The Price for Adis

*Tjeck*

 Of course, Adis has managed to get himself thrown in jail at the most critical moment in this foolish situation he has created for himself and the rest of us. It’s only a matter of time before Zombie tries to get to Amber. I fear her psyche won’t be able to handle that yet. If that happens, we’ll be forced to reveal to her not just why she has that name, but what it truly signifies about her identity and her past.

 Not that I don’t want to tell her… she deserves to know the truth. But it isn’t my decision to make; it’s something that Adis and Kattie need to address. The revelation could very well sway her decision to stay with us. 

 Having Amber here with me at least keeps her safe from Zombie; in my territory, he’ll never reach her. The downside, however, is that since my pack is much larger, there are many more people who could accidentally let something slip. I have to be extra cautious and keep her away from my own members as much as possible. The last thing I need is for someone to inadvertently reveal her identity or the truths we’re trying to shield her from.

 Every Tuesday, we hold a meeting for the Alphas in the old church, a crumbling relic of a more peaceful time. Each pack is required to send at least one representative to speak on their behalf, a tradition that has become increasingly tense in light of recent events. Given everything that’s transpired over the past few weeks… the chaos surrounding Amber’s arrival, Adis's relapse into drugs, his subsequent imprisonment… I decided to attend myself this time. I need to be there to support Kattie when the inevitable questions about Amber come up, and I can’t let her face the other Alphas alone. So, I leave Amber in Mike's capable hands. He’s an old friend, a solid guy, and I trust him to keep her safe and away from prying eyes, ensuring we avoid any unwanted situations. Plus, he’s the next best person to help her begin her training.

 To be honest, I’m not particularly looking forward to the meeting. I know there will be arguments, and probably some yelling. A major headache is already brewing in my temples, but I know my presence is essential. The weight of all these issues hangs over me like a dark cloud… everything with Amber, Adis's foolish choices, and the looming threats from Christopher and her father, not to mention the danger Zombie poses. 

 On top of that, there’s Kattie. She has started coming by more often to train and talk, and while I appreciate her company, I know what she really wants from me. I’m uncertain if I want to go down that road again. I do want to, but I can’t shake the feeling that it might not be a good idea. Pursuing something with her could lead to complications with Clay and Adis, and I’m all too aware of how it usually ends… with a “Sorry, Tjeck, but you know it was never going to be serious,” followed by her devoting herself to another man, be it Adis, Clay, or someone else entirely. 

 Don’t get me wrong; she hasn’t left me heartbroken and sobbing. But it does sting a bit that I seem to be only enough for her when she’s feeling down and needs lifting up. 

*****

 As I approach the church, I meet Kattie and KC outside. Kattie pulls me aside, her expression serious. I glance at KC, who is preoccupied with setting things up. “Just go ahead and get things ready; we’ll be there in a minute.” Once he’s gone, I turn to Kattie, sensing her tension. “Is something wrong?”

 “Tjeck, I don’t know if I did the right thing,” she admits, avoiding my gaze. Her fingers fidget with the hem of her shirt. “The price for Adis’s freedom was steep.”

 “What have you promised them?” I ask, a sense of dread creeping in. I know all too well how far she’s willing to go to help Adis.

 Kattie bites her lip before answering, her voice barely above a whisper. “I kind of promised to search for Sarah Noble in the underworld.”

 “Have you made any promises about what you would do if you found her?” I ask, holding my breath. Adis brought this mess upon himself; it wouldn’t be fair to sacrifice Sarah—or Amber—for his sake.

 “No. But I promised to get back to them after I’ve spoken to all the Alphas about it. In return, Adis gets released in a week.” She looks up at me, desperation in her eyes. “What am I going to tell them?”

 “The truth,” I suggest, trying to reassure her. “At least up to the point where Sunny let her go.” I shrug, knowing that they could easily find out for themselves if they really wanted to.

 “The rules forbid me from turning in Sunny,” she points out, her voice trembling slightly. “He could have me judged and punished if I rat him out to the guardians.”

 “Everyone knows about his business, even the guardians. If they weren’t so damned scared of us, they would be questioning him themselves.” I wrap an arm around her shoulders, trying to provide some comfort. “You haven’t made a bad deal. You haven’t promised to reveal where she is or to exchange her for Adis.”

 “I almost did,” she admits, her gaze fixed on the ground, shame washing over her features.

 I have no doubt she would have gone through with it if pressed. Adis has always had this magnetic hold over her, like a tamed puppy following its master, despite her claims that no man would ever own her and despite everything he has done to her. 

 I offer her a small smile, hoping to lighten the mood. “Well, almost doesn’t count.” I squeeze her shoulder gently, wishing I could ease the burden she’s carrying. We both know the stakes, and I can only hope that we find a way to navigate this tangled web without losing anyone else in the process.