Chapter 31

"Thanks, Dash, though I don't think we were actually in any danger," Cassidy said.

"Of course not. I guess I got over my head."

"It's okay. I didn't want to argue with the Alpha."

We were outside the bar in the parking lot. I hadn't said much since Dash ushered us out of there.

"I understand. Do you mind giving me a second with Zora, Cass?"

Cass turned to me. She narrowed her eyes but I gave her a small smile and nodded.

"I'll be in the car and leave the engine on so be mindful of my gas."

I smirked as my best friend walked off. It was just Dash and me now. Sometimes his size caught me off guard. Being this close to him where we were inches apart made me feel small but at the same time I felt protected like nothing in the world was strong enough to get passed the man in front of me.

"I didn't know we just wanted to relax," I cleared my throat and said.

"I'm not worried about that," Dash replied.

"What's the matter then?"

"I'm worried about you. Every time I think we're moving forward our relationship takes two steps back."

"What are you talking about?"

"You're in another man's home, Zora. How the hell am I supposed to feel? What am I supposed to think?"

I gasped out a laugh. "Dash, you told me you didn't want anything serious. You flat-out told me you didn't want anything."

"In the beginning, Zora. I thought the only woman I'd ever loved was mated to another wolf. I thought you weren't who you said you were, understand?"

"I understand."

"Things are different and complicated. We both need answers for our parents but what am I going to do about how I feel?"

I wish I knew the answer. A thousand words swirled in my head and I thought I might come up with the right words. Maybe this was the time I would compose myself enough to grab hold of my emotions. If I spoke them then they would take root in the world and we could go from there.

But Dash's phone rang.

"Yeah?" He replied.

He took two steps back and raked his hair. Now what? I didn't catch his conversation but judging by his grimace it wasn't good.

"I have to go," he said.

I nodded.

"This always happens. You always do this."

"Do what Zora?"

"Leave!" I exclaimed.

My mouth was suddenly dry and my heart was racing.

"You left then, you left me at the pack house for days without a call, Dash and you're leaving now after dumping me with a load of information."

"Zora-"

"You know there's a difference between you and Kaleb. He might have pushed me away because I'm Cassidy's best friend and that hurt believe me but he's here. He's been here and available. You'll always think of me as the fraud who broke your heart."

Those weren't the perfect words I thought I'd cooked up but they were the release I didn't know I needed.

"You think Kaleb's so perfect?" Dash closed the gap between us.

His scent filled me up but I wouldn't allow my knees to buckle. Now wasn't the time for that.

"You're not listening, Dash. This conversation won't get us anyway why don't we talk tomorrow?"

Dash looked away and sniffled. "Fine. If you're not too busy with Kaleb."

I bit my tongue and turned around and walked to Cassidy's car.

***

A soft knock made me look up at the door.

"Comfy?" Kaleb asked from the door.

I was changing the sheets in the guest room when Kaleb popped in. I smiled.

"Yeah, thanks again for letting me stay."

"You need to stop that, Zora."

I grabbed a pillow settled on the bed and held the soft pillow to my chest. Kaleb strolled in and settled next to me. My bare flesh touched his knee. He planted his large hands on his thighs and exhaled deeply.

"Gunner wasn't going to hurt you, you know that right?"

I stared at him. Even sitting down he had height over me.

"He knows how to do it without touching me, Kaleb."

"I won't let him."

"He's your Alpha."

"Doesn't exclude him from being a jackass."

"Don't get in trouble because of me. I don't know anything about the Pandora. Mr Dean doesn't say much other than it's dangerous."

Kaleb climbed on the bed and leaned against the headboard. He grabbed the pillow and set it beside him. He pulled me to his chest and draped his arm over my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around his middle in response.

"I wish you weren't involved in this sweetheart. Now we know people are dying because of this thing. Stop digging, listen to the old man."

"But Kaleb he knows something he's just doped up most of the time. I learned he committed himself to the hospital years ago. His meds don't make sense either. The manager made his file disappear it's not normal."

Kaleb rubbed my arm and exhaled deeply.

"If he's not dead yet then he's still important."

I thought so too but for how long?