Chapter 38

The second I woke,I fumbled as I tried to grab the phone off my nightstand. My heart began to pound as I noted that I had a voicemail message. I tapped my fingertip multiple times on the screen to start the message.

I listened to her message five times.

Sage's voice sounded hoarse and resigned, unlike the confident woman I'd met and fallen in love with.

I climbed from my bed and rushed to the shower. After I dressed, I called Sig with the information.

Two hours later, I was in my office, tying up loose ends, when Talia entered, pulling a small suitcase behind her. "What is that?" I pointed toward the bag.

"I'm going with you."

"Talia," I began, trying to choose my words carefully. I wanted to see Sage and have her all to myself.

"No," she told me sharply. "I brought her here. She knows me." She squared her shoulders and flashed the look I'd learned over the years, which meant her mind would not be changed. She would not hesitate to get loud and physical to get her way.

I did not have the time to fight. "I have a meeting with Anton in ten minutes, and then we leave."

Anton was being exceedingly difficult. "Why must you chase after this woman?"

"Because she is my Mate," I told him, gritting my teeth to keep my patience.

"Who slipped away without so much as a thank you to the Pack for our hospitality." His lower lip protruded. The male had the nerve to pout.

"She came here to work. She was injured at the Pack's ball. I cannot see why she should be thankful."

"Well, dear brother, I should have killed her in your absence." His gaze met mine challengingly. "She is not worthy of the Redd name."

I leaned over his desk while fighting for control. "Anton, threatening Sage's life is a mistake." My wolf wanted free to kill the idiot.

"One day, you will go too far, Bredon." He flashed his teeth in a cruel grin. "We both know you aren't strong enough to challenge me. You never will be."

"If you wish for my resignation, you need only ask."

"Go on your trip, Bredon. I am certain the Pack will be fine without you." He gave me his back.

I left his office, striding down the hall, ignoring those I encountered. The wolves loyal to Anton pretended not to see me.

Some still held hope for the Pack that somehow things would change for the better. Our membership would grow with the blessing of children to the couples and new members. New opportunities would be offered and succeed.

I saw the truth. We were dying. It had been years since more than a handful of babies had been born to the Redds. Anton's mate had become ill by wishing to carry his child.

I wasn't their savior. I had tried. At the beginning of my role as Second, I had grand plans and high hopes. Anton had refused to see the obvious and was so stubborn that he now chose the opposite of any good idea.

Sig stood in front of my desk. "I set up a virtual meeting with a rental company representative. Apparently, in Florida, short-term rentals are big business."

"I have no idea how long we will be gone."

"I will accompany you." His tone offered no room for negotiation.

"That won't be necessary."

"Your control is slipping. I am going to handle plans so that you can focus on Sage. I will stay as long as you need." He took his leave.

He wasn't wrong. My emotions were running high, and although I prided myself on my control. I was near my limit. I turned my back to my desk and stared out the window behind me. My thoughts turned to Sage. I had repeatedly listened to the voicemails she would leave, memorizing her words. Lately, her voice sounded tired. She'd mentioned once that she had been ill.

I should have Sig check with the local Pack regarding a healer. It was unfair if her illness was due to her interaction with the Redds. We were cursed, and now it was spilling over to innocents.

Would I be strong enough to let her go once I saw her if that was what she wished?

She was innocent, and I had caused her so much pain.

I had much to apologize for.