Page 108 of Wolf Blood

"How long was your longest unmated turned vampire stable for?"

"Four years."

Four years was a long time, but basically nothing when the alternative was immortality.

"Then wolf blood makes us sane, but a mate bond is the only thing that can really make us stable." I leaned against the doorframe, not entirely ready to go back into my apartment and be alone again.

"That might actually be true. I need to talk to Nolan and Maverick about it. Discuss what it could mean for Riley. We might need to warn the Wilder Pack that it's a possibility."

I nodded.

"What are you going to do about Rhone?" he asked, rising to his feet.

"Not sure. Locking him out will force him into a reaction of some kind."

"Am I allowed to suggest another option?"

"I guess."

Oren tucked his hands in his pockets. "Rhone's shit with feelings, but he's the most loyal asshole you'll ever meet. Give him a chance to decide what he wants to do now that things have changed, and work with him. You're a team now. I can't see himbeing anything other than the most obsessive, devoted mate you could ask for. I think he'll surprise you."

My chest burned a little with the words. "I hope you're right."

"You should give me the passcode, just in case," Oren said.

"I'll text it to Sutton again. She hates him too much to tell him unless there's an emergency."

Oren nodded. "Good luck."

"Thanks. I'll need it."

He walked down the hall.

I stayed where I was for a few minutes before I finally picked up my phone.

When I did, the screen flashed me a message that made me freeze.

Missed call from Neve

My mother.

She hadn't contacted me since I devolved.

Why was she reaching out now?

My immediate instinct was to call Rhone. Text him, at least. Ask him what I should do.

But he didn't know anything about my situation with my mom.

Bloom didn't know much, either. I'd always tried not to talk about it, and she'd never pushed. I was pretty sure she just thought my mom was unemotional and unattached.

Which was true.

It just wasn't the full truth.

Maverick obviously didn't know any more than Bloom or Rhone, but he was the Alpha. I needed to tell someone that she had contacted me, in case the pack could prevent another unnecessary death like Ozzy's.

So, I texted him.