Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29

2 Weeks Later

ADIRA

I ’m working at the bar tonight, and then I have two days off. Morris asked me for my number after the charity event, which has led to a few phone calls when I can’t sleep.

I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night, my heart racing, but without any idea why. Damon has also popped into my texts to ask me what’s going on, telling me his heart is racing as hard as mine.

It helps to talk about the unknown with my light on, dispelling the shadows that remain in my mind as well. I’m still adamantly against therapy, though Aisling suggested I go to group therapy tomorrow just to sit and listen.

I haven’t decided if I will yet. I still think I’d rather cut people open than myself to work out how I’m feeling. I don’t understand the purpose of it. It still hurts just as much afterward.

“Hey, can I get a whiskey and coke, please?” a customer asks.

“Absolutely,” I tell him, getting to work. Easy smiles aren’t in my wheelhouse yet, so I’m straightforward at work. No one has called me out for my resting bitch face, so it must be working.

Laughter is still sporadic and met with surprise when it happens, but I’m taking it as a win. It usually occurs when I’m with the Kelly brothers, or the other day when Damon said something really dirty to me.

Sliding the drink to him, I take his money with an incline of my head.

“Enjoy,” I call out, putting the cash away.

“Adira, there’s someone who wants to talk to you,” Caleb says, coming close to me. “He’s Aisling’s alpha, and his name is Caelin. He said he may have some information about your father’s inheritance.”

“Right now?” I ask, glancing at the line at the bar.

“I can make drinks, kid,” Caleb grumbles, holding his hand out to motion someone over to us. The alpha is wearing glasses, has wide shoulders, and blond hair. While he appears nerdy, there’s an air of danger around him that makes me step back before I’m aware I’m doing it.

“Woah,” Caelin says, hands up in front of him. “Damn, I thought I was reigning in my grumpiness, but apparently not. Someone was talking about your ass when I walked by and I almost punched him.”

“Really?” I ask, smirking. “I thought it was typically my boobs. I’m a bartender, it comes with the territory.”

“Still wanted to punch his face in,” he mutters. “I am not at all dangerous to you. Just assholes who can’t control their mouths. Most people can’t tell I’m dangerous until I’m killing them.”

I think he does it on purpose, because he’s wearing a very preppy tan sweater, an open gray coat, and dark gray pants. There’s a computer bag looped over his head, which also lends itself nicely to the idea that he’s not dangerous.

However, I could feel it when I saw him. I’m taking what Morris told me to heart and trying to trust my instincts more. Caelin may be a killer, but if he’s here, I doubt he’s going to hurt me.

“I’ve always been really sensitive to intentions and energy,” I tell him. “It exhausted me, so I tried to ignore it. I’m trying to trust my instincts again.”

“You should. Like I said, they’re solid,” he says. “Can we borrow your office, Caleb?”

“I guess,” Caleb grunts. “Head straight back, I’ll take it from here.”

Before I can protest, he begins to take drink orders. Sighing, I walk back to his office with Caelin in tow. The door is unlocked, and I turn the light on as he follows me in.

“What kind of information do you have for me?” I ask, curious. “Aisling said you’d look into it, and I couldn’t believe you’d offer.”

“Again, I hate shitty people,” Caelin says. “What happened to you isn’t right, and there’s quite a bit of money on the line. You remind Aisling a little of herself. You’re spreading yourself too thin.”

“I don’t really know what else to do,” I admit. “I can’t live at the shelter forever, and my life is a dumpster fire. Working keeps me busy.”

“That’s fair, the quiet in your head sometimes isn’t pretty,” he says sagely.

Opening his computer, he taps on it to wake it up, as he sits in one of the chairs in front of the desk. Boosting myself onto the desk I’m leaning against, I wait as patiently as I can, my feet gently swinging.

“So Jeremiah moved all of his existing money into offshore accounts a few hours before he died. They’re all in the name of Cassia Whiddich, his sister’s name,” Caelin says, making a face as he shows me.

“I could just make it disappear, but if Cassia knows about the money, she could make trouble about it.”

“I didn’t even know until recently that Dad had a sister,” I tell him. “Technically, I didn’t do anything to earn that money. While it would make things easier, I don’t think I’m entitled to it.”

It sucks, but I like working here. It’s not the end of the world.

“Do you want to meet your aunt?” Caelin asks. “I could track her down, meet with her first to see if it’s worthwhile? You’ve had a lot on your plate, if she’s a bitch or could possibly hurt you, I’ll kill her. It’s been a busy few months, and I need to let off some steam.”

“Is that what killing does for you?” I ask, interested.

