Chapter 34
Chapter Thirty-Four
Falcon
The relief I expect to feel as I walk away doesn’t hit. It doesn’t make any sense. The Beta is safe and well. I saw so with my own eyes. She thanked me for saving her. She told me she’s safe now.
So, why don’t I feel reassured?
Why is there still a pit in my stomach?
Why the hell do I want to rush back there and lift her into my arms?
She doesn’t need to be rescued. That already happened.
Her ordeal is over. She’s healthy and happy.
It doesn’t make any sense.
Why can’t I let go?
I force my feet to move, following Lana out of the kitchens and away from the woman I drove for hours to visit.
Every step I take feels wrong.
I don’t know what’s going on.
I got what I came for.
Didn’t I?
Fuck.
What is wrong with me?
I thought seeing her was all I needed.
That it was the answer to moving on.
Apparently, I was wrong.
“Are you okay?” Lana asks, as we step out into the reception hall, where her Beta mate is waiting for us.
“Huh?” I mutter, as he starts to lead us back to her office.
“You seem kind of quiet. Is there a problem?” She raises an eyebrow when I glance at her.
I frown back at her, biting my tongue.
Of course there’s a fucking problem, but it’s me.
I’m the problem.
She doesn’t need to know that.
“Is Robin happy here?” I ask.
“I think so. She’s kind of quiet, but she seems to be doing well.”
It’s not exactly a satisfying response, but I don’t know what I’m expecting to hear. All I know is it feels wrong to just walk away. I need … More.
“What does she do here, besides kitchen duties?”
“She has a suite here, and she spends time in the gardens. If you wanted to know anything beyond that, you’d have to ask her.”
“Would I be allowed to ask her?”
She laughs. “What are you asking, exactly?”
I really wish I fucking knew.
“Say I wanted to visit again, or call her, or something like that …”
“Look,” she cuts me off, “Robin isn’t being held against her will.
She’s protected here, sure, but it doesn’t mean we get to dictate who sees her.
If you call or try to arrange a visit, it would be up to her if she wants to allow that.
And if you overstep when you’re here, it’ll be up to me to have you kicked out. ”
“I see.”
“I’m not happy that you chose to sneak in here by filling out an application,” she admits.
“I can understand why you might have thought you had no choice, but if you try anything sneaky again, I’m going to assume you’re not trustworthy.
If I have to blacklist you, and your pack, I will.
I know Shayne is Shadow’s brother, but I have over a hundred Omegas to protect, as well as my staff at the academy. ”
“You have my word, I’ll be upfront.”
“Okay. Then you won’t mind me asking why you might want to visit Robin again?”
We’re almost at her office now, so she stops by the side of the bench while Pete goes to the door. He turns to wait for her instruction, and she puts a hand up to tell him to give her a minute.
Then, she puts her attention back on me.
She stares me down as if she can see right through me.
“Answer the question, please. Why would you want to visit Robin again?”
The no-bullshit tone speaks volumes about her intent.
She takes security seriously. I get that.
It means I don’t need to be worried about Robin’s safety.
No one’s getting into the academy who shouldn’t be here.
If they do, they’ll be caught and dealt with.
I clear my throat. “Honestly? I don’t know. I just wanted to see if it was an option.”
“Good,” she says, nodding.
“Good?”
“You’re not lying.”
“I don’t usually lie. I’m sorry I didn’t just call and explain things. The academy’s reputation is intimidating. I made a mistake, and for that I apologize.”
“Apology accepted.” She smiles. “It was nice to meet you, Falcon. I hope the next time you’re here it’s because you’ve been invited.”
She turns and walks to her office door.
Shayne’s brother picked a real firecracker of a female mate.
I don’t want to get on her bad side again, that’s for sure.
But I’m glad she’s the one in charge of this place.
If nothing else, I know Robin is truly safe.
It eases my mind a little.
It isn’t much, but at least it’s something.