THE CAGE (The Chosen Series #3)

CH30. ♖xa8 ♟bxc3

There's static on the other end of the line. The tiny crackle and pops are accompanied by the sound of the wind and nothing else for several seconds.

It's as if the person on the other end is calling me from an open field.

This doesn't surprise me. I assume it's my family, and this is a gift from Alexander now that we are on better terms. Black Mountain is notorious for lousy reception and is one of the main reasons we use earpieces: they can tap into the closest satellite to form a solid connection no matter how severe the weather is.

My heartbeats increase in rhythm. Excitement, anticipation, and maybe a little fear course through my veins at the thought of speaking to one of them. I have so much to say, but...

"Hello," I repeat, and again I'm met with silence. I wait for another few seconds and am about to hand the phone back to Maria when there is a loud bang; then, the background noise shuts off.

"Маленький волк," Alexander's voice flows through the line, and a mixture of surprise and disappointment that it's not my family fills me. This is the first time he's called to speak to me rather than communicating directly through Maria, and the disappointment is quickly replaced by affection for my bonded.

"Alexander..."

"I love the way my name sounds on your lips," he replies, and a sliver of pleasure ripples along my spine. Lying back on the mattress, I finger the bedspread and look up to see Maria step out of the room. I know she's just on the other side of the door, but she's giving me privacy to communicate without interruption.

"And I love the sound of your voice," I reply. I'm immediately embarrassed and know I'm blushing, my cheeks heating. Alexander chuckles, and the rich timber of his tone causes my toes to curl.

"You do?" Is his response, his voice deepening, and I find myself nodding. Alexander chuckles again, but he stops suddenly, and I can hear the wind again. I wait for him to speak, but I know he's distracted. There are voices in the background, and he sighs.

Again, the line goes quiet.

"Alexander?" I probe. I know he called me for a reason, and not that I'm complaining, but I am becoming anxious with the wait.

"Sorry, Маленький волк. There's much happening at present. I apologize for my distraction."

"It's okay," I tell him and move my fingers to my pocket, the letter burning to be pulled out of its hiding place.

"No, it's not. But that's not the reason for my phone call."

I nibble on my bottom lip and gently thumb the paper.

Alexander pauses, and I hear him inhale deeply. "There have been some complications with the project," from the change in his voice, I know something is wrong. "I will need to be away longer than I first thought."

My heart drops a little at this, but I use the memories of the past few days to keep myself centered.

"I'm sorry, Маленький волк. It was not my intention to be away from you. And certainly not for longer than a few days."

"So, you think it will be longer?" The question is out of my mouth before I even register that I've spoken.

"Unfortunately," Alexander is silent for a second, and I know there's more troubling him. I brace myself for what he's about to say. "I also wanted to advise that I've had to tighten security. That means there will be no visitors to the Manor until I return."

I release the paper and roll on my side. This was not unexpected. I mean, not Alexander's untimely departure but refusing others from visiting. And others, I assume, refer to Dominic.