A growl slips through before I can push it down, drawing everyone’s attention. Callum raises an eyebrow in question. “Who exactly are you?” Well, I guess I’m up.
“I am Thea’s actual scent match, along with the rest of my pack,” I bite out. I need to get in control. I knew this information would upset me but I’ve never had a problem keeping my composure. Never had an omega before. Never had someone I cared this much about, and never in danger like this. “I used to be an agent as well before changing careers,” I tack on.
Callum sits up straighter. “I see. Well, that’s essentially the extent of what we know regarding her and Mark’s connection to her. We have not spoken since he left except through our lawyers.” He begins to stand, as if ending this meeting.
“We need to meet with Julian. There are questions he will have the answers to being Mark’s bonded beta,” Logan states. A growl, louder than the one I let slip, reverberates throughout the room and it was surprisingly not from Callum, but Xavier. He seemed like the less aggressive of the two. It’s clear they areprotective over him. I can’t blame them. If someone did what Mark had done to one of my pack mates, I’d be livid.
Callum checks on Xavier before saying, “It’s out of the question, he’s not involved with Mark any more than we are now.”
“That’s simply not true. They still have a bond and were together during the stalking up until Mark left and possibly murdered Connor,” I argue. “Don’t you think he’d want to help Thea? She remembered him when it came up in our research. Apparently, they met and talked in an elevator one time when he was visiting Mark. She felt awful that his bonded had left him.”
“He deserves the choice to talk to us, wouldn’t you agree?” Logan says.
Callum and Xavier discuss in hushed tones briefly before Callum says, “We’ll discuss it with him. How long will you both be in town?”
“Until Friday morning,” I say instantly. I can’t be here longer. I made a promise to Thea I’d come back and I will keep it. I also made a promise to myself to be home before her heat starts.
“Okay, let’s tentatively plan to meet again Wednesday. It’ll have to be at our house. Julian is rarely able to leave easily due to the side effects of the medications he’s taking,” Callum grunts. Xavier doesn’t look too happy about all of this. I’m confident Julian will agree to meet. He has to know more than these two since he was the closest person to Mark.
We all agree and Logan gives them our contact information before we quickly leave their office. Once we’re back in the car, I ask, “What’s your next step?”
Logan smirks. “I have to go into the local field office, but you are free to do anything.” He knows me so well. I have half a mind to tail Mark Henderson. We’ve all but confirmed he’s Thea’s stalker.
However, Thea’s voice and the promise I made is ringing in my head. Tailing him would be too big a risk, especially if it tips him off to our investigation. It could make him do something rash, and with Thea as his primary focus, that would likely include her. I can’t do anything that will lead to her getting hurt.I was contemplating meeting some people before I left if there was time. Maybe I’ll see if that’s still a possibility.
The large sign reading,Titan Fitness, is just as I imagined when Thea told me one of Connor’s dads owned a gym. After leaving Logan to his work, I quickly changed into street clothes and made my way here. I may have gone overboard but we don’t know if Henderson has any surveillance on Connor’s parents. I would assume so since they are Thea’s only remaining family. I’m dressed in a blue t-shirt and black sweats, sunglasses, and a hat to complete the look, so I can appear like a random customer off the street.
Light music is playing throughout the gym as I enter through the front door. It’s an open clean environment, though busy. I approach the front desk where a young guy who looks barely out of high school greets me and asks if I am here to join.
“Actually, I am here to see Max Russell, I’m a friend of his daughter’s,” I say, assuming this guy doesn’t know anything about his family. Thea is their daughter, she’s said as much when she’s mentioned them before.
He says something I can’t make out into his headset, before saying, “He’s on his way.”
Not even a minute later a giant of a man who would be almost on par with Keelan comes storming to the front. Even before seeing the name tag, I know it’s Max. He looks so muchlike Connor. From the pictures I’ve seen, they definitely shared the same build, with the same hair and face structure. He looks pissed and stops incredibly close to me, clearly to intimidate. Is this because I’m her alpha?
“Who are you?” he growls lowly so only the two of us hear.
Remaining calm is best when the other person isn’t. It’s the best way to deescalate the situation. “I’m Jake Carter, it’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” I smile even though it’s not as natural to me as others in my pack. I don’t want to say Thea’s name here just as a precaution.
He gives me a dubious look then says, “Follow me.” He leads us through the gym to the back offices. Once we’re in his office and the door is closed, he’s pushing me up against it with his forearm pressed against my throat. “Now tell me who you are to Thea?”
I’m so dumb. A stranger, a man especially, showing up randomly claiming to be a friend of Thea’s. I know she’s told them about us. Even so, of course he’d be suspicious. I need to have him call Thea to confirm. Thankfully not long ago Parker had them install an app where they can securely call her whenever they want.
“I’m one of Thea’s mates. Call her to confirm,” I rasp out.
His eyes don’t leave mine as he pulls out his phone with his other hand. A moment later Thea’s voice rings out. “Hello? Max? Are you okay you look pissed?”
“I’m fine honey. Do you know this man? He just showed up at the gym. Says he’s your mate,” he says softer than before as he turns the phone. I can see Thea’s concerned expression turn to shock and back to concern.
“Yes, he’s my alpha. Don’t hurt him.” He releases me immediately. The tension leaves my body as I grasp my throat, taking in heaving breaths.
“Sorry kid, had to be sure.” Max reaches his hand out to help me up.
“No need to apologize. I could have planned this all a lot better before coming.” I’m not really mad, I’m glad Thea has a dad so protective of her. Speaking of Thea, she’s still on the phone.
“…he okay? Max, is Jake okay?”
“I’m fine Thea, promise,” I tell her, hoping she can hear since Max has the phone facing himself again. What happens next has me holding back a laugh as she scolds Max. I should defend him but it’s pretty funny. It’s not long before they’re saying goodbye and I pipe in my own. Max leans against his desk with a sigh.
