The jovial conversation continued throughout the clear-up, which Ben instigated when Teilo wore a look of someone who might have eaten too much sweet stuff.
When they moved back into the large living room, Kylo settled next to Dad on the couch. “Do you think any of your old contacts could find out who charted a plane to Alaska? Or a flight plan where Alaska was the last stop?”
Ben didn’t sigh at the switch of topic back to the events of earlier in the day, although he was tempted. He got that it was important and the few hours they’d taken to enjoy time as a family were vital. Only Ben knew it wasn’t enough, especially with how relaxed both Nico and Teilo were throughout the evening. And that led Ben’s thoughts to what came next, the reminder of what was lurking in the States. What those men who’d left could be doing right now.
His conviction to return and be part of the investigation no longer held the same appeal. Ben wanted the men dead, simple. That didn’t fit with the ethos of the council. Or what was required of a leader who was supposed to be impartial in all aspects. What happened to his mates had changed that, changed him, and the job no longer had the same significance it once did. The job was full-on and more suited to a single shifter.
The seesawing between wanting to make things right and keeping his mates safe was a precarious balancing act. If he took a wrong step—which was easy with his mates’ lack of real-world experiences—then he could fuck up on both counts. Not something he wanted to do.
“What do you think, Ben?” Kylo’s question brought Ben from his thoughts.
“Think about what?” he asked, meeting his brother’s head shake with a shrug.
“About me and Niro coming back with you to the States and seeing if we can get more information on the Devil. Those scientist guys probably feel safe there in whatever hole they’ve taken themselves off to. We might be able to make them feel more inclined to give us more information. Those friends that loaned you the plane, they seem to have a lot of resources at their fingertips. Could you reach out to them for us?"
Ben picked up the unease from both men sitting on either side of him. “Maybe… how will your boss feel about you leaving, both of you?” He hedged for now, uncertain what was setting off his mates’ unease. He’d yet to have a moment to talk about what they wanted to happen next.
The sound of his cell phone got him holding up his hand to stop Kylo from saying anything. Days he’d avoided the thing, and he got the sense his time for avoiding things was about to come to an end. One glance at the screen before he swiped got his eyes rolling heavenward as he answered. “Beaumont, good to hear from you. What can I do for you?”
“Nice to hear from me! What you can do for me? I’ll tell you what you can do for me. You can explain why you’ve been avoiding my emails? Why all the voice messages I’ve left you have gone unanswered? This is so very unprofessional. If I’d known you’d behave in this way when you asked me to step in to hold the fort temporarily, I’d have gone with a very firmno.You advised you’d be there if I required assistance with anything…”
He continued to rant, the sound of street traffic bringing Ben forward in his seat, aware that every person in the room could hear the venting alligator shifter.
Ben pinched the bridge of his nose. His gut getting a workout for some reason, he’d yet to figure out what was going on, but he was sure it had nothing to do with the angry council member on the phone. “Things have been a little hectic. I’ve had—”
“There have been requests for enormous sums of money from Paraguay. Why are you demanding money and issuing threats? What is this nonsense?What have you been doing down there?”
Ben met Kylo’s stare. “Threats? What kind of threats?”
“Why are you asking me? You’re the one issuing them.”
Before Ben could answer, there was a buzzing from the front gate. Hairs on the back of Ben’s neck rose as he stood, his mates’ right with him.
“Open the gates, Ben,” Beaumont muttered crossly.
“Fuck, you’re here!” Ben, pursued by his brothers and mates’ headed to the front door. Felix pressing a button on the wall which he assumed opened the gates.
Ben flung open the door, the cell phone still at his ear. “Why are you here?” he asked as the car stopped and Beaumont and the enforcers got out of the large SUV.
There were six enforcers with Beaumont, all of which Ben knew. They didn’t meet his gaze as Beaumont came up the steps, his hand held out towards Ben’s Mom who bustled forward regardless of the towering wall of men trying to keep her back.
“Good evening. I’m sorry for the interruption, ma’am, but your son appears to have forgotten how to answer a call or email. I’m Beaumont Rosson,” he bowed his head, the courtesy getting a smile from Mom, “temporary council lead.”
Ben got a horrible knot in his stomach at how Beaumont stressed ‘temporary’.
“Come in. Have you had something to eat?” Mom asked, bringing everyone into the hallway.
Mao disappeared up the stairs, his face a stoic mask. Ben eyed him until he disappeared and wondered what his chances of escape were.
We can cause a distraction if you want to get away?
Ben looked at Nico, and he smiled at his menacing mate, who was glowering at the enforcers crowded in the hall.
It would be great. Only it’s not very responsible, as I’ve caused the issue by not answering Beaumont.
Teilo glanced between them.You were busy.
Ben went and kissed Teilo for his support, then Nico, ignoring Beaumont for the moment.I could not have wished for better mates. Thank you both. I need to deal with this, but I also want to talk about what you both want.
