Hay Creek

Chapter 6.

"Well, well, Mr. Larson. Looking quite wealthy over there," I teased, lounging comfortably in the armchair of Kai's new office. It was a lazy Saturday, and, as usual, I found myself spending the day at his place. Despite the recent leadership change, everything still felt the same, which seemed to please the pack members. Kai had opted not to take over his father's office, a decision I found thoughtful. His father, of course, insisted he'd need it eventually since it was the biggest room in the house. Kai's response? He'd turn it into a meeting room when the time came.

"I do feel rich," Kai replied with a grin, leaning against the window frame, arms crossed. "This chair was the only thing I wanted from my father—it's amazing." He glanced at me, a curious smile on his face. "So, how do you feel about our new status?"

I chuckled, trying to keep it light. "What can I say? I was born for it."

To my surprise, he took it seriously. "You were."

We locked eyes, the playful banter fading as the moment stretched between us. A knock at the door broke the tension, and Kai turned toward the sound, giving permission for the visitor to enter. The door creaked open slowly, and Greyson's head popped in, making me giggle.

"You know, I take my rank very seriously," Greyson said with a smirk, stepping fully into the room and closing the door behind him.

Kai rolled his eyes. "Trust me, it's obvious."

"Hey, you picked me," Greyson shot back, plopping down in the armchair beside me.

"Thanks for the reminder," Kai muttered under his breath. Then louder, "So, what do you want?"

"I had a talk with my dad," Greyson began, "He ran me through the duties of a second-in-command."

"Thanks for reminding me you're the second strongest," Greyson added with a smug laugh.

Kai sighed. "You're insufferable. I chose you because you're my partner, my best friend, and I trust you with nearly everything."

"And because I'm the second strongest," Greyson chimed in again, grinning.

"Shut up. Can you go see if my father is ready for the meeting?" I asked, trying to keep a straight face.

Greyson looked confused. "Shouldn't he be ready when you are?"

"Grey," I warned, "He's still my father. I respect him. I'm not comfortable ordering him around."

"Fine," Greyson groaned, dramatically standing up. "I'll check if your father's ready."

"Thank you for your cooperation," Kai said dryly.

Once Greyson left, Kai turned back to me. "We should get back to your research."

I blinked in surprise. "You want to do that now? I thought you'd be too busy."

Kai shrugged. "I'll always make time for you. It's important to you, so it's important to me."

"Kai, things are getting more serious between us," I began, watching him carefully. His face remained neutral, giving nothing away. "And I think it's time you meet my mom. If I'm going to be spending most of my time here, I want her to know I'm safe—with someone she knows and trusts."

A slow smile spread across his previously blank expression. "I like that. Just let me know when, and I'll be there."

I smiled, relieved. "Thanks."

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Greyson stepped in. "He's ready. Your dad asked if the meeting could be in his office."

"That's fine," Kai said, getting to his feet. Greyson left, and Kai turned to me. "Are you coming?"