“It could be,” Dad says thoughtfully. “But it’s a very common name.”
“I agree, we need more than that,” Arden says. “Allow me to dig through this material properly and do some additional research. I want to pinpoint the locations where Felix met these guys. It was twice after all, so they have been following Gwen for a while.” He pauses. “Also, they weren’t out for an attack at first. It’s an interesting point for my profile.”
“Yes, that’s weird,” Dad agrees. “Had that hot-blooded guy not attacked Maddox and Felix, I think they would have gone for a different approach.”
“What for?” I want to know.
“Who knows,” Aurelia mutters. “Maybe they wanted to have you come along.”
“Or they might have wanted information,” Liam says. “Or both. Aurelia is right, they could have forced you to come with them to question you later.”
Arden doesn’t say anything more, just nods towards us and leaves the room. “Arden is definitely going to find something,” Aurelia says with conviction.
“Anything would be good,” Dad says. “Maybe he can follow the money.”
Aurelia stretches slightly. “He‘ll do that, and probably much more.”
“Alright,” Liam gets up as well. “How about a break?”
“I agree.” Dad smiles at us all. “Go and take a rest.” He turns to me. “How about you and Gwen join your mother and me for something to eat? Faye will be with us, too.”
Gwen has been quiet for the whole meeting, just constantly eyeing me in worry. Now, she smiles. “I would love that. Thank you.”
fifty
Plans
*GWENDOLYN*
Felix and I spend an hour having a bite to eat with his parents and Faye, and it does a lot to put my mind at ease. There is something very reassuring about both Elden and Flora’s presence. Whenever I am with them, I know I am going to be safe, especially when I am in this pack.
Flora even suggests for both of us to take Faye to Celine’s pack tomorrow. Celine and Marius have invited Faye for a playdate, and extended the invitation to Felix and me. I feel bad for allowing myself to get distracted when everything around me is in turmoil, but it sounds like such a nice plan.
“Will it be safe?” Felix asks.
“I will send Vincent with you,” Elden says before looking at me, and clarifying. “My beta.”
“My beta can join, too,” Flora agrees. “Edward is a very perceptive warrior. A true sentinel.” She pauses. “And take the bird along. No one will be able to harm you with that one having your back.”
“True,” Felix snorts. “But where are these demon pets coming from?”
“Not all of my pets are demons, are they?” I hurry to ask.
“No,” Flora assures me. “Just Tiger.” She frowns. “I have an inkling,” she finally says. “But it’s nothing you need to bother with for now. I can handle it on my own.”
Felix is right. She can be really cryptic in what she says, but once more, no one questions her, and they just accept what she says.
“What I wanted to say is that my gut feeling tells me you should visit Celine and Marius,” Flora adds. “You might be playing bait, so stay on alert.”
“Acting as bait might actually get us somewhere,” I mutter.
“I don’t like that thought,” Elden says. “And I don’t want you to take any unnecessary risks,” he adds. “I will instruct Vincent accordingly.” He pauses before looking at Flora. “Why does it need to be tomorrow?”
Flora tilts her head to the side, her expression one of utmost innocence. “I like the date,” she says with a bright smile.
“So, the benefits outweigh the risk,” Elden concludes. Apparently, he speaksFloraishand has his very own way of reading his mate and luna. For a moment, he seems to stare into the distance before he turns to look at Flora in surprise.
I am not sure what just dawned on him, but unfortunately, he doesn’t share it with us. “I am up for it,” I say. “I feel like Faye really needs this. And we don’t know who is after us or why. Ipersonally wouldn’t mind staying in Silverlake for a couple of months, but I can’t ask that of Faye.”
