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Phil snorted, “Hey, I’m not the only one who doesn’t buy it. Literally no one believes the story. Your dad has Theo and Lux Bartlett ready to go visit Ashley when she surfaces.” I questioned, “When she surfaces? What are you talking about?” Gage winced while Phil nodded.

I asked, “Isn’t she in the hospital? Specifically, the pack hospital since Black Path has one and you used an adjective to describe how bad the car accident was.

” Phil nodded, “They do have a pack hospital, but she was never in it and has gone off the grid.

Avery Lavant is leading all the Warriors' practices in her absence.” I felt like my silence spoke volumes. Oden snarled in my head.

Phil added, “How did Walker know about all this, you ask? Well, the day of said accident he discovered his mate was a Warrior in Black Path. Her name is Blair. She was freaked out about their mate status until Ashley told her it was fine.”

Gage hummed, “Huh?” I inclined my head, “What he said.” Phil nodded, “I said what I said. Anyway, they spent time together with Ashley and her friends. He was, of course, none too happy about that plan but mates and all.”

I asked, “Why wasn’t he happy about that plan?

I’d sell shit to spend time with Ashley at this point.

” Gage snorted, “I got that one.” Phil explained, “Walker wanted to take Blair home and mark her. She wanted to wait until later that night. Anyway, Blair was all a flutter when he got her back later that night.” Oden groaned, “I dislike this story.” Yeah, it was weird.

He continued, “She brought all her stuff with her. Which he said was a pittance of things. He’s buying her more clothes.

He thought she’d been crying about leaving her home pack until she got a call.

She told him one of her friends, Ashley, was in a bad accident.

” So, she wasn’t sad about leaving? That was a normal reaction even if you were happy. It was an emotional time.

He added, “Now he’s not sure if she was crying about leaving her pack at all. Fishy things, Alexander. Very bad smelling fishy things. By the time he got Blair to the hospital to see Ashley, she was gone. She signed all the AMA forms and was just gone.”

I clarified, “What was wrong with Ashley then? If she walked out, it couldn’t have been that bad.

Wait, why don’t you think it was a car accident?

” Phil answered, “Walker saw the guy who’s name you don’t want to know outside the hospital.

His friends were trying to get him to change.

He had blood on his pants. My guy said it was unquestionably Ashley Griffen’s based on the smell. ”

I growled, “I’ll fucking KILL him! I told her if he EVER marked her against her will that I’d kill him, and I meant him.” Phil urged, “Let’s take a beat with the glowing gold eyes. The story is not over.” Gage muttered, “Thank god.”

Oden was roaring furiously in my head. Phil prattled on, “Blair assured Walker that Ashley was unmarked. She talked to her friends for several hours before he got to mate and mark her. Then ya know, mates and such. Well from what we’ve seen anyway.

We three are the bachelors of our time. Which, you wouldn’t be if you’d just go meet Melanie. ” My head hurt.

I sighed, “She’s living her dream, man. I’m not even sure I’m her mate.

” Oden growled at me, “YES we ARE, and you would know that if you’d find a way to see her.

Or get rid of this DAMN headache!” It was getting annoying and bad.

My healing light told me I was fine though. It must be stress induced or something.

Phil snorted, “Fine you be weirdly unsure if Melanie McAlister is your mate. Gage and I know she is. Then one day we will figure out what your weird obsession with Ashley Griffen is.” I explained, “She reminds me of Melanie with everything I’ve heard about both of them.

Their personalities, and how strong of a fighter she is reminds me of her. ”

Oden growled, “We are an Alpha, and we need to protect her.” I replied, “You know I feel the same way, Oden.” Phil held up his hands saying, “I maintain Ashley Griffen is meant to be my bestie. One of these days she’ll get worn down by one of you emailing Conners because you are relentless and we love you for it.

Then my future bestie will come to Black Mountain and a beautiful friendship will begin. ”

I sighed, “I still can’t figure out why Ashley would be Cayden’s source.

What would she inform him about that she can’t tell the Werewolf Council?

” Phil shrugged, “I don't know.” Gage hummed, “Off the top of my head, how shitty Black Path is?” I laughed, “Cayden knows that already and the Werewolf Council could actually do more than Cayden on that topic.”

Phil said, “Well, one of our cousins up and went missing after speaking to Cassie on the same day of Ashley’s accident.” I raised an eyebrow surmising, “I’m guessing this would be a cousin that is a doctor.” Phil nodded, “That it is. The winner of this game of who went missing is Brody.”

