An insult like that would give Newell all sorts of options that weren’t good for the Regent’s Park pack. “And I’m guessing he doesn’t want that.”
“No. Not so soon after all that shit with the rogue pack. Relations between our packs aren’t the best, and Cam wants to avoid any more bloodshed if he can help it.”
Tim sensed there was more to come. “That’s not all, is it?”
“No. He’s asked for Cam’s help in searching for these supposed rogue shifters. And apparently they’ll continue to keep an eye on Calloway too.”
Tim’s head snapped up. “What? Why? If he wants Cam’s help, then why can’t we watch him?”
Alec raised an eyebrow at Tim’s outburst. “His flat is virtually on their doorstep, nearer to their pack building than it is to this one. It makes sense for them to keep an eye on him.”
“Are those your words or theirs?”
“Does it matter? Cam’s hands are tied, Tim. He has no reason, no proof to doubt Alpha Newell’s claims. Asking him to stay away from Calloway’s place—”
“God, call him Seb, please.”
“…Would suggest a lack of trust in P-Pack and imply that Seb is of importance to our pack. Neither of which Cam wants to do at the minute.”
Tim sat there with a hundred thoughts running through his head, until finally one broke through to the surface. “It’s because of Nathan, isn’t it?”
“It’s one theory.” Alec sighed and ran a hand over his mouth. His teeth were back to normal, but Tim half expected to see them again at the mention of Nathan’s name. “Alpha Newell wasn’t exactly thrilled that Nathan survived. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he’s tempted by a little revenge. And if they know Callow—Seb’sconnection to Jared, then it makes him an easy target.”
“But Newell can’t do anything to him, can he?”
“No. Well, not if he wants to keep his pack afterwards. If he hurts either Seb or Jared, then the police will be involved. And if he—or any of his pack acting on Newell’s orders—attacks Nathan unprovoked, then Cam is within his rights to ask the alpha council for the right to challenge him.” Alec drained the rest of his can and set it on the floor. “I can’t discuss any more of it with you, but….” He suddenly looked uncharacteristically sheepish.
“What?”
“As I said, we can’t have any of the pack watching Seb. And I’d rather keep Nathan and Jared away from there if possible.”
It took Tim a couple of seconds to understand. “He’s going back home? I thought he was stopping with Jared for a while.”
“Ideal as that would be, you know how stubborn some humans are. As soon as I informed him that P-Pack had owned up to watching his flat and that they posed no discernible threat,” he said through gritted teeth, “Seb insisted on going home.”
“Can’t you make him stay?”
Alec actually laughed. “And how do you suggest I do that? Kidnap him? That’s more Nathan’s style than mine.”
Tim ignored the jibe, his mind still sorting through what Alec had said earlier. “At least suggest he stay until his wrist’s fully healed. I’d be more comfortable if he had only one damaged limb.”
“That’s an excellent idea. Maybe someone in the medical profession could suggest that to him?”
Tim’s resigned sigh made Alec laugh some more.
“Yes, because obviously he’s going to listen to me. He’ll think—”No.He did not want to go there with Alec.
Too late.Alec stared at him, eyes narrowing. “Something I should know?”
“Nope. Not sure I’m the right person to try to get him to stay, that’s all.” He could already picture the conversation in all of its awkward glory.
“Why not? As his doctor, surely you can deliver a persuasive argument?”
Tim groaned and buried his head in his hands. “And if I can’t?”
“Then, as his doctor, you can do home visits. Surely a broken ankle needs constant monitoring?” He didn’t wait for Tim’s reply. “And if that fails, then you can date him, or pretend to. Whichever works to keep you near that flat as much as possible.”
“Alec,” Tim growled a warning.