“It does,” he says with a nod. “You don’t look scared by that. Why?”

“Everyone speaks highly about how talk therapy works, but the idea of it gives me hives,” I say. “Rock Dresmond is why I have nightmares. If he was gone, I’d be able to worry less.”

“Do you want to be involved in his death, or do you think knowing he’s dead would be enough?” Caelin asks.

“Involved,” I whisper, as if someone might hear.

“I heard the Dresmond brothers are having a hard time getting the families to meet with them, but you’re different,” Caelin says. “Would you like to meet my boss?”

Eyes wide, I shrug. “Would that help?” I ask.

Pulling out his phone, he blows out a breath.

“Fuck it, he should still be up,” he mutters, hitting a button to call someone.

“Wait,” I start, but someone answers the call.

“ I assume there’s a reason for a call at midnight, Caelin,” an older man says. “ Is my daughter alright?”

“Aisling is fine, Sir,” he says. “I’m sitting across from someone you may want to meet soon, though.”

“ Guessing games are for the morning hours with coffee in front of me,” Aisling’s father growls.

The words make me snort under my breath, covering my mouth.

“ You may as well introduce yourself, girl, since you find me humorous,” he says.

“I’m Adira Firestone, but I was sold to Callum and Duncan Kelly at auction, so maybe keep my name to yourself,” I suggest.

Caelin’s lips twist angrily, and I wonder how much he knows about my story. He is Aisling’s pack, after all.

“ The Kelly brothers don’t attend auctions,” Aisling’s father says slowly. “ If they’ve suddenly received a lobotomy, then I need to know that as I consider them friends and decent alphas.”

“They were doing the Dresmond pack a favor,” I explain. “It’s a very long story. Rock Dresmond told me he would leave me alone until the Kelly brothers decide they’re tired of me. Since Duncan and Callum aren’t interested in returning me to Rock for various reasons, he’ll be waiting for a long time.”

“ Does this have anything to do with why Jed Dresmond is looking for support in his bid to overthrow his father?” Aisling’s dad asks. I really should ask what his name is, but he’s a little intimidating.

“It does,” I confirm. “As long as Rock is alive, I won’t be safe. Various people have been telling me there was no reason for my father to have stolen from Rock, which is why he sent his sons to kidnap me and blow up my house after they killed him.”

“ This explains a lot. There’s been a lot of conversation about you recently, young lady,” he says. “ No one wants to give Jed and his pack an inch due to the things we’ve heard they’ve done in Missouri. We are much more tight knit here in Minnesota. We don’t need to worry about backstabbing packs.”

“I don’t believe that’s their intention,” I say. “Damon Dresmond enrolled in college to begin a degree to start a legitimate business, and Jed’s concern is that you’ll back him up, instead of creating a vacuum for power when he kills his father. Otherwise, it’ll cause the issues you’re worried about, I expect.”

Caelin hides a smile as I lay it out for his boss. I may not have had much to do with my father’s work, but I can see the possible issues just the same.

“ Adira, I will throw my support behind the pack if you have breakfast with me,” Aisling’s father says. “ I have a thought I want to lay out for you. The Dresmond pack is a wild card, while Minnesota knows your name in line with what you represent. A misplaced mafia princess. You were never supposed to be hidden away by your father.”

“I still don’t really understand my father’s actions,” I admit.

“My father may ,” he says. “ He knew your father when he was younger, and may have a little more insight. Is tomorrow morning alright?”

“What time is closing tonight?” Caelin asks, jumping back into the conversation.

“Two in the morning,” I sigh. “Well, that’s last call, and then I rarely leave before three.”

“ You do this every night?” Aisling’s father asks.

“Yes. I’m so sorry, Sir. You know my name, but I don’t know yours. It’s really throwing me off,” I admit.

“Cian Sullivan ,” he says, sounding a bit abashed. “ I’ve gotten very used to people knowing who I am. It’s my fault for assuming when you aren’t part of our circle yet. It’s a humbling experience, Adira. Since you’re finishing so late, tell me what your day looks like tomorrow?”

“I have a class at eight in the morning, and I’m at the University of Lyon campus until about two in the afternoon, since I have to run by the library to do some research for a paper,” I explain to him.

“ You’re very busy,” he observes. “ I propose an early dinner. Are you working tomorrow? I feel as if I need a road map for your schedule, my dear.”

Chuckling softly, I enjoy the way the amusement bubbles inside of me. Damon sends a sensation that feels like a hug, pulling a happy sigh from me. My connection is weaker with Morris, but I can feel his curiosity about why I’m laughing. It only took a little over two months to have a genuine moment with a stranger.

