VIII

I slowly walk across the field, heading to the packhouse. I have a meeting with Alpha Dean, my father, Lee, and my best friend. I sigh as I move toward the packhouse. I’m trying to figure out the best way to handle this situation with Samiah. Should I announce her as my mate now, or should I wait to do that?

Sid has been unusually quiet since we went down to see her. He’s been at the forefront of my mind, but he hasn’t said a word. I don’t know what to do with that, so I left it where it was. I see Ross up ahead, coming out of the packhouse.

Ross runs the local mechanic shop that we have for the pack. I know that he’s close with Samiah and has been teaching her the trade. It’s crazy to think of a Beta’s mate having a job outside of the packhouse. It’s even crazier for that job to be in a mechanic’s shop. It would be different if she were a receptionist or secretary, but that isn’t what Samiah’s been doing. I won’t allow my mate to do the job of a man while she’s standing by my side. “Future Beta Kemarion, it’s nice to see you back on packlands.” I stop walking and give him my full attention.

“It’s nice to see you as well, Ross. How has business been?” I watch him fidget a bit while trying to keep it under wraps.

“It’s been okay, though I did lose my best mechanic.”

“Are you referring to Samiah?” He nods.

“She’s the best mechanic I have. She can get through a lot of vehicles in a week and that’s been keeping the business moving. I hope everything gets resolved soon and she gets released.”

“Actually, she’ll be released today.” His face lights up at the news, and that pulls at something inside of me. “She won’t be returning to the shop, though.” Ross looks at me with confusion. It’s better to rip the bandage off now before Ross gets too excited.

“Did something happen to her while she was in the cells?” I shake my head.

“No, that isn’t the case. She just doesn’t need to debase herself doing a job like that. That job isn’t meant for someone of rank.” I don’t wait for a response. I nod and continue to the packhouse.

I speak to people as I walk past them. They are happy to see me back and aren’t shy about saying hello. I finally make it to the Alpha’s office, realizing that I’m the last to appear. I settle next to Dean and wait for his father to tell us why we are here. “We have an alliance to secure. We have a small window to get this done. We are sending you two since you will be taking over soon. You have to leave immediately.” This isn’t what I thought I’d hear, but it may actually work in my favor.

I’ve been trying to figure out what to do about Samiah. Maybe it’s best that I’m not around when she gets out of the cells. She will have time to get back into the swing of things. When I get back, we can sit down and discuss our bond.

We finish up the meeting with our fathers, and we immediately get into the waiting SUV. Omegas packed our bags while we were meeting. I turn to look out of the window, my bond with Samiah pulling at me. The car takes off, and my thoughts go to what I will do once I get back.

~Samiah~

I watch him walk away, but say nothing. There are too many thoughts running through my mind that I can’t get a handle on any one. Rae hasn’t said anything either, which makes me feel a bit better.

Footsteps break me out of my thoughts. A guard is standing in front of my cell, twisting the key in the lock. He opens the door and steps aside, gesturing for me to come out. I stand on my feet and walk toward the cell door. My body is stiff because there isn’t much movement to be had within a small cell. I immediately leave my cell and stop in front of my mother’s.

She’s being loaded onto a stretcher by a nurse and a guard. They pull her out of the cell, and I quickly end up at her side. I grab her hand, hating how ice cold it is. Her breathing is so shallow, and Rai whimpers in my mind. “Mom?” She groans a little, but doesn’t open her eyes. “Mom, it’s okay. I’m right here.” She doesn’t say anything, but she’s still breathing. I stay by her side as we leave the cells.

The sunlight blinds me the moment we get above ground. It’s been so long since I’ve felt the sun on my skin or breathed in fresh air. As much as I want to revel in it, I’m more concerned about my mom.

I follow her all the way to the clinic and up to the double doors. They stop me at the doors, telling me that I need to let her be examined before I can go back. I’m stuck in the waiting room, hating that I have to stay behind.

I’m not sure how much time passes, but a doctor finally comes out to see me. “Your mom has been sick for a while. Her wolf hasn’t been strong enough to heal her. Her losing her mate took a toll on her wolf, and the time in the cells has practically depleted her.” I swallow the lump forming in my throat and push the tears down.

“Will my mom be okay?” The look on the doctor's face tells me everything, but I still need to hear the words.

“She doesn’t have long.” I stare at the doctor, not really knowing what to say.

“Can I see her?” He nods and leads me to her room. I step inside alone and look at my mom in the bed. There’s a machine beeping next to her. She has tubes attached to her body, and she looks much smaller than I’ve ever seen her before. I hurry to her side and slump into the chair. I grab her hand and hold it tightly. “Mom, I’m here. I promise I won’t let you be alone.”