“We have a lot to talk about.” Everyone nodded as we dropped my bags. I walked up to Toya. “The first thing I should cover is probably the most important.”
“What are you talking about?” Toya looked at everyone and waved. “Hey guys.”
Everyone said hello, but I was focused on Toya. Her eyes were a little swollen and red. I felt heartbroken knowing that she was in here crying while I was talking to Rowan. I slid on the end of the bed as everyone took a spot around the room. “What’s going on?” Wendy looked between me and Toya.
“Everyone has heard the bad news. I’m not foolish enough to believe you haven’t.”
“We are sorry for your loss.” Micca started, but I waved her off.
“It was a lie. A lie that my father and the other Alphas came up with to force people to make their move.”
Toya furrowed her brow. “What are you talking about?”
I grabbed her hand and I squeezed. “They are still alive, Toya. Everyone is still alive.”
Toya gripped my hand. “Amy, I appreciate the effort, but please don’t lie to me.”
“I’m not.” I went to my lock box and pulled out my secret phone. I called my father’s number and waited.
“Pup, you know you shouldn’t be calling me.”
“I know, daddy but I needed to hear your voice and there is someone here that needs to hear their father’s voice.”
I heard my father huff, and then there was a click. “Ok pup, we can all hear you.”
I clicked the speaker on the phone. “I sealed the room so no one can hear us.”
“That’s good pup. Now, all the Alphas are here. What do you need?”
I looked at Toya and held the phone closer to her. “Say hi.”
Toya leaned in. I could see “Hello? Baba?”
“Toya, my love.” A rich voice called out, and Toya snatched the phone away. She sobbed as she clutched it to her test.
“Baba, they said you were gone. That everyone was gone. Moma, Tiven, everyone.”
“We are still here. We are all still here. Amy there will explain it to you. You weren’t supposed to know.”
Toya sobbed longer as everyone looked on. “I’m sorry daddy, I couldn’t keep this from her. From them.”
“Who is all there?”
I went through the list. “I listened to my gut. They all needed to know.”
My father was quiet, but then there were a few murmurs. “Are you going to tell them everything?”
I thought about it. “As much as the goddess will allow.” My father would know what I meant. I would tell them as much as they needed until the feeling went away.
“Good.” I could hear the relief in his voice. “I’m sorry if you were scared, but it is necessary.”
“Toya, my love, listen to Amy. She knows what is going on and what is happening. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you anything, but things are not as they seem.”
“Okay Baba.” She sniffled as she wiped her eyes.
“Your mother is going to kill me, but it is good to hear your voice, pup. You can’t call our phones. They have been shut off, but trust me, everyone is safe.” Toya’s father chuckled softly. “Your mom is seriously going to be pissed once I tell her.”
“How can I talk to you?” Toya’s hopeful question hung in the air.
