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“I lasted as long as I possibly could,” I finally replied. “Jedd doesn’t want my interference, but it’s too late now.”
“No, and that’s why I said as much after you left.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled, not feeling any better.
Rinnick watched me closely. He had this way about him that was quiet but intense, powerful but controlled. I supposed most alphas were like that. All the ones I had ever met shared those same qualities. “Fuck, Theo. I know this isn’t easy.”
Choking on a large gulp of beer, I swiped my hand across my mouth. “Easy? I’ve been dealing with this shit for five years. Just when I thought I could have some kind of life without her, Bec ends up missing. Fate fucking hates me.”
Rinnick snorted, slapping me on the back. “Grow some balls, man. This isn’t karma. Your woman needs to be reminded of who you are and what you mean to each other. Fate has given you another chance. Take it. Don’t be a fucking fool.”
Sighing, I ran my hand through my hair. “She made it perfectly clear where I stood with her.”
Becca had ordered me to stay away from her nearly a year ago. It was the last conversation we had and an endless argument about something so insignificant I couldn’t remember what we fought about now. Her lack of emotion and willingness to fight for our relationship had ended the last spark of romance between us.
Or so I thought.
“Theo,” he began but I slammed my fist on the table and he leaned back, shaking his head. “Five years is a long time to live with regret but forever is a lot longer.”
“What do you know about it?” I asked with anger. “You’ve never fallen in love.”
Rinnick growled as he leaned forward, his presence suddenly menacing. “You forget your place, old friend.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, not the least bit intimidated. “That shit works on the rest of the pack, not me. We’re too close for bullshit. You, me, and Cole. We don’t fuck around.”
Rinnick blew out a breath and downed his beer, shoving the empty mug away. “There may be some truth in that statement.”
Damn straight.
“Listen, I know you’ve been through your fair share of hardship. Cole is finally dealing with his past and that’s a good thing. Losing Seth was a devastating blow to you both. I get that, but we’re not talking about siblings. Becca is my mate.”
He smirked, leaning back as his feet rose and rested on the surface of the worn wooden table. “You said she is your mate, as in present tense.”
Cringing, I shrugged. “Is, was, doesn’t matter.”
“Yes, it does. Your wolf hasn’t forgotten.”
Shit.He was right but I wouldn’t admit it. Not at this moment. It hurt too much to consider the idea. “I don’t have any idea where to begin the search.”
He let me change the subject, but I didn’t miss the twinkle of humor in his eye. “Why not the Blazing Bull Motel? That’s where Max found her things.”
True, but I had a feeling it wasn’t where she actually spent her time. Becca wasn’t a cheap motel kind of girl. She was too girly and didn’t like squalor. For a wolf, it was both humorous and endearing. “I’ll probably check it out, but I have a feeling something more sinister is at work. Bec didn’t have any problems with family.” Rinnick lifted a brow in protest and I nodded. “Alright, nothing other than an overbearing father and overprotective brothers. She wasn’t unhappy to my knowledge.”
Rinnick laughed, the sound both a little frustrated and slightly sarcastic. “You speak to her about that often?” His question alluded to the fact that maybe she wasn’t happy, and I didn’t want to entertain that idea any more than I wanted to discuss her feelings about me or our past.
No, I didn’t speak to her and he knew it. That was another problem. Becca’s continued silence completely cut me off from her life. I didn’t know shit about why she left the pack grounds to begin with, much less what kind of trouble she was in. “Fuck off,” I growled, rising to my feet. “You know what I mean.”
He stood, clapping my shoulder with a wide grin. His smile was only remotely apologetic. “This is going to be a turning point in your relationship. I’m sure Bec will welcome you with open arms.”
Swinging my fist, he ducked the blow as I chased him out, both of us laughing hard as we exited the bar. “You’re a shit friend,” I observed, “asshole.”
Rinnick couldn’t stop laughing, hands on his knees as he shook his head. “We both know what this means to you.” He sobered as our gaze met. “You have my full support. Bring her home to her family. That’s got to count for something.”
“Yeah,” I answered slowly. “Maybe. I’m not going to win any points with her father but maybe Bec will be reminded that I’m the same guy I was five years ago, and nothing is going to change how I feel about her.”
“I truly hope so, Theo. It sucks to see you so down.”
Turning away, I didn’t betray the level of emotion that surfaced with those words. “Night, bro.”
“Stay in touch. Don’t forget to text me while you’re out there.”
“I won’t,” I assured him and jogged home, already far more sober than I wanted.
The long night stretched ahead, and I knew I would chase sleep and Becca Harlow for many endless nights to come. I was pretty sure she would haunt me the rest of my days.
