THE MEETING

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"I say we put the feral mutt down once and for all. Griffin has been nothing but trouble since he came back," the dark-haired man sneers, scrunching his slightly large nose in disgust. His comment makes me dislike him immediately.

"Oscar, what we do next is for Ava to decide, and I would ask that you refrain from sharing your opinion until otherwise asked," Patrick growls. His voice is deep and robust, making even myself sit up straighter in a weak attempt to avoid being noticed and potentially becoming the target for that tone.

"He has a point, though, Da," Liam interjects, causing me to flinch at his harsh words, his tone calm. "Well, not to that extreme, but he's already attacked several of our men, and we all know he won't stop until we hand over what he deems as his." Me.

I raise my eyes and look at Liam. I mean, really look at him, as my good opinion of the man I met and got to know, reduces by the second. Okay, I know that's a lie. I still care for him, and maybe if things were different, but after Isla and now this, I have to question his morals.

"Enough!" Patrick slams his large hands on the wood desk making the whole table vibrate at the sheer force of his strength. "I have already said that what we do is for Ava to decide, she is his mate, and I will hear no other opinions on the matter." He finishes, directing his words towards his son, who grimaces at the mention of the word mate.

"Now, Ava," he continues, his voice lighter, his Irish brogue thick, and his face softening as he looks at me. "Lass, I know that what you've been through the past few weeks has been quite a traumatic experience, learning of your heritage, amongst other things, and I know you've had conversations with my wife about the agreement I made with Griffin all those years ago. For my part in that lass, I'm sorry." His eyes are sincere as he speaks. "My priority was and will always be with the pack, and Griffin, he determined that the only way he would pass over the leadership was if we agreed to his terms, which was for you."

"And Isla," I add, looking directly at Liam, who grimaces, guilt crossing his face.

"Yes, lass, and Isla. But aside, our most pressing matter is that you're freshly mated to a man who has lost almost all control over his wolf. That same wolf is demanding we return you before he goes to war with us."

My face crumples. Patrick has already said that his priority will always be to the pack. What if we can't stop him. Heart rate is accelerating. I struggle to breathe. Even after what I've learned about his childhood, I-

"Ava," seeing my obvious distress, Siobhan interjects placing a warm hand on my shoulder, her voice gentle but firm, "we are NOT going to force you to do anything, love. Tonight is about us coming up with a way to keep you and the clan safe."

But isn't he part of the clan?

Looking around the room and to the varying facial expressions on the men of concern, anger, and even fear, I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. "What are the options then?" I ask, turning my head back to the Alpha and watching Patrick, his face blank, hands clasped in front and resting on the buffed wood. Inclining his head towards Liam, I see him out of the corner of my eye move his chair closer, his leg resting against mine, his warmth and scent invading my senses, making my stomach turn. Not my mate. SHIT! Griffin, what's happening to me? Shifting my body, so we're no longer touching, I face him and wait.

A look of disappointment flashed across his features then disappears just as quickly as he schools his face to look neutral. Undeterred by my physical withdrawal, he moves closer again and clasps a firm hand on my knee. "Ava, love, are you serious about wanting to break the bond?"

Yes, no, I don't know anymore. Biting my lip and digging my nails into my palm, I shrug my shoulders rather than voicing my response. Looking up at Liam, I see him offer a resigned smile before looking back to his father. "Continue," Patrick motions.

"If that's inevitably what you choose to do, or even if you still need time, then we'll need your help to draw him here," Liam continues, his dark eyes focused on mine, fingers gently caressing my clothed flesh. "Then, once we can get him calm, we can move forward in whatever you choose."

"Okay, and how do we do that?" I ask, my mouth suddenly dry. Time is what I need. I don't know what I want, but I need to do something. This is unfair to both of us.

"Okay, Ava, we think it best to arrange for a meeting between the two of you," my heart begins to race again and I take a deep breath. I focus on the warmth of his hand, the sensation neither unwelcome nor wanted. A week ago, his actions would have caused butterflies in my stomach, but now, and maybe it's because of the bond, it's just a pleasant warmth, almost brotherly. "We'll be present at all times, Ava, but can't be too close. We want Griffin's wolf to feel that he's in control of the situation." My body visibly shudders, causing Liam to apply more pressure to my leg, his voice reassuring, "He won't hurt you, love, you're his mate, but if we're too close, he'll see it as a threat, and we can't predict what he'll do if that's the case."

"And given his wolf, love, we can't take him on in that form," Siobhan adds, "this is the best course of action to avoid any unnecessary bloodshed."

My eyes look to Liam's hand, then back to his face. The gentleness in his eyes from earlier today is gone, replaced by steely determination. The men in the room fidget as they wait for my response, shifting my view to Siobhan. I see nothing but encouragement and nod. "When will the meeting be arranged, and what do I have to do?"

Relieved sighs emanate from the men around me, and Siobhan squeezes my shoulder. "Tomorrow," Patrick informs. "We'll have you call him after we go over the particulars to arrange."

"Me?" I stammer.

"Yes, love," Liam encourages. "He'll only listen to you."

"And as for what we require you to do tomorrow, is talk to him Ava, maybe let him scent you. Just being near you will calm him enough for us to work with him." Patrick adds.

So, I need to allow him to be near me. I can do that. He did save me twice. He wouldn't hurt me, would he? "Okay, so what do I say when I call him?"

"Just talk, say whatever you feel, love, it needs to be natural," Siobhan advises as Liam pulls a mobile out from his jacket pocket, bringing up Griffin's name on the screen. "When he picks up Ava," she continues, "talk. Your voice will help."

