Page 127 of Those That Are Lost
“Hhhmm, you’re right. We will make legalising your supply a priority. Have you got enough for now?”
“We will need another run tomorrow. We’ve had to drink more to heal from the fight but our demands won’t be as much in the day to day,” Ty informs her. “It would be good if we can figure out a safe way to get some fresh supply too.”
She thinks for a minute, shovelling more fries, before answering.
“We can come up with some ideas, you do the same and we’ll start planning in a few days. I really want to make this work. Maybe you can come to our offices regularly for a while. It would be good to show you our resources, and I’m sure the Prime Minister will want to meet you as soon as he returns.”
That sounds insane to me. How have I gone from student, to vampire, to fugitive, to now meeting the head of our island to discuss ways to make life better for the pack I’m about to lead. I’ve lost my father and isolated myself from my friends, found the love of my life, and nearly lost him. I very nearly lost myself.
I lean my head on Ty’s shoulder as the group continues talking. The conversations shift but I don’t take in a singleword. I simply lean on my mate and inhale his scent, letting it ground me. I cherish the feel of his warmth seeping into my skin, the deep tone of his voice every time he speaks.
I look over as Antares bursts into a particularly raucous laugh. He’s sitting next to Atlas and I have to smile watching his ridiculously obvious attempt at flirting. I see Henry noticing it too. Our eyes catch and I roll mine, knowing how entertaining this might be to witness.
My gaze snatches to the wolf laying up against Henry’s crossed legs. Ash must’ve shifted back after eating and looks like he’s fighting sleep as Henry’s hand creates soothing circles in the fur on his side. I hadn’t realised how close those two were, the way they’re acting looks almost intimate. Henry freezes as he becomes aware that I’m still looking at him. I quickly move my head, not wanting to disturb whatever that moment is.
Ty’s hand coming to my thigh, distracting me from the rest of the group. He strokes my leg softly through my leggings. I close my eyes to everything except his touch.
So many things could’ve gone differently in the last two years. There were so many times where I could’ve made different choices. I’ve experienced the worst pain of my life, both physically and emotionally. I will wear those scars permanently. I’ll have to prioritise my mental health to keep it in a positive place, I know where the slippery slope is and how easily I could fall. For right now though, I feel hopeful.
‘Come on,I think it's time we head inside and find a bed for you.’Ty’s voice pushes through the sleep fog descending on me.
I look up to see several people already standing, gathering the rubbish from our meal, and finding coats and jackets. Thesun is starting to set and the temperature has already cooled from the hot afternoon sun.
The detectives pile into their cars and leave, Mitch heading out with them.
We’re about to go into the ranch house and figure out where everyone can sleep when the sound of tires on gravel makes everyone pause.
Assuming it's one of the officer’s cars returning to grab something they’ve forgotten, we round the house instead.
It's not one of the black cars with tinted windows however, it's a taxi.
“There’s someone with power, and two without,” Atlas states, coming up behind me and Ty.
Before we have time to panic, the car is slowing and the back door is opening. A whirl of blonde hair and a female in tight fluorescent pink leggings and a lycra sports top is charging right for me.
Bree slings herself around me before I can brace. I’m slammed back into Atlas’s chest and he and Ty have to stop us from crashing to the ground entirely.
“Bree, how did you get here?” I say, my voice breathy from being nearly winded.
“Rory, thank the gods you’re okay,” she says over me, pulling back and scanning my face, neck, every part of my body she can see whilst keeping a firm grip on my shoulders. “You are okay, right?”
“Yeah, I’m good.” My face splits into a huge grin.
It’s only at my confirmation that she seems to notice that she’s now surrounded by several males, none of which are human.
“Bree! I told you not to leave me behind!” Claire comes racing up to the group too, although stops short at the sight of the group with me. Behind her, the taxi has turned aroundand is already heading back up the drive. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes, I’m good. Everything’s fine,” I tell her, stepping forwards to greet her.
“After Ty and Henry ran out of my house yesterday, I’ve been so worried.” She looks me over the same way Bree just did.
“Well, okay. It was a bit scary for a while but it’s all fine now.” I close the distance to hug her.
“I was so worried.” Her voice cracks as she squeezes me right back. Bree joins in too and slings her arms around us both.
“How did you get here so fast?” I ask Bree again as we break apart.
“Claire called me as soon as you left her place. She told me you were going alone to confront the guy who caused you to run. I jumped on the first ferry I could.”
