Page 67 of Those That Are Lost

“Can I come in?” Theodora’s head appears as the door opens.

“Of course, this is your office after all.” I push my chair back a little to gesture her into the room. Red puts her pen down and spins to face the matriarch.

“I was hoping to have a quiet word with you both.” She comes to perch on the edge of the sofa perpendicular to the desk. “And I brought you these in case you wanted them.” She places two small vials on the edge of the wooden top between us.

It's the contraceptive tonic.

“Thank you.” Red reaches for one. “We were going to go out in a bit and get some.”

“I know how strong a mate bond can be when it first snaps into place. I was in town earlier and picked them up.”

“Yes, thank you.” I grab the remaining vial, twist the top to break the seal and down it in one swallow.

“Remember it takes twelve hours to take effect.” Theodora reminds us both as Red downs hers too and I record the time.

‘This might be a long twelve hours.’I think as I stare at my mate.

‘Agreed.’Red’s resigned voice pops into my head.

“Now that’s sorted, I wanted to make sure you’re both okay after this morning. I would hate for you to leave us with any ill feelings.”Theodora looks forlorn as she addresses us, clearly hurt thinking her family had upset us.

“I’m sorry I lashed out,” Red tells her, leaning back in her chair.

“That’s the only bit I’m not sorry for. Those pups need telling off sometimes.”

“I was shocked and angry they’d pushed Ty that far, even if it did lead us to doing what we should’ve weeks ago.” Red shoots me a quick small smile. “Don’t worry, I hold no hard feelings towards your meddling pack.”

I reach across to take my mate’s hand in mine, needing to touch her.

“You weren’t ready then, neither of you. I saw that on the night you arrived. But I knew you would be mates sooner or later. Have you been through everything with her Ty?” she directs at me.

“Yes, Red is up to speed with all my plans now. And on board with most, I think.” I give Red’s hand a squeeze and stroke her knuckles, pride blossoming at her quick dedication to catch up.

“Have you figured out how to get close to Adicious yet?”

“That’s the part I’m still stuck on. We need to get onto the pack lands unnoticed. It’s not impossible, but we have to be extremely careful.We’ll work on it.”

“Remember that we’ve offered to help when you’ve figured it out. We can’t do much if you act quickly but if you’re willing to wait another month or so we might be able to do more.”

“That’s very cryptic of you.” I tilt my head at the woman I trust most in this world, beside the one now distractingly running her thumb over the palm of my hand.

“I can’t say more, I’m afraid, but please keep us informed of your plans.”

“We will,” I tell her honestly.

“Good.” She pats her hands to her thighs before standing. Instead of heading for the door, she comes over to the desk, rummaging in one of the drawers for a few seconds and pulling out a phone which she hands it to me.

“Use this as you wish. It’s as secure as we can make it, which makes it pretty damn impenetrable. It’s also got a number stored that you can use to contact us. It might not be myself or Eetu that answers but you can trust anyone who picks up the call. Ask a question only they’ll know to make sure it’s not been compromised but it should be totally safe.”

I take the device from her, looking it over. Theodora shows me the password and then the security functions. I fiddle around with a few of the settings, checking it out for myself. It's military grade, and completely impenetrable.

“We can escort you to the ferry tomorrow as well,” Theodora says, heading for the door this time. “Make sure to get a good night's sleep, those boats are not the most gentle crossing at this time of year.” She leaves us, the door clicking shut as she exits.

‘That was both helpful and confusing.’Red reopens her notepad, leaving my hand bereft of her touch on the table.

‘I guess we’ll find out soon.’I pocket the phone, turning it off first.‘I can wait a few weeks more if it means we have more backup in facing those pricks.’

‘Indeed.’