He's sitting in one of the two chairs across from Chase's desk. His posture is perfect. Hands folded in his lap. Eyes fixed on something past Chase's shoulder.
He doesn't look at me.
I don't look at him.
I take the other chair.
We've been doing this dance for weeks now. Showing up in the same rooms but keeping our eyes elsewhere. Saying what needs to be said about the case and nothing else. There's a conversation waiting between us that neither of us has had the space or the nerve to start, and every time we're in the same room it gets heavier.
Not today. Today isn't for that.
Chase glances up from his tablet. "Jasper. Thanks for coming."
I nod.
"I called this meeting for two reasons," Chase continues. "One, I need an update on Ragon's movements. Two, I want to bring Lukas up to speed on the case."
"Lukas?" I ask. Lukas is Chase's senior investigator. His right hand man. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"He'll be presenting with me when this goes to panel." Chase sets the tablet down. "I've already briefed him on the basics. He knows about Alex's involvement and he's agreed to keep it quiet."
My breath hitches slightly.
Alex's involvement.
Because if his role in this gets out to the wrong person, the case turns into a liability. Everything Chase spent months building could be used against them.
"It was essential for Lukas to know the full picture," Chase says. "Including the heat abandonment, Alex's pack stepping in, and where Vee is now."
The heat.
The word drops into my chest and sinks.
I was there. I was in that house while she was alone, burning through heat with nobody. I didn't know she was in heat, but I knew she was there and I stayed where I was told to stay. I told myself it was the right call and I have been telling myself that every single day since and it still sits in my gut in a way I can't digest.
She's okay. She's out. She's safe with Alex's pack.
I know that.
It doesn't help like it should.
There's a knock at the door.
"Come in," Chase calls.
Lukas Bridges enters.
He’s mid-forties and graying at the temples with a solid build. His scent is neutral because he prefers to keep it closed off. Alpha without making a point of it.
"Lukas," Chase says. "You remember Jasper? He works in records."
Lukas's eyes find me, assessing. He has the look of a man who's learned to read people quickly.
"And you know Arden," Chase adds.
"Arden." A nod in his direction, then Lukas pulls the third chair close and sits.
For a moment no one speaks.
