Page 35 of Pack Apollo

I've been holding onto the anger and disappointment for too long. Or, maybe it's finding people who actually give a shit about me. I snap. "Your daughter is doing great and getting along at school very well. Thanks so much for caring to ask."

"Don't you go and get an attitude with me, young lady. I brought you into this world and raised you. You don't talk to me like that," she snaps back.

Knowing I'm losing an already lost battle, I concede, "You're right. I'm sorry. Look, I just called because I was wondering if you'd want to drive up for lunch tomorrow afternoon. I'll pay for gas and for lunch, and even a hotel if you wanted to stay the night and drive back Monday."

"Billie, I don't know," she starts. "You know I don't drive well anymore as it is."

"I'll order you an uber or a taxi if I have to," I offer. "Please, Mom. I really want to see you."

Her sigh is loud through the phone. "Okay fine. Just give me the time and place and I will meet you there."

I text it to her as we hang up so that she has the information, knowing good and damn well that I'll have to text her tonight and tomorrow morning again to be sure she doesn't forget. Wouldn't be the first time at all. Though, I have to admit to myself that the call did nothing to alleviate the worry sitting in my gut. I'm not sure if it's because of what I might find out, or what answers I maynotget.

I'm still perched on the edge of my bed with my phone clutched tightly in my hand when it vibrates. It's a text from Cordell.

Good afternoon, babe. I have a favor if you're not busy.

I'm not doing much of anything actually. Just have to work later. What's up?

Feel like making a quick trip to the city to see if you can persuade Roz to come home? He's not supposed to be working today, but has been there for hours.

The thought excites me. To think that I'd be able to influence the alpha in any kind of way is crazy, especially when it comes to his work since he's a damn workaholic. The temptation to try is simply too much to pass up on.

Sure!

Great, thanks! I'll be there in twenty to pick you up.

Twenty minutes. The man must really think I can work miracles at this point. Bring Roz homeandbe ready to go in twenty? I jump up and get to it, hoping his faith in me hasn't been displaced.

The ride to the city is quiet as I'm lost in thought and Cordell lets me think in peace. He seems to know that I need it. Every so often, he'll bring our joined hands together and kiss the back of mine. I try to apologize for not being chatty, but he brushes it off easily.

"Are you staying at the pack house tonight after work?"

"Yep, I had planned to," I reply with a smile.

"Will you stay with me?" he asks, not looking at me, as though he's worried that I'll reject him.

"Of course," I tell him easily. In all the weeks I've been staying every Saturday night, it's always been with Palmer. Not that I haven't wanted to stay with the others, it's just habit at this point. Plus, most of them are already in bed by the time we get there. None of them have asked and neither have I.

"Palmer will just have to share for one weekend," he says, shooting me a grin and rewarding me with that dimple. I give into temptation and lean over to kiss it, not fully moving back to my side. I didn't realize just how much I needed comfort today. Until this very moment, I didn't even realize how much I've needed it all my life.

"Thank you," I tell him randomly.

He doesn't question it, like he already knows. I'm sure it's one of those alpha senses. Knowing what I need before I know I need it. Giving my hand another kiss, he lets me go back to thinking in peace.

When we get to Roz's building, I'm excited to see that it's a giant skyscraper. I've never had reason to be in one before.

"Please tell me he's somewhere close to the top," I murmur, looking all the way up.

Cordell snickers slightly as he parks at the curb and gets out. Coming around to my side of the car, he opens the door for me, locking it behind us.

"I have to walk you in to get you through security since we're letting you surprise him," he tells me as we walk inside the building.

Its interior is just as impressive as the outside, and I start to worry that I'm extremely out of place. Not just because I chose a mini skirt with a button-down dress shirt tucked into it withmy ankle boots, completely unprofessional for a place like this, but also, because I personally don't feel that I'm professional enough. I touch the buttons on my blouse to make sure they're all done up.

Cordell bypasses security with a wave of his hand and walks us over to the elevators. He presses the button to go up and it immediately dings, not surprising since we seem to be the only ones in the building. I'm too distracted by the opulence of the elevator to notice what button he presses before he steps in front of it blocking my view.

"Stop fidgeting," he commands with no bark. "You are absolutely beautiful. He won't be able to say no to you. If I wasn't worried about messing up how perfect you look, I'd prove it to you. I've been wanting to steal a kiss since laying eyes on you."

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