I picked up the phone, my thumb hovering over Riven's number. Nope, it was too soon. I wasn't ready. I needed to be sure before I made any decisions that would alter both our lives.
Setting the phone aside, I turned back to the window. Somewhere miles away, under the same stars, Riven might be looking out at the mountains, maybe thinking of me too. My heart gave a little blip of happiness.
Perhaps it was time to admit what was in my heart. I paced the floor, not wanting to acknowledge my feelings. I nibbled my nails until a horn blasted in the streetbelow. I grinned because it was telling me to get on with it.
Okay, I adored that man, that shifter who had a wolf inside him. My heart and head told me we had a connection, one that could last a lifetime.
For the first time since Christmas Eve, I felt a glimmer of hope that maybe we could be together.
TEN
RIVEN
“Time off?” Uncle leaned back in his chair. “Now? On New Year's Day and with most of the pack here?”
My uncle never took time off and frowned on anyone who did. He rarely took a vacation and probably didn’t know the meaning of the word.
“Yes.” I had to be honest. He’d see through a fib. Besides, if Indigo and I were to make a go of it, telling the truth to everyone was the way forward. “Antonia can handle the lodge operations, and the rest of the staff are well trained.”
“This isn't about checking in guests or room service.” His mouth was set in a straight line. “This is about pack leadership. You can’t just up and run off.”
More honesty was necessary. “I’m not effective right now. I can't focus, so I'm worse than useless to the pack.”
I didn’t get the expected snarl or a dismissal. Uncle had been mated once, years ago, and it ended in tragedy.
“This human… Indigo… is in your head.”
I nodded, as no words were necessary.
“And the purpose of taking off to who knows where? Your mate left and he didn’t choose you. He’s gone like a puff of wind.”
Ouch! His words stabbed at my heart, leaving me more melancholy than when I walked in.
“I have to see him. Maybe I won’t talk to him.” That sounded stalkerish, but to a shifter, it wasn’t out of the ordinary. “I’ve got to make sure he’s safe.”
“The council won't like it.”
Oh, now he was bringing in the big guns.
“They gave me ten days.”
He placed his hands in his lap. “To convince him when he was here, not to follow him to the city. You remind me of a lovesick pup.”
Double ouch! His words stung. I’d be limping out of here if he continued.
“That ends in three days. That’s it, and no matter what happens, you come back after 72 hours, no matter what he says.”
Thank gods. I had the remaining three days and that was better than zero. “Thank you.”
“Don't thank me yet.” He headed to the door. “What do you hope to accomplish?”
I followed my uncle. “His boss's trial starts tomorrow and he'll be testifying.” That didn’t answer his question, but he didn’t push it further.
“Remember you are the Alpha Apparent.”
“I haven't forgotten.” How could I? From the moment I was born, my future was determined. I wasn’tgoing to run off and join the circus or take a job as a barista.
How does anyone live here?Ewww. My wolf was tucked up inside me and turned up his nose at the traffic and the smells.Tell me when you find Indigo.
