Chapter 37

"Finish your breakfast first while I wake up the girls."

"Are they gonna come with us?" asked Kahn, shoveling a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

"No…they can see their new home once I buy it. This is not their decision," his mother said, walking out of the kitchen.

Surprised, Kahn stared at her for a moment, then grinned. His sisters were going to be furious, but it was about time they learned the whole world didn't revolve around them. Pushing his plate away, he pulled out his phone and called his mate. There was so much to tell him, but first he had to arrange a ride for himself and his mother.

"Cari?o."

Reeve's deep voice sent shivers down Kahn's spine and he felt his cock begin to swell. If he'd had any doubts about their mating, his reaction proved it was the real deal.

"Cari?o?Are you all right?"

"Yesss…" Kahn replied, moaning softly as he tried to get his lust under control. Then, continuing in a stronger voice, he answered, "Yes, I'm fine."

Chuckling, Reeve murmured, "I promise to take care of you later, cari?o."

Hearing his mother approach, Kahn quickly explained where they were headed. "So, should I call for a ride…"

"No, not necessary. We can take you. Are your sisters going along, too?"

"Nope, just Mom and me."

"Okay…gimme a minute." Quickly sending a message to one of his men, Reeve waited until his order was confirmed before saying, "Grant will drive you and your mother. Let me know what she decides. Either way, she'll always be welcome in our home."

Kahn smiled at his mate's confirmation of his earlier offer for his mother to live with them. "Thanks, bab…uh…Reeve," he said, suddenly realizing his mother had entered the room. "I'll let her know." Ending the call, he pretended to be busy checking his phone messages, unable to look his mother in the eye. "Uhh…that was Reeve…he's gonna…we can go whenever you're ready," Kahn muttered, blushing deeply.

"Who's Reeve?" his mother asked.

Quickly looking up, Kahn said, "Reeve…you know him."

"I do…but what is he to you?"

"I don't know what you mean," Kahm mumbled, looking down at his phone again, knowing exactly what his mother was asking, but unsure about what her response would be to the news. Suddenly, his mother's hands stilled his screen tapping, forcing his gaze upward.

"Is he your mate?" she asked, softly.

Unable to look away from his mother, Kahn nodded slowly, then said, "I found out this morning…and I was going to tell you, but…well with everything going on, I thought it would be better if I waited."

Squeezing her son's hand, she smiled. "Congratulations! That's the best news I've heard in a very long time. After we see the condo, let's stop at a supermarket so I can get everything we'll need for a very special dinner tonight to celebrate finding your Fated Mate!"

It took Kahn a moment before a smile appeared on his face at his mother's excitement. "Boy, is Reeve gonna be surprised when he gets home. We have to swear his men to secrecy…I don't want him to suspect anything's afoot."

"Mum's the word," Kahn's mother whispered, grinning at her son.

Nodding, Kahn stood up. "Are you ready to go? Suddenly, there's a lot to do today."

~/~/~/~/~

After driving for hours, Tristan thought about checking into a motel, but his inner voice told him to keep going. His muscles, though, were rebelling at the restriction forced on them by his small car, and the growing hunger in his gut finally convinced him to stop. Seeing a sign advertising food and gas, he turned off the highway and drove to a truck stop that promised to handle both his needs. Parking in front of the diner, he climbed out of his car, ignoring the painful cramps in his legs. Raising his arms above his head, he twisted his upper torso while discreetly surveying the parking lot where a group of truckers were chatting. No one struck him as dangerous, but then, humans never did.

Closing his eyes, Tristan raised his face to the overhead sun, inhaling deeply, trying to identify the scents around him. Ahh…not all human after all. There were shifters in the group—wolves, bears and several other species he couldn't identify. He wasn't surprised, though; his mother had told him California was filled with shifters, but he was puzzled because the humans appeared to be in charge.

Filing that piece of information away for later, Tristan hurried into the diner, placed an order to go, and then headed for the restroom. After washing his hands and dousing his face with cold water, he returned to the counter. Paying quickly, he grabbed the container of food and hoofed it back to his car. It would've been nice to eat at one of the tables outside the diner, but he couldn't risk it; his animal was pacing which he took as a sign they were in danger.

