“I’m fine,” I say, then go quiet, letting the silence hum over the line.
“That’s good, uh….yeah,” he stutters. “Warren said you were practically good as new,” he says quickly. “So are you back yet or what?”
“Not yet,” I tell him. “We claimed an omega. I’m focusing on bonding. Warren’s holding things down.”
There’s a beat of silence on the other end, then an audible grin. “Damn. Good for you, boss. That’s big.”
“It is.” My voice comes out a little clipped, but I really want to get some work done so I can get back to Tansy and Beck. Last I saw, the pair were snuggled up in the living room, getting ready to watch a movie. “Do you need anything else?” I ask, trying like hell to sound polite.
“Yeah.” His voice comes out a little too loud. “I actually have some information. Stuff Warren asked for. I can send it to him, or if you want eyes on it first?—”
“Send it to Warren,” I cut in gently.
“Got it. Yeah. Of course.” He pauses, then adds, “I’ll forward it now.”
I hear the tapping on his end, a rush to be useful. A second later, my inbox pings, and agitation cuts through me.
“I said to send it to Warren,” I say.
“Yeah, I sent it to both of you.” He lets out a nervous laugh. “Just in case.”
“I’ll let Warren handle it.” I close my laptop; the sound is sharper than it needs to be.
Jimmy is still on the line, breathing on the other end, waiting forsomething.
“Do you need anything else?” I ask, quickly growing impatient.
Jimmy clears his throat, then starts rambling, “Listen, man. I just wanted to say what happened to you was shit. Getting shot like that. It’s bullshit that you didn’t get a chance to make things even with Caleb. I still can’t believe he fucking died of a heart attack, but your pack would have been solid if things hadn’t worked out. I mean, Warren is one hell of an alpha. He would’ve?—”
“Okay, Jimmy,” I interrupt him again. “Thanks for calling. Next time, reach out to Warren directly.”
“Okay. I’m glad you’re doing good, and if you or Warren need anything?—”
“I know where to find you.” Then I end the call before he can say anything else
Letting out a tired sigh, I set my phone aside. I roll my neck once, then reach for the stack of papers in front of me, squaring them against the desk before flipping them open again.
I’ve already read them twice this morning.
Tansy Payten
Her name sits along the top in a clean black font. I skimdown the page, eyes moving automatically over the details I already know by heart.
Parents: William (Pack alpha),
Daniel (alpha), Ken (alpha), Renee (omega)
Siblings: Robert Payten (alpha)
There’s a note beneath her brother's name that says he lives across the country.
Presented as an omega at thirteen.
Education: Danvers Academy
I scan Tansy’s list of accolades, achievements, and certifications. Academic excellence. Behavioral compliance. Community involvement. All the things that look impressive on paper but say very little about who someone actually is.
Then my eyes catch on a single line at the bottom and stop.
