Chapter 55

I'd been lockedup for six weeks. Today, I was meeting with the Packleader, and he would decide if I could be freed. I was in control of my wolf, showing no signs of aggression. My healing was not as fast as others, but we had learned that if I could sleep for a minimum of four hours, the bleeding would stop, and the skin would begin knitting.

I felt like I had a better understanding of the Lycan world. I would still make mistakes because many of their ways date back centuries ago.

My best bet for the interview would be to keep my thoughts to myself. When we returned to the Reddlands, I would stick close to our rooms and wait until I grew more used to the Redds' ways.

"You do not need to worry." Bredon patted my thigh once. He sat beside me on the sofa.

"It feels like this is the beginning of many tests." I'd had a dream last night where I was running, and I could hear Bredon cheering me on. However, there was also a voice criticizing my speed and the path I was taking. The faster I tried to run, the voice made more cruel comments.

He took my hand in his. "Have I asked too much of you?"

"No." I shook my head. "For my entire life, I've managed to survive. I can do this."

"Darling Sage, I want you to do more than merely survive."

While working for Talia, I noted that Bredon worked a great deal. His time was not his own. He could be interrupted at any moment. He served his people responsibly and with heart. During our time here, he'd relaxed. He'd grown a beard, and his hair now brushed his shoulders. Instead of a suit, he lived in jeans or cargo pants with a T-shirt. When his phone rang, he didn't immediately check the screen.

I'd fallen in love with the business-like Bredon, but I was at ease with this relaxed version.

He glanced at his watch. "The escort should be here in five."

I nodded. I had not been given a choice whether I wanted to endure this.

"The Leader has no reason to have you fail. My payment is not large enough to make a difference."

"What payment?"

"I must pay for our lodging."

Christ, I felt so stupid. "I didn't think of that." I combed my fingers through my hair. "I should've asked." I knew that Lycans liked money, and once I paused and thought about it, I should have known that our lodging would have been billed.

"It was affordable. He did not take advantage of us." Bredon seemed unworried.

"Do you have to pay…" I tried to come up with an appropriate word. "Do you have to pay a toll for us to stay in his territory?"

"We are not being charged for that. Another might have asked for a fee. I know that Anton would've demanded it."

We heard boots thud on the concrete floor, coming our way.

"Here goes." I stood and smoothed my shirt over my hips.

"I have faith in you, Sage." His palm was warm at the small of my back as the door opened.

"Good morning," the guard greeted us. "Please follow me."

We walked in silence, which caused my heart to pound.

We were led to a medium-sized room with a desk and lightweight plastic chairs.

I took the one in front of the male. I bowed my head, waiting for his greeting.

"Welcome, Sage." His voice seemed loud in the quiet room.

"Thank you," I spoke softly. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed by what was happening. This male's decisions could directly affect my life.

"I've read the reports and was happy to learn you did not regress." He tapped a stack of papers on his desk. He glanced at my mate. "Bredon, how would you classify her temperament?"

Bredon was leaning against the far wall. He now stood tall. "She is not a beta. She makes her own decisions and is not easily swayed. Sage is not aggressive or reckless."

"She sounds much like you," he observed.

I glanced at Bredon to see how he received that news.

He gave me a slight grin and shook his head. "Sage is much prettier than me."

"How do you feel about your change, Sage?" the Packleader asked in a serious tone.

I wet my lips as I organized my thoughts. "I have worked hard to learn about Lycans. I was not aware of their existence last year. I still have much more to learn, but I'm trying." I paused. "My wolf guides me, and I trust her. She is…wise."

"My people have checked, and you are rare, my dear." The Packleader studied me closely. "There are a few recorded changes where humans can quickly control their wolf."

I nodded. I had heard this repeatedly.

"There was no mention of The Lady's intervention in previous cases, but then she is involved with all conversions from human to Lycan."

It made sense that she could do whatever she pleased.

"There is a note that your healing is slow. That is not like us."

"It has improved," I told him quickly, as if I had to defend myself. "I require sleep."

"Hopefully, you shall not have to endure battles, and all should be well."

I flashed a slight smile. I was still nervous in his presence. I knew that Lycans battled other packs, humans, and other paranormals. Packs had been decimated. Those battles had gone undetected. Now, it could not happen. The Lycans had turned to diplomacy to solve issues.

"Sage Isaacs, I deem you safe to return to activity."

"Thank you, sir." I dipped my chin as I'd been taught.

He glanced again at Bredon. "I'll get my report to your brother in a day or two."

I didn't move. I waited to see what would happen.

"That won't be necessary," Bredon said.

"I can't very well report your mate's transformation to you."

I sensed Bredon move closer. "I will see to it that it is reported."

Luis gave a brief nod. "Bredon, enjoy yourself and your mate." The Packleader turned his attention to me. "If I communicate with the Redds, I always go through Bredon, but it is only a simple report."

"As you wish," Bredon dipped his chin and grasped my elbow to signal that I should stand.

After I again dipped my chin, Bredon escorted me from the room.

We did not waste any time returning to what was our room.

Bredon called Sig, and very soon, he and Talia arrived to help us pack. Very little was said.

I didn't know the reason for the silence, but I thought it was an excellent time to practice patience.