12
Felix
The call I’d been dreading for months finally arrived.
After moving in with Elijah, my spirits lifted every day. The difference between his presence and that of my ex couldn’t have been more different. Elijah was everything I ever dreamed a boyfriend should be.
Now, my heart sank as my phone lit up on the counter with the image of my mother’s face. Instantly, I was filled with despair. Ever since the arrangement between Larry and me was made official in my parents’ eyes, they’d backed off and given us some space. Probably because they felt their job was done, setting me up with a wealthy alpha, and probably so Larry and I couldbondas new mates.
But I hadn’t told them Larry kicked me out months ago, and I hadn’t told them why.
Fear gripped me and the last thing I wanted to do was pick up the phone, but I knew if it went to voicemail my mother would be furious. Worried. She didn’t call often while we were together, anyway, so it didn’t surprise me that it had taken her this long to call me now. She was probably content with her perfect fantasy of Larry and I together. We hadn’t spoken since Larry kicked me out and I guessed she had a right to be concerned.
That didn’t make it easier to swipe to accept the call.
“Hi, Mom.”
I forced myself to smile. Maybe it would make my fake happy tone sound more believable. But I wasn’t a very good liar. Elijah was better at picking up tone than anyone I’d ever met. He knew instantly when I was holding something back. I just hoped my mom wouldn’t notice.
“Felix?” she said, shrill and demanding.
She didn’t sound happy. I gripped the counter hard.
Take a deep breath . . .Exhale . . .
“Yes?”
If it was possible, her tone got even scarier. “What is the meaning of this?”
“Meaning of what?”
“Don’t play games with me, Felix, you know exactly what I’m talking about!” she snapped. “Did you really think the best way for me to find out my son was homeless was when I casually called the Bisley house to ask how things were going between you two? Do you know how embarrassing it was to find out you’re apparently nottogetheranymore? Were you ever thinking of telling me that?”
I shut my eyes through her rant. Even though we were miles away, her harsh words still made my skin crawl.
“Have nothing to say to me now?” she continued. “Well, you better speak up fast before your father and I call the cops to go looking for you!”
“Mom, don’t call the cops,” I said quickly. “I’m fine. I’m not homeless.”
She sighed, harsh but tinged with relief. “Then you had better explain what’s going on, and fast.I am not pleased, Felix.”
I can tell,I thought, deciding not to say that out loud.
“Mom, Larry and I had . . .a fight,” I said. “I guess.”
“Couples fight,” she said stiffly. “Your father and I fight sometimes. That doesn’t explain why you’re homeless.”
“I’m not homeless, okay?” I repeated, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I’m safe. I have a place to stay.”
Not that you really seem to care,I thought bitterly.
Her silence was a demand for me to continue.
I ground out the words. “He decided he didn’t want me around, so he suggested I leave.”
She gasped. “He kicked you out?”
“I was trying to say it in a nicer way, but yes, mom, he did.”
