Mates: Revenge

Chapter 27

~Jayden~

I wonder where Kehlani is, she is usually home by now. I’m pacing my office because she will usually let me know if she is going to be late, but I received no such call today. After Melanie and Brooklyn’s kidnapping, I have become overly worried about any and everything that could be construed as possible problem.

I have linked everyone to see if they have heard from Kehlani, but no one has. I’m tempted to link them all again, but I don’t want to drive anyone crazy. I decide to head downstairs and hope that I run into her. I head out of my office and before I get to the top of the stairs, I run right into Kehlani. “Babe, I was worried about you. Why are you late?” She reaches up and kisses me on the cheek.

“I had a last minute meeting that I had to handle so I didn’t leave the office when I usually do.” This explanation sounds plausible, but I can tell that there is something else going on. Kehlani isn’t exactly looking in my eyes; constantly looking everywhere else that she can. When I do catch her eyes, I’m seeing way too many emotions that don't fit the story she is telling. I’m tempted to push the issue, but something tells me that either I would get shut down or it would turn into an argument. I’m not interested in either at this point so I decide to let it go. For now.

I grab Kehlani’s hand and walk her up to our room. I draw her a bath while she undresses. “I’m going to go check on Brooklyn for a bit. If you need anything, just let me know.” I don’t wait for an answer and I head out, determined to find Trent. I head downstairs and out to the garage. I see Trent cleaning out the car and I approach him. “Hey Trent. How did everything go today?” Trent pops his head up and looks at me.

“Uh, what do you mean Alpha?” Trent is looking suspicious, which tells me that there is definitely more to the story than Kehlani was telling me.

“I’m just wondering if anything happened today. You two came back a lot later than you usually do and no one informed anyone that you would be late.” Trent is starting to look really nervous and I know there is something there. I stare at him and wait for him to respond. The more time that passes, the more nervous he looks.

“Um, there was just a last……a last minute meeting. I had to wait until the meeting was over. I don’t know of anything else that happened.” I continue to look at Trent without responding. I’d guess that he was told not to tell me what happened. I could command him to tell, but I don’t want him to feel as if he is going against Kehlani. There is something going on and I need to find out what it is.

“Ok.” Trent, immediately, looks relieved.

Babe, where are you?

I’m in the garage with Trent. Did you need something?

You’re with Trent? Why?

I just needed to ask him something. What’s going on?

Oh, uh……..Melanie wants to meet with the both of us. We are in my office.

I’m on my way.

I nod at Trent and head out of the garage. I wonder what it is that Melanie wants to talk to us about. I thought that after my talk with her things would be better, but she still seems to be having a hard time coming to terms with everything. Melanie still hasn’t sat down with Brooklyn and that worries me. I make it to Kehlani’s office and see her at her desk and Melanie sitting across from her. I sit next to Melanie and turn my chair to face her.

“What’s up Melanie? Is everything okay?” Melanie looks at me and sighs. She looks down at her lap and I share a look with Kehlani. It seems like neither of us have any idea what this is about.

“Well, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about everything. I have spoken to both of you about everything and I have come to a decision.” Melanie looks at Kehlani, then at me. I see tears pooling in her eyes. I’m scared as to what she is going to say. “I think I need to leave.”

“Melanie, are you talking about leaving the pack?” Melanie didn’t answer Kehlani and I start to get even more nervous. “You don’t have to leave this pack. We aren’t mad at what happened, it wasn’t your fault.” I stay quiet. Melanie and Kehlani have known each other longer and I think Kehalni talking to her will go better.

“I’m not planning to go to another pack.” This makes me chime in.

“Are you thinking of going rogue? That is extremely dangerous.” Melanie gives a sad chuckle.

“I won’t be going rogue. I don’t know how long I will be gone, but I think I need to leave. I need to deal with everything that happened and I need to find a way to get Winnie back. I’m lost without her and I don’t know what to do.” I can understand Melanie’s position. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to live without Jace. He is too much a part of me and my existence would not be the same without him. I look at Kehlani and can tell she is having similar thoughts.

“I hate for you to leave, Melanie. You are my girl and my Gamma. We would be lost without you, but I understand the need to get back right. I will miss you terribly.” I see a tear fall from Melanie’s eye.

“I will miss you too.”

“I just have one request.” Melanie looks at me. “You need to tell Brooklyn you are leaving.”