Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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APOLLO-
“Doesn’t Jada look absolutely stunning?” my mother asks me as she holds her hand and places her in front of my view.
Jada was dressed in a long, elegant white dress that flowed gracefully around her, Pearts adorned her neck, giving her an air of sophistication. She resembled the wealthy women my mother often associated with.
“Sure,” I say without any interest, glancing at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time.
I just wanted to get through this dinner so I could head home. My mind kept drifting back to my mate. Ever since she had been injured, I had promised myself to stay close to her, to keep her safe from any harm.
“Is that all you have to say about her appearance?” my mother asked, pulling me aside so Jada wouldn’t overhear our conversation.
“I’m going to dinner with her,” I remind my mother. “I’m already doing more than I would for any other woman.”
I could see my mother’s irritation building.
Great.
Maybe 1 could at least pretend to enjoy this for her sake. She was only here for a few more hours, and I could endure it just a little longer.
“I’ll try to be nicer,” I assure my mother and her face lit up at my response. As long as I complied with what she wanted, her mood brightened.
She led me back into the room where Jada was standing, gazing at her reflection in the mirror,
“Are you ready?” I ask her. “We’re running a bit late for our reservation, and I want to make the most of tonight.”
Jada’s face lights up now that I had spoken more than one word to her in a conversation.
Hold her hand,” my mother whispers in my ear.
I frown at her suggestion. I never agreed to that. Whenever I gave into something that my mother asked me to do, she always pushed to do even more than initially agreed to.
“Come on,” she nudges me.
Jada appears nervous, waiting for me to follow my mother’s orders.
Damn it, why is this becoming increasingly difficult?
feel a vibration in my pocket and seize the opportunity to escape this awkward moment.
Checking my phone, I’m surprised to see that it’s Lana calling. She’s never called me before, as far as I can remember.
What could be the issue? Did something happen to her?
That couldn’t be it; I had my entire pack watching over the house to ensure she didn’t leave. If she had, someone would have notified me by now.
“Where are you going?” my mother asks as I stride toward the door.
“I need to take this call,” I reply, brushing her off.
I didn’t want her eavesdropping on my conversation with Lana. The last time that happened, she went a little overboard.
Once outside, I answer the call. “Lana?”
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Chapter 34
Silence. Did she accidentally call me?
“Lana?” I repeat.
What’s going on?
“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice rising. Why did I think that shouting would elicit a response?
I didn’t want to hang up; I needed to ensure she was okay.
Suddenly, I hear vehicles in the distance, indicating she might be near a road. That’s when I notice several missed calls from my beta.
Damn it. Why didn’t I feel my phone vibrating earlier?
“Lana!” I call out, panic creeping into my voice.
“I can hear his voice,” I hear her groan.
Was this call truly a mistake?
Why did her voice sound so off?
“Lana,” I growl. “Please, talk to me.”
I hear her giggle softly, followed by a whisper. “I love your voice a little too much.”
I stiffen, time suddenly standing still as I process her words.
Something was definitely off. Lana would never say that to me–she hated me for everything I had put her through. The Lana that I knew would say something to irritate me and simply hang up after. This side of her was a side that I have never witnessed in the past.
It made me worry even more than before.
Als everything okay?” I ask her, ignoring her earlier comment about my voice.
Her giggle rings in my ears again, and then it hits me hard.
She’s drunk.
She’s seriously drunk.
I should have realized this from the start. I could easily tell when someone was intoxicated, everything she’s said so far should have given it away. There
was a clear indication since the start.
Damn it.
How did this even happen?
“Lana,” I say more seriously, “Where are you?”
She sighs, “Oh, wouldn’t you want to know?”
Of course, I wanted to know where she was, especially in this state. I could just call Jake to find out, but that would mean putting her on hold.
I didn’t want to do that.
“Lana,” I try again, urgency creeping into my tone. “Where the hell are you?”
It sounds like she’s spinning around or something; all I hear is wind rushing through the phone.
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“Trying to get into the hotel,” she finally responds.
I frown.
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The hotel?
Was she really trying to come here while drunk?
I rush to a window that gives me a view of the road, scanning the area for her.
My heart drops as I spot her attempting to cross the street. I see Jake keeping a close eye on her from a distance, ensuring she’s okay without revealing his presence. I knew she wouldn’t appreciate my pack tailing her, which is why I’d instructed them to be discreet.
“Lana, stop right there,” I warn her. “I’m coming to get you.”
Just as I’m about to dash out, my mother appears in the hallway and notices my frustration.
“Is something wrong?” she asks, reading my expression.
“There’s been an emergency at the company,” I lie, trying to mask my urgency. “I need to take care of it.”
Her face falls, disappointment washing over her.
“No,” she replies sharply. “We have plans. You can’t cancel on me now.”
C
