Traces of Elijah: Legacy of the Queen

Chapter 27

Another week passed. I can't lie, I've been a little anxious, waiting to hear word back from Grace. She's been making us wait those full few days. It's sort of torture and I think she knows it. She expressed her disdain for us so I'm not shocked by the tactic. I'm sitting in my office as Elia made a trip back to her pack. I can't help but be nervous she's gone back there. Grace is there and she's not happy. She could've strung Elia up for all I know but I also think I would feel it if Elia was really having any trouble. I've been sitting here tapping my pen, lost in thought, I barely notice my cousin Dawson enter the room until he speaks.

"Hey," he nods to me with a quizzical look on his face, "you doin alright?"

"I'm fine, why wouldn't I be fine? Don't I look fine?" He stares at me for a minute before sighing.

"You're clearly not fine. Talk to me." He takes the chair in front of my desk, turns it around to sit and rest his arms on the top of the backrest. I sigh, caving into his worry.

"Well as you can see, my mate isn't glued to my hip today. She went back to her pack to talk to them. She's gonna run into Grace, I know it."

"Your mate can handle herself. She stood up to the royal council. The girl has balls. Plus I've seen her spar. She put your dad on his ass." He chuckles and so do I.

"You're right. I just can't help how anxious my wolf feels knowing she's with her ex- fiance right now." I sigh, stretching my arms over my desk and groaning. "This is exhausting. She's only been gone an hour."

"Well if there's anyone who can distract you, it's this guy!" He points his thumbs towards himself. I raise a brow.

"Seriously?" I chuckle at him. "Well alright, what do you have in mind?"

"Wanna head into town? We haven't been out there in a long time. It will be fun."

"I guess it couldn't hurt. I think it'll take my mind off of things."

"Alright, let's go then. I'll let everyone know we'll be out for a bit." He tells me as I get up and straighten out my shirt. I follow him down the stairs while he announces to the pack that we'll be out for a few hours. We take one of our cars to town, making it there within the hour. Dawson sure has a lead foot. Once we get to town, the streets are filled with people. I remember coming here a few times when my siblings and I were real little kids.

"So we made it, now what?" I say looking to him as I get over the top of the car as we get out after parking.

"First, we eat. What do you have a taste for?"

"Well, I could go for a brisket sandwich."

"Oof. How'd you come up with that one? Now I'm starving!" He laughs.

"Go on and find a place, all knowing guide," I joke to him.

"Alright. I've got this, let me see." He grabs his cellphone and rests his arms on top of the car as he types in his search bar. He finds a spot and exclaims. "Aha! Alright, five minute walk, let's go." He puts his phone away and starts walking.

"Wait up for me!" I quickly follow him down the street. There's tons of bustling people. They're walking down the strip, walking in and out of shops, cafe's and restaurants. Before we get to the restaurant, one place catches my attention before we head inside. We might have to check it out after we eat.

"We're here now. Can't adventure on an empty stomach. Put in your order, your highness." My cousin jokingly bows and I laugh.

"Shut up with that. You're royalty too you know," I tell him.

"Of course I know that." He chuckles. "No seriously, what are we eating?" He asks, resting his arm on my shoulder as we look up at the menu. We scan the menu for whatever looks appetizing and of course I see the brisket sandwich combo and I point to it.