Page 33 of The Return
“No, Jonas. That’s not what’s happening here. We discussed the fact that we needed to be more aware ofallof our packs, and what they’re doing with their lives. We let Corey slide under the radar and never gave a thought as to whether he was integrating well with your wolves. Any failure is on us, not him. Instead, we want to visit the shop to try out these choux buns we keep hearing about.”
“And if it gives us a chance to apologize, then we’ll be grateful for it. Though moving forward, you cannot use this as an excuse when we say something needs to be done. We won’t change our mind about Corey not moving to the pack house, but if we decide something else has to happen, it will. Are we understood?”
That was far more than I’d hoped for. “Yes, understood. And thank you.”
“Don’t thank us. We failed, and we’re going to try and start the process to correct it. That’s all.”
“Understood. When should I tell Corey to expect you?”
“Monday morning at nine. There will be the three of us, plus our entourage. Please have him make enough for twelve people.” Yawen turned his head and looked at Delray, then over to Entwhile. “We stand adjourned. Jonas, we will see you Monday.”
“Yes, of course. Thank you so much!”
But they were already gone. Now I had to figure out how to tell Corey they were coming. That should go well.
CHAPTER10
COREY
When Jonas entered the house,he came out to the back where I was working with Brent Royale, who I found on the website. It listed him as being a handyman, jack-of-all-trades kind of guy, and when I spoke with him, he said that putting together a shelter for Matt would be no problem.
The work had been going well. The lean-to style edifice would give Matt protection from the elements, but still allow him to see the stars he loved. And if things got bad, Brent added tarps that a man or wolf could easily unfurl to cover the unit.
Then Jonas walked in and dropped his bombshell.
“Wait, let me get this straight,” I said for probably the fifth time. “The people who are in charge are coming to the coffee shop Monday? And they’re bringing anentouragewith them?”
Jonas gave an indulgent smile. “Yes, for the sixth time.”
“So I’ve only got this weekend to prepare. That’s just fucking awesome.”
“Brent, tell him that it’s not a big deal.”
But Brent stood there, pale as a sheet. “The Council? They’re coming here? To Harken’s Corners? Monday?”
Yeah, so encouraging. “Not a big deal, huh?”
Jonas at least had the decency too blush. “Core, I swear to you, they only want to get a chance to meet you. They’re another part of the pack that failed you, and they want the opportunity to make it right. That’s all. And they did say you could stay in Harken’s Corners and not have to move to the pack house. That has to count for something, right?”
“No. It means they’re doing a lot of ass covering.”
He moved closer and put a hand on my bicep. I expected to be pulled to him, and he didn’t disappoint. “You have to stop being so mistrusting. People make mistakes, and we do our best to rectify them. The Council knows they didn’t treat you as pack, and they regret it. Give them a chance to prove themselves.”
“May I say something?” Kinsey inquired.
“Of course. Please, speak freely,” I told him.
“I’m thirty-four years old, and I have never heard the Council apologize to anyone for anything. They are the ultimate arbiters of our laws and customs. If they’re coming here, and with the intent to apologize, I would give them your trust until they prove they aren’t worthy of it.”
He made sense. I turned to Matt, who stood at the window looking out over the backyard, staring longingly at what Brent had built. It wasn’t a house, but it was something that would protect him. On the inside I placed several down comforters I’d gotten from Analise Braybrook, who crafted the most beautiful quilts I’d ever seen. I ordered a few for our place. The thing that frustrated me was when I asked how much I owed for them, both Analise and Brent said that as the Alpha Mate, there would be no charge.
Yeah, no, but that was something I’d sort out later.
“Matt?”
He turned, eyes wide. “I’m sorry, I was… occupied.”
“No problem. What do you think I should do?”