Climbing into his car, he set his drink in the cup holder and took out the burger and fries from the bag; the aroma of fried food filled the tiny space, causing the growling in his stomach to grow ever louder. Chuckling to himself, he popped a fry into his mouth, moaning at the greasy, goodness of truck-stop fries. It was just luck that he happened to glance over at the humans and shifters as he took a bite of his burger.

"Shit!" Tossing his food onto the passenger seat, Tristan turned the key in the ignition, holding his breath as the motor turned over several times before it finally rumbled to life. Putting the car in reverse, he backed it out of the parking spot and then shifted into drive. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw one of the shifters, his hands now claws, closing in on him and reaching for his door handle.

"Fuck!" Stomping on the gas pedal, Tristan exhaled in relief as the car shot forward, the frustrated shifter's claws etching a trail of deep scratches on the outside of the door. He didn't dare look back, afraid of what he'd see. Shifting—even a partial shift—was forbidden by the High Council, according to what his mother had told him. So what the hell was that all about?

Finally, once again on the highway, Tristan glanced back and was relieved to see no one following him. Retrieving his burger, he took a bite, chewing slowly while thinking about his narrow escape—and wondering what he'd done to offend the shifter. Nothing came to mind, but even if he had pissed him off, it would not have warranted shifting. Slowly finishing his food, Tristan decided the whole incident needed further research on his part when he got to his father's home, because it appeared the rules had changed.

~/~/~/~/~

Noting the address at which they had stopped, Kahn burst out laughing. "The condo you want to buy is in the same building as mine?"

"I said it was close to you."

"That you did, Mom," Kahn replied. Taking his mother's hand, he helped her out of the car, before escorting her into the building and over to the elevator. "Which floor is it on?" he asked.

Looking down at the email on her phone, she said, "The top floor…Patty's waiting to show us around."

"You mean the penthouse?" Kahn asked, not sure he'd heard his mother correctly.

"Yes, that's it. I wanted the top floor so I would have the best view of my new city."

Chuckling, Kahn shook his head. "Promise you'll never change, Mom." After ushering her into the elevator, he pushed the ‘PH' button and then, as the door closed asked, "Patty's your real estate agent?"

"Yes, I found her online last night and I liked how she looked…honest, you know…so I knew I could trust her to get me the very best deal."

Grimacing, Kahn was glad he'd come along so he could protect his mother from herself. Glancing at her, he said, "Promise you won't agree to anything until we talk about it first."

"If I like it, why do we have to talk about it before I buy it? I'm the one that's going to live here, not you."

"Because I don't want you to be taken advantage of, Mom."

"Thank you, sweetie, but it's not necessary. You'll see when you meet Patty. I can trust her."

Inwardly groaning at his mother's naiveté, Kahn wasn't going to let Patty push his mother into buying a condo until he was convinced it was perfect for her. When the elevator stopped and the door opened, he expected to meet a fast-talking real estate agent, but instead, there stood an older lady with a kind smile—who also happened to be a shifter. Fuck and be dammed!

Holding out her hand to his mother, the lady said, "Hi, I'm Patty…and you must be Mrs. Silverpoint. I'm so sorry for your recent loss."

"Thank you...and please, call me Elenor," Kahn's mother replied, shaking Patty's hand. "This is my son, Kahn. As I explained last night, he already lives in the building."

"Hello Kahn, your mother tells me you're a very good artist. You must tell me where I can view your work. I'm always fascinated by the work of up-and-coming artists although, according to Elenor, maybe you've already arrived."

"He's having a one-man show at…" Turning to her son, Elenor asked, "What's the name of the gallery, Kahn?"

Pulling out a gallery business card from his wallet, Kahn handed it to Patty. "I don't have the date yet, but if you call the owner, Emilia Miralles, she'll add your name to the notification list."

Taking the card, Patty glanced down at it and said, "Emilia knows me well. I've bought several pieces of art from her over the years. She has quite a knack for representing artists who will end up as big names in the art field."

Kahn blushed, becoming a light shade of pale pink at the compliment. "I don't know I would say that…"

"My son is too modest for his own good," Elenor interjected.

"Mom! Stop, please!"

Laughing, Patty said, "You won't win this one Kahn, because every mother has a gods-given right to brag about her children. Now, before this young man's cheeks turn any redder, let's go in. As I mentioned to you last night, Elenor, furnishings are included and the seller is very motivated. He's been transferred to Singapore and wishes to purchase a home there which can't happen until this condo is sold."

