Chapter 216
0216
ZAIA.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, concerned. The meeting has ended, and we had just gotten home. I
immediately called Dad in the car but he had not picked up, making me extremely worried.
Sebastian had told me to remain calm, and I was relieved when he had rang back a few moments ago.
“Calm down, Zaia, everything is handled, but you should come down as soon as you can,” Dad says
calmly.
Why did he sound… different?
“What happened?” I asked. “You said it’s urgent and now you’re saying to calm down?”
“We’ll discuss it when you pop down, say tomorrow? Alright?”
Pop down?
That doesn’t sound like Dad, his voice sounds almost indifferent.
“Are you sure tomorrow is ok? I can come down tonight?” I suggest, running my fingers through my hair
as I take out some black pants and a fitted black top from my suitcase.
“Yes. You should come tomorrow, take care.”
He ends the call and I frown down at it.
That was… strange.
He didn’t even ask about the children, that… isn’t like Dad.
Is everything ok?
Tomorrow… I’ll talk to the boys and Val, and see what they make of it.
Putting my thoughts aside, I change swiftly and pull on some boots, ready to meet Olivan and his
people.
Leaving our room, I head downstairs, the sound of talking reaching my ears.
Three voices?
Bastien, Jai and… is that Atticus?
+25 BONOS
“Atticus, what are you doing here?” I ask with a smile as I make my way down the stairs, surprised to
see him there. He’s standing with Jai and Sebastian, and they fall silent, turning to me.
“I’m coming with you,” Atticus says with a small smirk. “Sebastian himself called me.”
I look at Sebastian, surprised.
“Oh? How come?” I ask, confused, as I walk over to them, and Atticus gives me a hug that makes
Sebastian frown.
“You don’t seem so happy to see me,” Atticus replies with a small smile.
“It’s not that. I’m just curious as to why.” I reply as I look up at Sebastian questioningly.
“Atticus will go with you to the Rogues. I wanted to make sure you have enough backup.” He says to
me, his face serious.
“I’m sure you
are enough,” I say with a smile.
His eyes meet mine before he looks away indifferently.
“I’ll be staying with the children.”
My smile vanishes, and I glance at Jai, who looks a little concerned, but he’s masking it well. I glance
back at Sebastian.
He isn’t going with me…
My stomach twists and I don’t know why that hurts. It’s not like he told me he’d come with me, but… I
was expecting it.
“Oh, I… ok, that’s great,” I say, forcing a graceful smile onto my face.
Why am I acting so emotional? I went alone last time.
Maybe because he seemed concerned… and I didn’t think he’d let me go alone…
We are a team.
“Well, you really must be concerned if you called Atticus to accompany me. Although I think I would
have been fine alone.” I say smoothly.
“Take care of yourself and I will tell all three of you this one final time. The decision is ultimately yours.
Don’t go anywhere with them. They chose the meeting spot. Do not let them dictate the final location.
Keep it in the open and stay aware. Trust no one.” Sebastian says before he looks me over.
“I’m sure they won’t be that bad. I mean, they did let Zaia go unharmed.” Jai says.
#25 BONGS
“Everyone has ulterior motives. I don’t care what happens to anyone but her. Bring her back, safe.”
Sebastian says, his eyes cold as he looks at Jai.
It was not a comment from friend to friend, but an Alpha’s command to his Beta.
“Understood,” Jai replies with a bow of his head.
“Ok guys, it’s not that serious,” I say lightly before becoming serious and crossing my arms. “I called
Dad, he sounded weird… I think something isn’t right, but he’d like us to come tomorrow. I have half a
mind to go tonight.”
0217