Chapter 69

Shirley

It seems everyone can breathe a little easier now that the pack has been able to put an end to the kidnappers. Keith spared his mom and I most of the messy details, but all I learned was the Hollow Shadows had been keeping a base outside of town and hadn’t been prepared for Keith’s raid. Though - unfortunately - Ralph hadn’t been among them.

There’s been no sight of Ralph anywhere, even as Keith extended a report outside of town. It’s almost like the man has disappeared the same way Anya had - even if Anya isn’t real.

Still, now that we’ve all settled one problem, the pack has shifted their attention back to the company’s IPO. We’ve been in meeting after meeting over the last few days, talking about nothing but business.

I’m excited that the company is moving along, especially as I see the wolves’ smiling faces as we cross more needs off the list. But I can’t deny the remorse that also meets me as we move toward the finish line.

But I’m also indifferent as I consider another matter that I don't know will ever reach a clean closure - whatever this thing is between Keith and me. We’ve hardly spoken outside of business meetings. I still don’t know what happened between us means - the kiss, the night together, the touches we’ve shared to comfort the other. And I fear I may never know.

I’m also busy with other matters. Of course, my job is taking up a lot of my time, but now that Ralph is gone and the town is quiet once more - I also focus my attention on Jean and being completely truthful.

“I still can’t believe he was involved in the abductions,” Jean tells me tonight as we chat on the phone. “I swear, Shir. I had no idea, and if I had then I would have told you…told Keith right away.”

“I know, Jean,” I reassure her. “And I’m sure Keith knows that too. But Ralph is gone now and there’s no way that he’s coming back - not after everything that happened.”

“I’m glad,” Jean says with a sigh. “He’s already caused so much pain. The people of Lock Heart are too good to be hurt like that…I miss them.”

I can hear the sadness in Jean’s voice, it causes me to experience my own regret as a hint of surprise also meets the sensation. This is the first time I’ve heard Jean mention missing Lock Heart.

“Would you…Would you consider coming back?” I dare to ask.

There’s silence on Jean’s end of the phone and already I’m kicking myself for asking the question. Jean’s probably too mixed up to even consider the possibilities. I’m ready to apologize and take it all back when Jean speaks first.

“I would,” she says softly.

My eyebrows raise at her response.

“Really?” I ask.

“Yes,” she admits. “Like you said, Ralph is gone and he’s probably not coming back. He’s the only reason I left and now…”

“Now you could return,” I finish for her.

“I could,” Jean confirms. “I mean…that was my home, it’s Eliot’s home. They have such good schools over there and I dreamed of him getting an amazing education.”

Yeah, she’d mentioned that before. And she isn’t wrong - the schools in the east were impressive and certainly not as crowded. I know that he’s Jean’s number one priority now and she only wants what’s best for him.

So I take a breath, I prepare once more to say difficult words. And they are difficult - because I know it will separate Jean and I once more.

“You should come back,” I ease out the words despite what I’m feeling. More quiet seconds tick by as I resist the urge to squeeze my eyes tight. Instead, I listen to Jean’s gentle breaths until she speaks.

“I will.”

~

“Leave it to me.”

Those were the last words I’d said to Jean before I’d hung up the phone. And then I was getting up, going to do something I hadn’t done in days - find Keith.

He’s in his study when I finally discover him, seated in one of the armchairs as he looks over some documents. However, he eventually notices my presence, causing his features to smooth as he stares at me.

“I need a favor,” I tell him, skipping the hellos. Even though I want to say hello. I want to take my time with him, be in the same room with him as long as possible. But I’m here with a purpose.

“Of course,” Keith replies.

“Jean wants to come home,” I tell him outright. I can tell he hadn’t expected my words, though I’m not sure what he would have anticipated instead.

“I need your help making arrangements,” I admit. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but she needs movers…a place to stay… and -“

“Consider it done,” Keith interrupts me, causing me to stop.

And then I blink at him, realizing what he means.

“Really?” I ask.

Keith nods, as if it’s obvious. “Whatever she needs,” he tells me. “We’ll take care of it all. It’s the least the pack can do after what she’s been through.”

I’m still at a loss as I stare at him - though maybe my shock is a little ridiculous. Still, I’m grateful for what he’s willing to do for my best friend.

