After a moment, he turned back to me. “Alpha said that he’s gotten permission for us to land in Moonhaven. He doesn’t think it’s safe for us to travel via SUV from the airport in Portland.”
I frowned. “Is there an airport big enough in Moonhaven?”
Matteo shook his head. “Not in Moonhaven Cove proper, no, but there is one on an adjoining island. It’s not used often, but it’s there for emergencies.”
“That will reduce the danger, but...”
“But?”
I made a face. “I guess I just—” I sighed. “I really hate that my mess is spilling onto everyone else. I hate inconveniencing others.”
Matteo was quiet for a moment, and then the phone rang. I glared at him, and he chuckled weakly, holding up his hands. “I didn’t tell him. It must be your mate connection.”
I snorted, pulling out my phone. This time he was calling me onmyphone rather than Matteo’s.
“Yes?”
“You are not a burden,” Riggs said immediately, his voice firm.
“Well, hello to you too, mate,” I said with a smirk.
Riggs went immediately silent, and I closed my eyes, frustrated with myself. I’d spoken without thinking.
“If only you meant that.” He sounded like I’d just punched him, like he’d lost his breath.
I kept my eyes closed, recriminations burning through my mind. “Idomean it. I recognize it just as well as you do. It’s not you I’m opposed to, Riggs. It’s the timing.” Well, ithadbeen the timing. I didn’t know if I was still feeling that way or not. Did I feel like this was the best time for a romantic relationship to start, even one with a mate? No. But when was the best time? I shook my head. I didn’t think there was one.
“I’m not saying no. I’m just asking for a little patience.”
“So, it’s not me?” His voice was so soft I wanted to cry. I hadn’t meant to be heartless. I had only meant to survive. But in doing so, I’d hurt him. I felt a sharp pain at the thought, and my eyes burned.
“No, it’s not you,” I promised huskily.
“Okay.” He cleared his throat and spoke in a more normal tone. “The Sheriff will be your escort to the Clan property. I’m sending a few enforcers as well. You and Matteo can ride with them. There will be more cars waiting for the others that are coming with you.”
“10-4.”
He chuckled. “Stay safe.”
“I’ll do my best.”
After our goodbyes, I slid the phone back into my pocket. It looked like Matteo had fallen fast asleep, and the healer was in an adjoining office, probably making notes on Matteo’s case for his own records. So I slipped out of the bedroom and gently closed the door.
Surefooted on the moving plane, I went to address the shifters who were all sitting in the main seating area. I glanced around, taking a quick tally of everyone. The chairs were set up in groups of four, all facing each other. Orion, the wolf shifter, was talking quietly with a man next to him. Another few were seated opposite them. And on the opposite side of the wide aisle was another group of four. All total, there were seven males and one female.
I stood in the middle to address them all. “I haven’t had the chance to say it yet, but thank you for coming. I’m sure once we get there we’ll all have time to pull some strategies together. For now, I’m betting you guys are hungry.” They were shifters, so of course they were. “I noticed sandwich stuff and chips in the small galley when I was getting something a few minutes ago. I think they have sliced ham. Is that okay?”
Everyone nodded, looking grateful, so I headed back to the galley to make sandwiches. Orion followed.
“Can I help you?”
“I’d like to help,” he said quietly.
“Thanks. I’d appreciate it.”
We made up two dozen sandwiches, thick with ham, cheese, mayo, mustard, lettuce, and tomato, grabbed the bags of chips and cold waters, piled everything onto a rolling trolley that Orion scrounged out of a closet, then rolled it all back out to the main seating area.
The seats were nice, with butter-soft white leather, and the carpeting was insanely plush for a plane, so I was a little afraid to eat here. But we were all adults, so hopefully there wouldn’t be any messes.
