Page 14 of Threads of Fate

So, waking alone was a bad omen, for sure. He’d discovered Rowan was showing Grayson some of what he’d learned the night before in the kitchen, with Jay drinking green tea in the living room, laptop open, and emails scrolling by. He and Jay had made for the studio just as the sun came up while Lucazipped from room to room, high on caffeine and the promise that he could wake Finn at six am sharp.

The company was quiet so early, and they quickly started right back where they’d left off last night. Luca had made a bit of headway on lyrics from their home studio, but it was clear the track had given him a hard time, too…and not the fun kind. They were debating whether to “table or trash it” and start from scratch when Finn called.

Their pack alpha is not one for drama, and Leo has tried to incorporate his steady demeanor into his interactions. Enigma alphas are notoriously hot-headed, domineering, and prone to aggression, but not Jay. He holds his aggression and dominance in an iron fist, always leading with his softer emotions first. Passionate and sensitive, he puts his pack first in all things. This meant he was held in the highest regard throughout their industry and certainly at home.

Having two other enigmas (Grayson and Rowan) in his pack is a testament to his character, and Leo has learned alongside them, so he, too, could be a pillar of strength for his mates and carry some of the load. Where Gideon is “act first, ask questions later,” Leo tries to balance that out. Together they act as Jay’s right and left hands.

Hearing their steadfast Finn, non-verbal on the other end of the phone, had both of them headed for the hospital at a dead run. Leo is glad the new track is shit because he’s not sure it even got saved.

Raising his head from the steering wheel and sighing at the braided mark the leather has left on his forehead, he palms his cell phone. Shit. What does he even say? That Finn found their eighth. Oh, and he’s Jay’s dead Nix, and no, we don’t know why he’s not dead. But also, he might be, but for real this time. Fuck.

Instead, he opens the group chat:

1:04 PM - from Leo

Family meeting at 1:30, no exceptions.

Grayson, I’ll pick you up in 20.

1:04 PM - from Gideon

…

I’ll get Grayson. I’m en route.

Leave it to Gideon to do what they needed to do without fanfare. He’ll have questions galore at home, but for now, he trusts Leo.

1:05 PM - from Grayson

Gotta escape this fucking meeting

Text when you’re here

Is everyone ok?

1:05 PM - from Ro

Luca is freaking out. Just tell me everyone’s ok.

1:08 PM - from Grayson

I’m out. Will wait in the side lot. Where’s Luca?

The Lexus turns over silently, and Leo edges into midday Nashville city traffic. The in-car Bluetooth connects, and the car announces texts as he heads home.

1:14 PM - from Ro

Luca can’t come to the phone right now.

1:14 PM - from Luca-baby

I cannot come to the phone because I am under a very large and very concerned alpha in the nest. Find me there, please.

…

Is everyone ok? I may be freaking out a bit.

Ten minutes from home, the texts stop coming. What could he say via text? The others must know it’s urgent if they’re being called home. He only hopes he’ll know what to say when he gets there.

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