“Thank you,” I tell him once I regain my wits, suddenly feeling the urge to rush to him for another hug. And yet, I stay on my side of the room.

Once more, Keith nods.

“Let’s bring her home.”

~

The moment I see Jean walk out of the airport doors, my feet are already moving.

“Jean!” I call out, gaining her attention. Immediately, her eyes sweep over and meet mine, causing us both to beam before we run in for a hug.

“Shirley,” she sighs as she holds me, little Eliot standing at our sides as he tugs on us both. It’s enough to make us separate, sharing a laugh as I reach to ruffle his hair.

“Hey, you,” I say to him, smiling down at his wide eyes. And then I throw my arm around Jean’s shoulders, leading them both off to the waiting car. “I missed you both. Wait until you see your new place.”

Jean gives another joyful laugh as we all load into the car. As hit the road, she’s already staring out the window, sighing as she sees the leftover snow from last night’s storm.

“It’s so good to be back,” she admits. “Thank you for everything, Shir. This wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

“You should be thanking Keith,” I tell her. “He’s the one who set everything up.” In fact, he’s currently at her home, doing some final touches before we arrive.

Jean nods in turn, her eyes still on me as I look out at the road.

“How is everything…with Keith?” she asks, taking me by surprise.

“Okay, I think,” I manage to say. “He’s still trying to come to terms with everything with…you know who,” I say, not mentioning the name of Eliot’s father. “But his company is almost ready to go live - so that’s good.”

“No,” Jean says following my words. “I meant between -“

“Mommy,” Eliot’s sweet voice chimes in then. “I’m hungry.”

“Don’t worry,” I say, looking at the boy through the mirror. “We’ll get you something to eat.”

Eliot rejoices at my words, causing me to smile as I focus back on the road. However, Jean remains silent, leaving me wondering what she was about to say.

Apparently, it’s not important enough to revisit.

~

When we pull up to the house, Keith and others are already standing outside, looking like a welcoming party as I get out of the car.

I smile as I stare at them, but then I step back, helping Eliot out of his car seat. When I’m done, I look over to notice Keith has now come down to the car.

“Any problems?” Keith asks me, those simple words making my skin warm for some reason.

“None. Easy peasy,” I reply. Keith seems to enjoy my response as he smiles and begins pulling luggage out.

From the other side of the car, I can see Jean’s door finally open, allowing her to step out. I’m just about to tell her to go on into the house when the words catch violently in my throat.

And the air feels like electricity around me.

I blink as I stare at Jean, realizing she must feel the shift too as she’s completely frozen. However, it’s not me who she’s looking at.

I force down a swallow as I follow her gaze, leaving me to spot the man who has exited the house - and he’s just as struck as everyone else as he stares right back at Jean.

I know this feeling. I’ve felt it once before in my life when I was eighteen. I’d been with an old friend at a party and felt that same shock in the air when she’d discovered her…

My eyes snap back to Jean, my brows raising as I realize what has occurred, what caused the change.

“Mates,” the word is a whisper off my lips as I then glance back toward the man. But it’s not just any man.

It’s Ron.

He’s coming down from the porch, his steps slow and purposeful as he draws closer to Jean. When he’s finally a foot away, they keep staring right into each other's eyes as Ron’s lips finally part.

“Hi,” is all he says.

And Jean lets out a sigh, as if she’s been holding her breath.

“Hi,” she says right back.

Ron’s hand raises then, cautious and gentle as he brings it to her face. Sweetly, he touches her cheek, brushing her as smiles threaten on both their faces.

Mates, the word echoes in my head again. Ron and Jean have been chosen as each other’s second-chance mates.

My head spins as I watch the connection form right in front of my very eyes. I know I’m happy for Jean, relieved that she’s received another chance with someone as amazing as Ron. However, there’s another emotion sitting inside of me that I can’t quite understand. All I know is that it squeezes my heart, makes my features remain stoic.

And for some reason, it has my eyes sliding to Keith, finding that his expression perfectly matches mine. He’s watching them too, taking it all in as he’s unreadable. Only, after a moment, he also flicks his gaze to mine, our eyes holding for what feels like an eternity.

I can hear voices fill the air then, but I can’t make out what they’re saying. I’m too focused on the unspoken words between Keith and me.