Alpha Ian's The One and Only

Chapter 15

"You have a phone, and you didn't give me your number?"

I was going to unlock the front door when I recalled that Ian didn't answer one of my questions. Standing on the front porch, I look at him, waiting for the answer. He brushes my hair away from my face, his fingers lingering on my skin, sending tingles down the back of my spine.

"I don't have a phone. Earlier I called you from Evan's phone. If ever I get one in future, my number will be on your speed dial, baby," he smirked.

I chuckle. "Cheesy pickup lines don't suit you, Alpha. But why keep a phone when you all can mind-link?"

Before he could respond, the door swung open revealing the man himself. "I keep a phone because I like human technology. I have never had the opportunity to use it until today. Because you can't mind-link I have been carrying it around. Luna." He smiles and bows his head slightly.

Claire rushes past Evan to hug me. "Are you okay? Liam said you used the code. What happened?"

"Shush," I say, hugging her and smoothing her hair back. "I am okay. Everything is okay." I hope so. Liam was standing near the couch. Creed was seated on one of the chairs, and Bane was cooking.

"Where's Bri?" I ask, taking Claire's hand and moving towards the couch. Everyone took a seat, Ian on my left, Claire on my right, and Liam on one vacant chair. Evan sat by the kitchen counter where he had set up his workstation.

"She's in her room," Liam says. "So, what happened?"

I tell them about the two mystery men, what they told me about Jay and my suspicions. I leave the part about someone following me, not wanting to spook them more. When I finish, Liam is on the edge of his chair, his head bowed and elbows resting on his knee. Claire is gripping my hand tightly.

"Uncle Jay is missing," Liam says. His voice was deep with emotion. Claire sniffles.

"Hey, we don't know anything for certain. Don't come to conclusions, okay?" I try to console both of them.

"Who's Jay?" Ian asks.

"Ryan's best friend and practically family. They have been friends since they were in diapers. If one got in trouble other was right there to face punishment, they always had each other's back. They even joined Army together right after school. Jay was Ryan's best man at his wedding. Jay and I were Liam, Claire and Bri's guardians. When I adopted them, he lost guardianship, but he has always been part of their lives."

Ian had his arm on the back of the couch and was absent-mindedly playing with my hair while I explained everything. I wanted to lean my head on his shoulder and forget everything. But we have pressing matters at hand.

Bane placed a plate of sandwiches and juice glasses on the coffee table. "I thought you all must be hungry, so I made cheese-grilled sandwiches. My mother always says all the good ideas come on a full stomach."

I smile at him and thank him.

"Oh, I forgot to mention. Those men gave me their business cards and told me to call them in case Jay contacted me," I say, reaching for the bag I have placed on the coffee table. I found the card and hand it to Ian. "I am not sure how much help this could be because I think the names are fake." He studies it and gives it to Evan, who is now standing near the couch.

Reading the names, Evan chuckles, "Vern Elliott and Dwight York. What a douche name." He returns to his seat and immediately gets to work. Liam sits beside Evan, and they both start taking codes and programs. They both seem to have bonded over computers.

"I will take these for Bri," Claire says, taking a plate of sandwiches and a glass of juice.

I lean my head back, unknowingly on Ian's arm and rub my hand on my face. My mind is running a million miles a minute. The scar-face man said everyone in Jay's team is dead except Jay. What could have happened? Were they telling the truth? Do they suspect Jay of something? We were attacked two days ago, and now mystery men are looking for Jay. Could it be a coincidence? But what would Scythe want with Jay? Am I going crazy mixing two different situations?