Swallowing and sucking on my bottom lip, I nod again and watch as Liam presses the call button and turns it on speaker. Griffin picks up on the first ring. "Where is my mate?" his gravelly tone, my Wolf, comes through the connection, causing shivers to run across my skin, "I will fucking kill-"

"Griffin," I murmur, the volume only above a whisper.

"Doe Eyes?" he asks, his tone changing immediately, the relief in his voice at the forefront.

"Yeah,"

I hear a purring sound coming from the other end of the phone before he speaks again, the sound causing butterflies to erupt in my belly, "Doe, are you, are you well?"

"Yeah," looking to Siobhan for guidance, a soft smile on her face, she lifts her hand for me to continue, "I'm fine, I-"

Before I can even finish my sentence, he cuts in, desperation in his voice, "I need to see you, Doe," watching Siobhan's smile widen. I know this is what they were hoping for.

"Griffin, I..."

"Please Doe, I need..." he begs, his voice distorting, my Wolf and my mate battling for control. My desire to break my bond to him and possibly his heart, weakens further.

"Okay, I will see you tomorrow?" I ask, my legs bouncing in anticipation of his response.

"Now!" He growls, then apologizes. "Sorry, Doe, it's hard to stay in control." I can hear his breathing, deep and heavy. "When tomorrow, Doe?"

Liam holds up a piece of paper, 5 pm written hastily in black ink. Nodding in acknowledgment, I reply, "5 in the afternoon."

"3!" he responds immediately, causing the men to smile at each other like this was the time they were hoping for. Liam is squeezing my leg, drawing my attention back to him, and he lifts his head up and down in agreement.

"Okay."

"Where?" looking to Liam as he quickly writes down another message, I read out the location of the crann fuinseoige.

"The Ash Tree, yes, yes, that's perfect." Griffin all too eagerly agrees, the purring continuing. "Tomorrow Doe," then he adds, "come alone," the last part coming out as a demand.

Panic starting to cloud my senses, "Griffin, I-"

"I won't hurt you, Doe. We can talk. I need to see you without them." He pleads, Liam is nodding, smiling wide. This is what they want.

"Okay. Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow can't come soon enough." Liam ends the call and looks to his father, a relieved look on his face.

"Aye, that was perfect, Ava," Patrick beams, "you couldn't have done that any better." He turns to his wife, "Siobhan, why don't you take Ava up to her room? I assume she's exhausted and let us men discuss our plans to ensure everyone's safety."

Moving to her husband, she gives him a light kiss. Siobhan turns and gestures for me to follow as she walks towards the door. Standing, I look around the room and bid everyone goodnight, following the clan matron out the door.

I walk up the stairs, Siobhan also bidding me goodnight before leaving me to make my way to my room. Moving down the long hallway, I can hear Erin's muffled voice coming behind my bedroom door. Is she still on that call? Opening the door a fraction, I peer in, not wanting to interrupt her, her back to me as she paces facing the far wall.

"I just need more time," she whisper-shouts down the line, her voice holding a tone of fear. What the?

"I know you've been lenient, but I'm needed here." I'm stunned as I watch my strong friend's shoulders drop in defeat. "Please." She begs. Erin never begs.

After a moment, she tells the person on the other end that she will leave now before disconnecting from the call and throwing her phone at the wall, "FUCK!" she growls, turning and spotting me standing there staring at her.

Composing herself and planting a smile on her face which doesn't quite meet her eyes, she shakes her body and picks up her discarded phone. "Work," she explains. I know it's a lie but I let it pass.

"You need to leave?"

"Yeah. Ava, I'm so sorry I..."

"Don't apologize," I cut her off, walking over and pulling her into a massive hug, her tall frame melting into my smaller one. "When do you need to leave?"

"Now, unfortunately. I have a few things I need to fix," pulling back, I swear I can see moisture in her eyes. "Ava, I don't know when I can come back. I'm so sorry, babe."

Pushing back the loose strands of her midnight hair, I smile, "It's okay. You've done more than enough." Turning to look towards the bed, I see that her bags are already packed. I'll miss my friend, my sister, but something tells me what or whoever that was, was important.

Even though Erin and I share almost everything, I know she still has her secrets, especially when she's with the Mitchells, whom I assume was on the other end of that call.

Pulling her in for another hug, I hold her, the smell of iris and vanilla filling my nose. "Just call me when you get home to let me know you're okay. I'm going to miss you."

Sniffing, she squeezes harder. "Me too bitch." Reluctantly letting me go, she steps back, her hand wiping at the corner of her eyes. "Wanna walk me out?"

Nodding, I escort my friend outside to her car, parked off to the side of the massive circular driveway, and surrounded by multiple trucks. I help Erin load her luggage into the trunk of her Mercedes, giving her one final embrace before getting into the driver's seat and turning on the ignition. "Stay safe bitch," she sniffs, tears freely flowing down her tanned cheeks. Closing the door, she winds down the window, "Ava, take care of Isla for me, will you?" Then before she drives off, she adds. "Ava, be careful. I think there's more to Griffin than what we're being told. Just be vigilant, yeah?"

Nodding, I watch as she winds up the window and takes off down the drive, stones churning from her tires, as she floors it. Typical Erin.

I wait until her car is out of view before turning and making my way back inside. Thankfully there isn't another soul in sight as I trudge my body back up the stairs and into my room, closing the door behind me with a soft click. Suddenly overwhelmed with fatigue, my body allows me only to clean my face and teeth before demanding that I move to the bed. Shrugging out of my day clothes, I throw on the white nightdress from last night and crawl onto the bed, snuggling under the warm blankets. Dropping my head on the pillow, I close my eyes.  


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