Chapter 156

His words resounded in my mind. This is war. I stared at my phone for what seemed to be years, but was merely seconds before his next texts came through.

I tried Vince’s system myself, and it looks like you have to be physically tapped in.

Good luck.

The last few messages flashed on my screen for a second, and then they were gone, as if they had never been delivered. I held my phone in my hand, confused. But there was nothing else, no explanation, and no more little bouncy three dots to let me know there were more messages to come.

I messaged my dad first. I knew I didn’t want him to worry, so I just sent him a quick voice memo. “Stay safe. Keep me updated. If something happens, I want to know.”

I knew he wasn’t going to let me know, but I hoped he would. I saw the three dots appear.

Dad: Worry about yourself, babe. We will handle this on our side. These next four years will fly by, I promise.

I typed back a quick "I love you," and his response was quick. Then I flipped back to Rowan. What does you say to your king?

Again, I figured a voice memo would be quicker. “Thank you for everything. I will check out your email later, class.” I paused for a minute. But then I opened my damn mouth again when I should have stopped after that. “Stay safe. Okay?”

I froze after I thought about what I just sent, and I cringed as I saw the three dots pop up. He disappeared and then popped up again, almost as if he couldn’t decide what to say.

Then his message came through. It was a voice memo. I clicked on it and wished I could fall into a deep hole when I heard the amusement in his voice. “Are you worried about me?”

His question caught me off guard. It was almost playful, but his voice held something else, and I didn’t want to focus on it.

I hit the record button. “Yes.” I wanted to re-record it, so I released the button, and without realizing it, it sent. “Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. No, don’t send.” I started to hit my back button on my phone with zero chance of it working.

I saw the bubbles pop up and I wanted to die. How did I end up here?

His memo popped up and I wanted to close my phone and ignore it, but I knew I wouldn’t. I clicked it, and his deep chuckle wrapped around me. “I appreciate the worry, but I am a little disappointed. I know being king comes with responsibilities, but I was really enjoying the semester at school." My heart skipped a beat. "And I was looking forward to our study sessions together.” I felt my face heat, but I had to slap myself—Stop reading into his words. He likes you. Nix’s voice was certain.

Megan was a little more hesitant. He must like your company.

I scowled. I’m not the reason he said that. I denied, but both wolves scoffed at me.

Another message popped up. I clicked on it. “I have to go, but if you have any issues or questions, email me. I probably won’t be able to call or text, but I will make sure to check my email.”

I furrowed my brow at that. He can’t call or text but he will be able to email?

It sounds like someone is listening to his calls. Nix’s answer made everything click.

Chapter 156

He has more security on his computer, and so do I. We would be able to chat more freely. Something was going on, and he was being very cautious. I grabbed my computer and pulled up my encrypted email service. Rowan had shown me how to use it in the first class.

This was how he wanted our projects sent to him throughout the semester, but now I think he wanted to keep our conversations secret.

I saw instantly that I had three emails: one from my father, and two from Rowan.

I clicked on my father’s first.

Amy, things have escalated past a safe point. You can’t say this to anyone, but a lot of packs are in shambles. Three packs totally wiped out. Our pack has grown, picking up the survivors, but everything is a mess.

I worry about you and your mother. Next time you see her, you have to tell her everything.

Rowan found out certain things, but the main thing he found out was that there were taps on our phones.

Everything we say on our phones has to be vague and above board.

Stay safe, pup, learn as fast as you can, and hopefully we can figure everything out.

I love you.

Chapter 157