she’s done, Keisha.”I snap.
“Do you still have feelings for her? Is that it?” She stomps her foot like a petulant child.
“As your alpha, do I need to remind you to watch your tone,” I threaten, pushing myself up from my seat and stalking towards her. “Anything I once felt towards Lei is long gone,” I lie. “And as she is our guest here, you will be nice to her, do you hear me.”
“I hear you.” She replies, her heels clicking on the hardwood as she backs away from me towards the door. “If you want something done, you have to do it yourself.” she mutters before turning around and slamming the door behind her.
Chapter Three
LEI
It feels strange being back in my old room. From the minute I entered, I immediately felt safe. It was like stepping back in time, and I was surprised to find the bed freshly made and my old clothes still hanging in the closet.
Going over to the window, I look across the lawn, hoping I might catch another glimpse of Corbin or Riley, but the grounds are empty.
I’d been surprised to hear of Jacobs passing, and I wondered why Keisha had never told me. We had never really been that close growing up, but after I left, she had been the only person from the pack who had kept in contact with me. I had always thought it weird that she would still associate with me, a traitor, but I was just glad that someone had cared, whatever her reason.
Sitting down on the bed, I place the backpack I had hastily packed beside me as I rummage around inside for the one thing I had made sure to bring with me. As my hand connects with the cool metal, I pull out the picture frame, placing it on the bedside table.
It was a picture of my best friend Steven on his birthday last year. He had been so excited that day. We had taken the train to Seattle and visited the space needle. He had been my very first friend outside of the pack, and now he is gone.
It had been a few days now since his funeral and just over a week since his death. I’ll never forget that day. It was supposed to have been me in the apartment that night. If I hadn't been working late, then maybe he would still be here. Maybe I would have made it back in time before Xan had slaughtered him, leaving him as a gift.
With shaking fingers, I hold my breath as I pull my cell from my jean pocket turning it on. No new messages.
Breathing out, I go to the last message that Xan had sent me.
You can run, but you can't hide. I'll be seeing you soon.
Chapter Four
RILEY
After leaving Corbin’s office, I’d spent the last half hour pacing the garden, trying to keep my wolf under control. Since Lei's return, all he wanted was to be near her, and I was slowly giving up the will to fight back.
“Dammit Corbin.” I groan, turning toward her window and catching a glimpse of movement. I don’t know what he is thinking, keeping Lei in the dark about his mating. He should have told her about Keisha when she arrived instead of sending her to her room. This isn’t just about him. It's about all of us, and that asshole's about to blow it before we can even get started.
When I saw Lei outside, I couldn't stop myself from pulling her into my arms. I'd waited four damn years to see her again. Corbin may be able to act cold and indifferent, but if we ever wanted to find out why she left, he would have to let it go. We both would.
Coming to a stop outside her door, I wonder what she's doing. Had she noticed that we kept her room just for her? Corbin and I made sure of it. We didn't let anyone touch it after she left. Jacob had wanted to get rid of it all, but when Corbin and I wouldn't back down, he begrudgingly agreed to leave it alone.
Once a week, we allow one of the pack to go in and clean it, but other than that, it was left like a goddamn shrine to her.
Raising my hand, I tap my knuckles gently against her door three times.
"Come in, Riley." Lei calls out as I enter.
"Hey," I say, looking around the room. "You remembered my knock." I say with a smile.
"Three times the charm." She smiles sadly from the bed, and I frown.Has she been crying?She's barely been back here ten minutes, and already she's miserable.
"I was wondering if you wanted to go out for a run?" I hear myself ask.
"Now. Does Corbin know?" she asks, cocking her head to the side.
