Ali figured that he wasn’t joking, and she didn’t ask. Everything was off limits to her, and she was left wondering more than anything else. It was now her favorite thing to do since she’d met him, and it made her head hurt to think about it all. It was a lot to take in.
“Well, I had to do something.”
“Did you get any reading done?”
Ali shook her head that she hadn’t. It was the last thing on her mind at the moment. Her head was going in a million different directions, and it couldn’t focus enough to carry along with a story.
“Not really. I will try tomorrow. Did you find anything out?”
He told her that he’d found out one of the places where Trenton was. They’d been unsure of his whereabouts, but as the vampires started to rally together, the areas of extra traffic were pinpointed. Cal wanted to make a surprise attack, but the pack had to vote on such a move.
“I didn’t know that it was all so diplomatic.”
“I may be in charge, but I have to honor the elders and let them have their vote. I can go over it and do it anyways, but I try not to do that whenever possible. A consensus is always best, makes everyone liable for the outcome, good or bad.”
Ali could just imagine what kind of conversation would be made about her. She was noticing things that made her nervous and present company and their ideals made her even more concerned. They weren’t just a pack; they were a community, and she knew how they all felt about humans.
“Well, I hope you find him soon so that I can get back to my life. I know this must be a huge imposition this must be for you.”
“Not at all. It’s nice to have someone to come home to. This place gets very quiet.”
Ali felt that way too, but at the same time, she needed to get out of there and back into a world that she understood. It was easier to think that humans were still on the top of the food chain and not just unnecessary casualties in a war between other species.
“I will always be grateful to you, Cal. I shudder to think about what would have happened if you hadn’t been there. I hope there is something that I can do to repay you someday for all of your kindness.”
“It’s not necessary, Ali. You have no obligation towards me now or in the future. I just want to make sure that you’re okay.”
Ali didn’t want an obligation towards him either, but she did owe him. It was hard not to after what he did for her and what would have happened if he hadn’t interfered. Those were actions that deserved some sort of reward, but what would a man like Cal want that she could give him?