Opening the door, Patty stepped aside, motioning Kahn and his mother to go in before her. "There's only this and one other condo on this floor, so you'll have plenty of privacy." Leading them into the living room, she gestured toward the two-story high windows. "Take a look at that view! Isn't it simply amazing? And at night, the lights of San Francisco are at your feet."

Kahn trailed after his mother and Patty, paying attention to the rooms as they walked through them. It was obvious the owner had only chosen the best, whether it was the furniture, lighting fixtures, or kitchen appliances. By the time the tour was finished, Kahn had to admit the place was gorgeous and seemed perfect for his mother. But if the owner was as eager to sell as Patty said, then he was sure there was some wriggle room to negotiate a lower price.

"Do you have any questions, Elenor?" asked Patty.

"I have one," said Kahn. "What's the monthly maintenance fee for this place?"

"Twelve hundred dollars a month and that includes two parking spots in the garage, full access to the on-site gym, pool, and roof deck. There are also meeting rooms available for private parties."

"Thank you, Patty," Elenor said. "Would you mind giving us a moment alone?"

"Of course, take your time," Patty replied. "I'll be waiting outside."

Kahn waited until the front door closed before he grinned at his mother. "You want it, don't you?"

"Yes, but what do you think? Is it as good a deal as it appears to be?"

Kahn took a moment to collect his thoughts before answering. "I looked at a lot of places before I bought a condo in this building and the reason I chose it was its location and the security it offered…and now I have the added advantage of being close to my family. I think it's perfect for you, but you should make an offer a little under the asking price."

"I won't lose it if I do that, will I?"

"No, they may or may not accept it, or come back with a counteroffer."

"I can pay cash…does that help?"

Laughing, Kahn hugged his mother. "It makes you a very desirable buyer. Let's go brighten Patty's day. Oh, one other thing…did you know she was a shifter before you contacted her?"

"I knew her family when I was younger," Elenor replied, with a twinkle in her eyes. "Is that a good enough reason to think I could trust her?"

Shaking his head, Kahn murmured, "Mom, I'll never doubt you again."

~/~/~/~/~

"Well, what did you think of Cain?" Steel asked.

Before Jackson could answer, his phone rang. Checking the screen, he groaned. "It's Reeve…I wonder what he wants now." Accepting the call, Jackson said, "I'm kinda busy right now…"

"It'll just take a minute…I'd like your permission to speak to your brother Logan."

"Logan? What for?"

"Uhm…it's about the Silver Point Pack."

"I'm afraid you'll have to be more specific," Jackson replied.

Frowning, Reeve muttered, "You were right…Kahn doesn't want to be Alpha, so that leaves Rudy."

"I'll fight the Council if they give him the position," Jackson warned, his voice hard and unyielding.

"I figured that…that's why I thought of your brothers. Their claim to the Alpha position supersedes…"

"And you thought Logan might be interested," Jackson concluded. "I can save you the trouble…none of my brothers, including Logan has asked to leave my pack."

"I'm sure that's true, but I'd feel better if I could hear that from Logan himself."

"It's a waste of your time, but if you insist, I'll ask him to call you. Will that be satisfactory?"

"That would be great…thanks," replied Reeve. "And I'd appreciate it if you keep Kahn's refusal quiet for the moment. I don't want Rudy to know for now."

"I will," Jackson promised. "However, my advice is to come up with a plan B since my brothers will turn it down."

"This is my Plan B…Plan A was to convince you to take over the position. Have you given it any more thought?"

"I have, but I don't think I want to take on my uncle's pack," Jackson said. "They deserve someone who'll give them his full attention and that's not me."

"I respect that," Reeve murmured. "Josiah and Rudy were some of the worst leaders of a pack I've ever come across. By the way, have you spoken to your brothers regarding what restitution you'd be willing to accept? I'm not trying to pressure you, but now that Josiah is dead and Rudy and his co-conspirators are in the custody of the High Council, I'd like to wrap this case up."

"Not yet, but once I have, I'll get back to you."

"Fine…I'll wait for Logan's call," Reeve said, before hanging up.

Looking at Steel, Jackson grinned. "I can't wait to hear what my brother's response will be," he said, before rising and heading to see his brother.