A Matter of Convenience

Twenty-Three

~Isis~

I can’t believe he’s here; then again, I shouldn’t be surprised. I received the flowers from his mom yesterday, and I was touched by the gesture. I know I should have told him about my dad's passing, but the grief has been too heavy for me.

I’m an orphan now, and it’s hard to wrap my head around that. I guess at my age, I shouldn’t think of myself that way, but I do. I don’t really believe that there’s an age when you stop being someone’s child.

I'm pressed into Ericson’s body again, and I let his warmth cover me. I lay my head on his arm and listen to what’s being said. I have no tears, having cried enough since I found out he was sick. I just feel numb at this point, and I don’t know what to do next.

Everyone around us starts to move, gathering closer as the pyre is being set on fire. I don’t move from my spot, not wanting to remember my father that way. I said my goodbyes, and there’s nothing left.

I’m not sure how long we stand watching the dark smoke float through the air. The crowd starts to thin, and I shiver at the void in my life now. Ericson squeezes me to him and leans down, his warm breath caressing my ear. “Let’s go inside now.” I nod and let him guide my body toward the packhouse.

I keep my eyes trained on the ground as we walk. I don’t have to pay attention or worry about where I’m going. It’s strange to say, but I can trust Ericson to care for me. If anyone had asked me before if this was possible, I would have laughed hysterically and called them nuts. No way would I trust Ericson for any reason or believe he could be good to me.

Suddenly, we stop walking, and there are feet on the ground in front of me. I steel myself, knowing this is someone who wants to convey their condolences. I slowly look up and my eyes land on the elders who were in the clinic a few days ago. “Ms. Weston. We are so sorry for the loss of your father.” I nod, not trusting my voice. “It’s great to see Mr. Walker here to pay his respects.” Elder Mia has a soft voice, and her words are full of sadness.

“Actually, it’s great to see you both here.” Elder Thomas steps forward, but my eyes are looking past him. “We can talk to both of you about this pack issue at the same time. Kill two birds with one stone.” My body tenses as disbelief washes over me. They can’t possibly think that now is a good time to discuss pack business.

Elder Mia gasps and looks at Elder Thomas as if he’s a stranger. Ericson steps forward, his arm dropping from around me. I feel the loss of his touch, and a chill sets in my bones. My mouth is dry, but I know I need to address this in some way. Ericson beats me to it, though. “You can’t be fu.cking serious! We are at the last honors for a dear man, Isis’s father. How is it that you think it’s okay to bring up pack matters at a time like this?! If you came here for this, you can just turn around and leave right now. I will not have you disrespecting this sacred time or the memory of this man for your own selfish endeavors!” My heart swells at this Ericson that I didn’t even know existed. He’s taking up for me and protecting my feelings. Tears are building in my eyes, and my gratefulness is soaring.

“I’m so so sorry, Ms. Weston.” Elder Mia looks stricken, and Elder Jose looks everywhere but at me. “We didn’t come here to take away from this day or the reason why you all are gathered. Please know that we are sorry for your loss, and we will be in touch at a better time to discuss other matters.” I nod, and Elder Mia turns on her heel, pulling the other two with her.

I turn to face Ericson, losing my attempt at keeping my feelings reined in. I feel a tear fall down my face. “Tha-”

“Well, that should hold them off for a while. Too bad we didn’t know that they would show up for this. If we had, we could have taken our time getting us marked and settled.” My breath catches in my throat. I must be losing my mind right now. “We can breathe for a few days now. I’m sure they won’t contact either of us for a bit. It gives us more time to settle into our new roles.” My hand moves before I can register what I’m going to do. My hand makes contact with his face, and he falters in shock.

“f***k you!” I turn and run toward the treeline, lost in my thoughts and grief. It looks like I gave him too much credit way too soon.

~Jovanni~

If I were to say that I haven’t felt the loss of Isis, I’d be lying. I can’t tell if the loss I feel is because I truly care about her or if it was more because of the mate bond itself. One thing is for sure: regardless of why I feel how I feel, I’m locked into this plan… whatever it is.

I haven’t spoken to the Alpha anymore about getting Isis back, but I’m not dumb enough to believe he’s let things go. I have no idea why he’s so hellbent on me getting Isis back or what his issue is with the Scarlett Moon pack. He didn’t give me any details, and I know I can’t ask for clarification.

Oh, and as if all that wasn’t enough, I have to deal with Nina. She’s been all over me since she's been back, and every time she doesn’t get what she wants, she threatens to run to her father. I’m not too worried about that because the Beta knows everything that’s going on. That doesn’t change the fact that Nina is the Beta’s daughter, so I know I will only get away with things for so long. Jovanni, I need to see you in my office.

I close my eyes and sigh. I swear it’s almost like I summoned him by thinking about him. I put my weights away and grab my towel to wipe off the sweat. I hurry to the packhouse, not wanting to make my Alpha wait. When I arrive outside this office door, I knock and wait to be let in.

The door opens, and I walk in to see the Alpha at his desk and his Beta sitting in front of him. I sit down next to the Beta and quietly wait for someone to speak. “So, Jovanni, are you ready?”

“Ready? Ready for what, sir?” The Alpha sits back in his chair with a smile on his face.

“Ready to get your mate back. We will be heading to the Scarlettmaw Pack.”