Chapter 418

I sat back, watching the grey cursor flashing on the screen. I needed to answer him, but I was still a little lost on how to approach him. It’s still weird knowing that Thoth is a man. When my dad introduced us, it was just vague information: "Thoth will help you." No gender, no name other than user name. I asked over and over, but he stayed quiet.

We talked about computers at first, but then our conversations grew deeper. He asked about my day, complained about his own. It wasn’t until I joked with him about telling Brandon that he was a human female that he finally cracked and told me he was a man. Another alpha my father was friends with, one he had grown close to from overseas.

I shook my head to clear it. Whatever feelings I did or didn’t have for Thoth would have to wait. I wouldn’t approach any relationship until everything had been handled.

NixtheGoddess: Hey. I’m alive. Vince had captured me for a few days, but I got out. I’m at work. I have a full day, but I will do a full debrief tonight with you and my father. We have to plan.

I hit send and almost immediately, there was a response.

Thoth: Tonight at nine. Not a minute later.

NixtheGoddess: Okay. I’ll make sure I am home and ready. Did you want to do a group chat or just us?

Thoth: While I would love to monopolize your time, we don’t have time for that. Your father has heard some rumblings, and I think you have a lot more for us. Mainly, how did Vince capture you and not recognize you?

NixtheGoddess: Some things are harder to explain… but if my dad vouches for you… I have to explain everything to him, too.

Thoth: Deal.

I logged out of our chat and sent my dad an email.

Hey Dad! I’m not dead. Video call at nine tonight with Thoth. I think we have to lay everything out and make our final plans. Love you, Amy

I had just hit send when my office door opened. I looked up to see Brandon panting at the door. I closed my laptop and sat back. I let my face settle into cold lines.

Brandon almost recoiled. “You’re back.”

“Yes.” I crossed my arms and looked at my computer screen.

“Where have you been? I called, I texted, you never answered.” He walked in and tried to come around the desk to hug me, but I stood and pushed the chair between us. He furrowed his brows. “What’s wrong?”

“You know where I was. I was getting my mom settled in her new pack.” I leaned against the wall and put my foot on the chair, keeping it between us. “I told you I needed space to think about everything, including us. I think I made myself pretty clear… it’s obvious you still want Shannon. She obviously wants to be with you. She even said she was pregnant by you, which at the time I missed, but I spent a lot of time thinking when I was away and I realized what she was insinuating.”

He stared at me for a minute, and I could scent the panic coming from him, but I pretended not to notice. “What are you even talking about, Amy?” He tried to reach for me, but I held up my hands.

“I’m talking about you fucking Shannon again.” He froze after I said it. Panic lit his face, and his hands trembled.

He opened his mouth and still couldn’t speak, then he found his footing. “Why would you even think that? I love you. We are about to have our mating ceremony. We only have two weeks.” He grimaced. “Are you seriously accusing me?”

I glared at him. “Are you saying Shannon was lying?”

“Of course, I am.” He finally pulled the chair out of the way and grabbed me. “I would never cheat on you. I chose you. I fought for you. I love you. It’s always been you.” He kissed me, and I stayed stiff for a minute and then allowed myself to soften, to pretend that his words, his kiss, were changing my mind. I needed him to think he won. I pulled back and let the tears come. “You believe me, right?” He ducked down to look me in my eye. “Right, baby?”

I looked away, almost as if I was ashamed of myself. “I don’t know what to believe anymore. Shannon said…”

Brandon growled. “I don’t care what that whore said. I’m telling you I would never do that to you. Do you believe I could do that to you? To us?” He stared at me.

“I…” I covered my face. “I don’t know what to say. I want to believe you. Goddess, I do. But Shannon has already told everyone that she is taking my spot. I’m not stupid. Once the pack hears the rumor, they are sold on it. She has to be your mate…” I looked up at him. “I want to be with you… but she’s made it impossible.”