Page 98 of Fate, Interrupted

“Sounds good.”

I only nod silently, surprised he’s included me and Henry in this meeting with Larkin’s police chief.

Henry refills his glass. The operational conversation continues for a few more minutes, nothing requiring too much in the way of logistics. It’s all mainly news Elias would prefer to know in person rather than through intermediaries.

Then he looks at me and smiles.

“You’ve been spending time with that girl again,” he says.

Logan doesn’t react immediately. He leans back slightly, one hand returning to the stem of his glass. “Yes.”

“She’s from the Ridge pack.”

“Yes.”

“Her family’s stable.”

“They are.”

A beat.

Elias nods once. “That’s a better match than the one from the Waldon pack.”

That’s it. No warmth, no elaboration. Only the assessment, delivered and filed. In this family that is the equivalent of a standing ovation.

Henry, who has the gift of making observations that are accurate without being welcome, murmurs, “High praise,” into his wine glass.

Logan ignores him.

Elias’s attention moves quickly to me.

“And you.”

He doesn’t use my name. Doesn’t need to elaborate. Only turns, everyone at the table already knowing what that turn and the use of my name signifies.

I feel Logan’s focus sharpen toward me. Henry’s too, though his is different, less assessment and more the careful attention of someone positioning himself to be useful if the room needs it.

I set my glass down. “Yes.”

Elias leans back slightly, fingers resting on the table. “You’re spending your time where it doesn’t serve you.”

“That depends on how you define serve.”

“I define it in terms of longevity.”

“I figured.”

“You’ve been distracted.”

“I’ve been busy.”

“Not in ways that benefit this family.”

“Silas is always busy,” Henry offers lightly. “It’s kind of his whole brand.”

I almost smile.

Elias doesn’t look at him. “This isn’t about brand.”