REIKA

EIGHT

He would try it again. Grandpa Damon was right. He would always linger around us, unless I killed him.

That man got too close to us. Way too close. I was sure he would try it once more. Maybe even over and over again. Next time I'd be ready. His expression was troubled and out of sorts, but I gave a flat fuck. There was no way I'd fall for his act. I still didn't know how he was as a person, but I was positive I knew what. A trash and a cheat. The very last person in this fucked up world to put your trust in.

One good thing I got out of this mess was that I finally knew how his face looked. Arjun took so much from him. I shuddered at the thought. I refused to give it much importance. My son was an Einar. Arjun would be nothing like him. I'd make sure of it.

I was scared. I wondered how many times he had gotten closer to us and I hadn't realized it. Had he been lurking around us all this time? Walking in the background, right under our nose. That alone pissed off Dad the most. We had so many guards around us all the time, for years. How did he pass by all of them?

We underestimated him. Once again, Dad couldn't find him. It was as if he was smoke, disappearing into thin air. Just when you think you have him in your hands and closed your fist, all you got was that lingering sensation. Like when you pass a hand over steam.

What else could be expected from a man that had spent his life hiding? If there was one thing he did well, it was that. Run and hide like a fucking chicken. I would not let him slip through my hands again. Next time I'd beat the fuck out of him, make him talk and then reject him. I was already training for close combat at the gym twice a week, but I would go five times now. I had to get stronger.

Thanks to him, we missed the meeting and the fucking Lexington account. We have been negotiating trades with other packs, especially with a pack to the south of Emmett's Whiteclaw, Blue Rock Pack. They had a massive production of construction material, especially steel and copper. Their Alpha, Alexander Lexington, happened to be a bit of a jerk, so we were all working hard to meet his demands. A deal with them would have meant cheaper construction costs for our new housing projects in the city, and the projects we had to restore old buildings.

Fucking pale turd. He ruined it all. His appearance cost millions to our pack.

That morning Mom took Arjun back home, and I went to work, not wanting to have anyone think that idiot had control over me. Over what I did and what I didn't. My life had to go on.

I sat at my desk and buried my face in documents for hours while eating the chocolates my staff left for me at my desk. The day passed in a blur and I avoided interacting with others. I didn't even want to leave my office to have lunch.

Kane walked in a little after noon with food for me. They told me Dad wanted to make sure I was eating fine. For some reason, my parents always cared way too much about their children's meals. I would have said he was exaggerating, but if I put myself in his shoes, I would have done the same.

Along with the lunch, Kane brought me a box wrapped with a ribbon and a bow on top. "From Mildred," They smiled, and I returned the smile and took the box with one hand.

"Wonder what is this time?" I let out a quiet laugh. Mildred had retired many years ago, but always took her time to make gifts for us.

"She told me, but said she would beat my ass if I told you, so just open it." Kane took my food and opened the container for me. They have fed me so many times before, here at this same office. Every time Dad, Mom, or our grandmas were too busy, either Kane or Mildred would step in.

Opening the box, I found something knitted and folded inside. I took it out and quickly understood what it was, what they were. She gave me scarves. They all looked alike, red with those little dangling things on the sides. There was one smaller, like for a child, and two adult-sized ones. At the bottom, she had left a note written on a small piece of paper that had a flower frame. I took it and grew quiet as I read the message.