I shrugged, “Alright. Where is Ashley now then?” Phil replied, “No one knows. Who could do that I wonder? Ohhhh well, I think Brody and Cayden could.” They easily could and they would only lock that down to them and not us if Ashley asked for that. They question is, why would she do that?

I reiterated, “I just don’t get why Ashley would be a source for them.

We still email back and forth. I know she’s friends with Elise.

Why would she turn to the Hackura instead of a Werewolf?

Why not the Werewolf Council? Cayden said his source is good.

Cayden wouldn’t give a shit about how crappy Black Path is or consider that good intel. ”

Phil shrugged, “I’m just telling you what my ear to the ground says. Now, because I DESPERATELY don’t want you to blow a gasket at this party, we need to chat.” I snorted, “Why on earth would I blow a gasket at my kid siblings’ birthday?” Gage laughed, which didn’t bode well.

Phil said, “See I have this theory. That little cousin Angela is OH so excited for this party because her mate is coming.” I glared at him saying, “Hell to the fuck no.” Phil winced, “And this is why we went with a forewarning.”

I growled, “She’s too little.” Gage scoffed and I glared at him. Phil reasoned, “Elise was MUCH younger when EJ realized she was his.” I argued, “That was….” I trailed off then admitted, “not different in any way, shape or form. Fuck! He’d better treat her like a queen, or I’ll kill him.”

Phil smiled, “That’s the spirit.” Gage commented, “Told you he’d take that better than most.” Probably. I warned them, “My dad’s about to knock on the door.” Phil winked and opened it a second before he knocked. He said, “See you later Cousin Eric.” My dad laughed, “See you later Phil and Gage.”

My dad walked into my room and closed the door. He asked, “How are you doing, son?” I shrugged answering, “Fine.” My dad studied me before saying, “You were quite angry not too long ago.” I debated then asked him, “What do you think happened to Ashley Griffen?”

My dad clenched his jaw and I felt his annoyance in the bond.

He told me, “It was reported that it was a car accident. The Beta and Alpha’s daughters were involved as well.

I find it extremely odd that Ashley was egregiously injured whereas the other two are perfectly fine.

” Egregiously?! Phil didn’t mention that.

He only said it was a very bad car accident.

Oden growled, “I’m talking to Rocket about that now. ” Good.

Dad continued, “I am insulted that the explanation is that those two girls have wolves. With the injuries Ashley sustained if the other two were in the car, even having wolves, they should’ve had more than some cuts.”

I questioned him, “How bad is it?” My dad shrugged saying, “The records before Ashley signed out against medical advice were not great. She was hurt pretty badly. It’s moderately...” He amended, “No, it’s just impressive that she was able to get out of the hospital in the first place.”

I asked, “Why are you having Theo and Lux” I growled his name out, “go see her?” My dad replied, “Apparently, not unlike you, I don’t buy this was a car accident.” He was right. Phil didn’t believe it because his source didn’t so I didn’t believe a single word.

Dad continued, “I need Theo and Lux to see if she’ll tell them what really happened. Right now, I have no proof that’s not what happened. I saw pictures of the car. Which is why it’s insulting to say those other two girls were in said car when that happened. The car is totaled.”

I asked, “Who supposedly hit them? Were they injured as well?” My dad snorted, “It was a hit and run. They buried the police report through members of their pack that are police officers.” I surmised, “Then they suspect supernatural’s.”

Dad rolled his eyes, “No, I suspect they know exactly who it was. Hell, I think I know who it was.” I growled, “That wannabe claiming to be her mate.” He nodded, “I do believe so.” My mom popped into the room before I could reply.

She announced, “Angela wants both of you downstairs. Right now.” I kissed the top of her head and said, “I’ll be right there.” I popped away leaving them in my room. They popped in a second after I did. I looked around. EJ and TJ were talking but Elise was missing. Shocker.

I would just bet slugger was out there defending her and EJ’s relationship. Her and Melanie were going to be feared Luna’s when my mate got here. I stopped myself short correcting myself ‘if’ she gets here. Hell, and if she’s mine.

Oden growled, “I swear sometimes you are the most OBNOXIOUS human! She’s ours. Stop doubting me, it's insulting.” I replied, “Well, they keep her from us so it’s not unreasonable to say if she gets here.” Oden growled.