---
14 - Let Me In
Carmichael
"Ey, Jefe," Nico's voice slurs out.
"Nico, where is Papa?" I ask in frustration. Here I am thousands of miles away from LoboGris, and when I call Papa's office to check on the pack, Nico answers.
"Dunno,Jefe," Nico mutters.
"What are you doing in his office?" I growl.
"The bestmezcalis here, Carm!" he laughs.
I swear under my breath. Not just Nico, but a drunk Nico. It seems to happen more and more recently.
"Where is everyone else?" I snap.
"Ey,escucha, Carm-Carmichael," Nico hiccups. "Listen,Escu-eschucha. It's OK. I'm in Papa's office,sí? Because he's not here."
"No seas ojetes.Where is he, Nico?" I'm seething. There's nothing more aggravating than trying to get a straight answer from a drunk.
"En su casa," he belches right into the phone after telling me.
"Nico," my voice drops dangerously. "I'm going to call your cell. You have it on you,si? Answer it. Start walking towards Papa's house." I have questions formipadre.
"No," Nico says stubbornly. "I don't wanna talk to 'im.No mames,güey."
"Nico," I start.
"No! Where are you, Carm? Why aren't you here?"
"I'm with Rhet in the north, Nico," I explain. My alpha-wolf paces, agitation rolling off of him. We want our female with us.
"¿Qué pasa?You aren't home?" Nico sounds distraught.
I immediately feel guilty. I don't speak to my own brother enough, do I?
"I'll be back in a couple of weeks," I promise him.
"¿Si?"
"Si, hermanito."
"OK, Carm," Nico says with hope in his voice.
"Why don't you go to sleep, now, Nico?" I suggest. My voice is still rough. I'd bet my pack that Cassidy could soothe my brother more easily.
"On Papa's couch?" he asks hopefully.
"Si, Nico. Use the couch."
I hang up with my brother and take a deep breath. I hit the next number before I can second-guess myself.
"Hi Carm!" my omega greets me with a smile in her voice. My wolf stops pacing, settling down at the sound of her voice.
"I miss you," I murmur into my phone. I held out for four days, and part of me wonders why I bothered.