Life is strange, especially when trauma feels like a large part of your existence. It gives me hope that things can only get better from here.

“I’m not working tomorrow,” I reassure him.

“May I have my driver pick you up at the school?” Cian asks.

“That would be Evan,” Caelin says. “He’s also part of my pack.”

“Since I’m sure I won’t be able to get there by bus, then that’ll be fine,” I agree.

“ For the record, I despise Rock Dresmond,” Cian growls. “ Auctions are part of a delusion that people can be forced into slavery simply because they’re a certain designation. I hate the practice.”

“I was told about someone who is involved in the auctions, but I don’t know her name,” I sigh. “She’s in a woman’s organization. Aisling and Morris were telling me about it.”

“The Dresmond’s beta ,” Cian says, disapprovingly. He reminds me of a growly parent, one who protects his kid at all costs. Aisling is really lucky to have him. “ Yes, the organization goes by ROWS, and their propaganda spews that omegas are vulnerable and need a firm hand. Anyone who is different from what they think is appropriate isn’t safe from them. I suggest staying away from them.”

“Aisling told me they were at the charity event for Omega’s Haven, which is why I know about them at all,” I tell him. “I was keeping her company at the event.”

“My daughter told me the event was a success in spite of this, but next time she needs to ensure they won’t be able to get access,” Cian says. “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Caelin, please give her Evan’s phone number so she knows it’s him. Safety in all things is important.”

“Yes, Sir,” he says. “Good night, Sir.”

Cian disconnects the call, and Caelin and I both sigh in relief.

“He’s a really good alpha, but he’s still very scary,” Caelin says with a small chuckle. “I know you don’t think you deserve the money, but I want to dig some more. Working and going to school full time isn’t easy.”

“No, but people do it all the time,” I remind him. “I’m not special.”

“I have a feeling Cian is going to ask you to be part of Pack Dresmond’s negotiations to enter our community,” Caelin explains. “Pack Rock‘s days are numbered, and they don’t know it yet. If you agree to help, your time will be even more limited.”

Rock Dresmond would be egotistical enough to name his pack after himself.

“Ugh,” I groan. “I don’t wanna. This is awful. Why did I say yes again?”

“Because the idiots need your help?” Caelin asks.

“They are idiots,” I grumble. “I have to go back to work.”

“I didn’t mean to pop your bubble, Adira. I know my boss well, and I can practically hear the wheels turning in his mind,” he says. “Please let me help?”

“Why do you want to help me?” I ask, shifting gears.

“Listening to you, I can tell that Rock scares you. There’s probably a lot to that story, but you don’t owe me anything,” he says. “It’s admirable that you’re working so hard to make your life your own. However, there’s something about Rock’s sons that’s pulling you toward them, right?”

“Damon is my scent match,” I say. “We’re bonded, and I may have bit the pack’s beta in a moment of insanity.”

“Lots of story there,” he mutters. “Don’t burn yourself out. Once you hit that level of exhaustion, it’s very difficult to pull yourself back out. Please accept help. Money doesn’t fix everything, but it’ll help a lot.”

“You’re trying to get me to fire one of my best employees, aren’t you,” Caleb asks, leaning against the door. This isn’t the first time I’ve thought my boss needs a damn bell. “You’re burning the wick at both ends, Adira. Whatever he’s offering, there’s no strings attached. That’s not how he operates.”

“It’s not,” Caelin agrees. “It feels wrong that you’re working so damn hard. You’re Jeremiah Firestone’s daughter, the money should be yours, despite whether or not you had a hand in making it.”

“I was a caged omega,” I mutter. “Feels pretty lazy to me.”

“A cage is a cage no matter how pretty it is,” Caelin says. “I argue well, and I enjoy winning. Please, continue, Adira.”

“I can’t, I have to go back to work,” I pout, hopping off the desk. “If it’s not completely out of your way, I would like to know about my aunt and why Dad put everything in her name. A part of me wonders if he knew he was going to die when he did this.”

“You almost sounded like a normal omega girl with the first part,” Caleb says. “Your life is way too heavy for a twenty-two year old.”

“I sound like an old lady,” I sigh. “I feel like it too.”

Brushing past Caleb, I get back to work.

At the end of the night, Morris stays next to me as I walk home, and I don’t complain. There’s a warmth inside of me from the bond, keeping me from wondering about his intentions.

We don’t talk much, since I’m deep in my head thinking about what happened at work, but he loops his pinky through mine midway through the walk, and the last thing on my mind is moving away.