\[Rosco’s POV\]
I stare at Denali as she considers what I have said. It is clear from the look in her eyes that she isn’t too certain of what I’m saying, but this was the only way to make sure that Uncle Jaxon didn’t send any spies to keep track of me.
“I’ve got things handled.” I assure her now, moving forward and ruffling her hair, so an adorable growl escapes her. “You just focus on your friend and our baby.”
“Alright,” she sighs, her expression relaxing. “Just don’t cause too much trouble.”
“No promises.” I chuckle before moving.
As I head out of the room, I can feel Denali’s gaze on me, but I don’t turn around and keep moving until I reach Charlie’s room.
Lifting a hand, I knock on his door and then wait until he appears with glazed eyes and bed head.
“What time is it?” He yawns as I shove my way in. “And why are you just entering as you please?”
“It’s past noon,” I respond, looking around at his space.
Although he didn’t have many things when he came to stay with me, the room was already filled with his energy. It was comforting given the fact that, until yesterday, I thought he was gone forever.
“That’s still early.” He counters, going and flopping back down on his bed. “Let me sleep a bit more. I’ve been on the run for ages and haven’t had a good night's sleep in so long.”
On the run. Hearing something like that didn’t make me happy at all. What all did he have to endure while I was here, living happily? What kind of friend and leader did that make me?
‘One that was convinced he was gone.’ Fabian reminds me. ‘It isn’t your fault you were led to believe otherwise.’
‘I didn’t even attempt to see a body.’ I counter.
“Why are you here, anyway?” Charlie asks, snapping me out of my pity party. “Shouldn’t you be somewhere being happy with your mate and baby?”
“As much as I would like to do that.” I respond, taking a seat. “There’s something that I wanted to discuss with you.”
“Discuss with me?” He repeats, eyeing me. “And what might that be?”
“My father intended to send men here to help protect the pack until we located the enemy.” I explain, causing Charlie to sit up and give me a look of interest. “But I was clearly oblivious to what was going on behind the scenes in Crystal Fang. Because of that, I wanted to ask you to help me.”
“Help you,” he says slowly. “And what will you have me do?”
“Give me the names of those you feel can be trusted.” I respond. “I’ll trust your opinion when it comes to anything.”
Out of everyone in Crystal Fang, Charlie was the person closest to me. I trusted him inexplicably and would go along with any suggestion he gave me.
“That,” he says, his expression following, “I’m honestly not sure. Up until I found those files, I thought everyone could be trusted, but the joke was on me.”
Nodding, I process what he is saying as I realize that this is going to be more difficult than I expected it to be. If Charlie couldn’t give me names, then there was one other option, and that person was somebody that I also trusted beyond everybody else.
“Then I’ll need to make a phone call.” I murmur, pulling my phone out of my pocket. “I need to warn the crazy bastard not to come back just yet anyway.”
“Are you referring to William?” Charlie asks. “What exactly happened before you came to see me?”
“Uncle Jaxon paid a visit.” I explain. “He was outraged over William staying in Emerald Moon for the time being.”
For a moment, Charlie doesn’t speak as a slow smile begins to spread across his face, and when a chuckle escapes him, he lets out a huff of annoyance.
“Damn,” he says, looking disappointed. “I would have loved to see that dude's expression, knowing that he didn’t have as much say as he thought.”
“You’ll see it soon enough.” I assure him. “Don’t forget that he is a suspect for what is happening behind the scenes, and if we can find proof, then he will be sent to prison. His time of acting cocky will come to an end, and you can return to Crystal Fang.”
“I won’t.” Charlie says, shaking his head. “Not after everything.”
“Then what are your plans once everything is settled?” I ask him curiously. “Are you going to go back into hiding?”
“Why would I do that?” He asks me, raising a brow. “Are you saying that you no longer consider me your beta?”
Eyes widening I realize how offensive what I’ve said is.
“Are you saying you intend to stay here with me?” I ask slowly. “Are you sure about your decision?”
“Have I ever second-guessed anything?”
Opening my mouth, I prepare to respond but stop as my phone begins to ring. Looking down, I take in the name on the screen and wonder if we’re on the same wavelength.
“It’s William, isn’t it?” Charlie asks as I swipe to answer. “Go on then. I want to go back to sleep anyway. We can discuss my recruitment later.”
“Yeah,” I say, getting up and beginning to move. “Talk later.”
When I’m out in the hall, I bring my phone to my ear and wonder what all I can reveal to William as one thing becomes certain.
“Hello?” William calls from the other end of the line as I continue to remain silent. “Earth to Rosco.”
“Don’t come back to Emerald Moon for at least a day.” I say, deciding to get straight to the point.
“Are you that pissed at me for running off?” He asks.
“It isn’t that,” I sigh. “It’s just…” Growing quiet, I consider how he would react to knowing his father was looking for him. Although their relationship wasn’t the best, he was pretty obedient to what he was told to do. After fucking up so badly, he would do whatever it took to please him, but maybe this time would be different.
“What happened?” He asks, not missing the concern in my voice. “Was it my father?”
“Yeah,” I huff, deflating. “He came here looking for you and wouldn’t believe that you weren’t around.”
“So he’s looking for me.” William says quietly. "Honestly, I’m not surprised. Uncle Hamilton said that he would handle him, but the man’s stubborn as fuck.”
“That’s right.” I agree. “And because of that, I need you to stay away for at least a few more days. Until he is done searching for you.”
“And what am I supposed to do until then?” William counters. “You know as well as I do that the longer I stay away, the angrier that man is going to be.”
“Well, it’s up to you.” I say, not bothering to argue. “But you will also implicate Elise since you’re shacked up with her.”
At my words, William grows quiet. I know that he is realizing that what I’ve said is true.
“Dammit,” he finally sighs. “Why are things so fucking complicated?”
“Because that’s how our world works.” I respond. “Especially since we aren’t just some average wolves.”
“I got it. Thanks for warning me. I’ll figure out what to do. You just continue to be safe.”
“Yeah, you do the same.” I say, feeling my heart squeeze for William. “And if you could, please try to convince Elise to help Jose find the enemy.”
“I’ll do my best.” William chuckles. “But you know as well as I do that she is stubborn, and it is going to take some serious chipping to get her to break.”
“I think if anyone can do it, it is you.” I counter, hating what I was saying. “I think if it’s you, she may budge.”