Bloodlines

Dean

Groaning, I stretch out on my bed and roll over. I reach for my phone and check it for any new messages. The only new thing is the read receipt by Anna's name.

She's still not speaking to me.

I focus my hearing on the rest of the house. Sara's still not home. I haven't seen her for two days. She's been with Anna. But Bennett is here.

I slide out of bed and pull on some drawstring pants. I tie them loosely and head downstairs.

Bennett's in the kitchen. His head is in the fridge as he's eats something. From the smell it's most likely turkey.

"Hey," I say. I pull a box of Cheerios from the cabinet.

Bennett closes the fridge door. "What's up? Your arm looks better."

I glance at my shoulder. Holland has been patching it up instead of Anna. But she's been doing a good job at it. I still can't shift, but it doesn't hurt so much to move it around. "Yeah, Holland is a miracle worker. How's things going with the party plans?"

"Everything is on schedule. Anna and a few other wolves are prepping the hall. Sara is out getting some last minute supplies."

I grab a bowl and spoon. "What time does the party start?"

Bennett hands me the milk. "Eight, nine." He shrugs. "I'll have to check what Anna put on the flyers."

I pour the cereal and then the milk. I hand the jug back to Bennett. I lean against the counter and eat. Bennett stares at me. "What?" I say with a mouthful of food.

"Ask already."

I set the bowl down. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Bennett smirks. "Well I have to get back to the hall." He passes me. "Anna's fine, if you were wondering."

"Bennett." I follow him to the foyer. "Did she tell you what happened?"

"I heard most of it. But really man, your mate? That shit is gonna spread and then your mate, your actual mate wont ever be found."

"Maybe its for the best."

"Maybe for you. But guess what you did to Anna? You trapped her." He leaves and I stand there for a while.

I snap out of it when I remember my cereal in the kitchen. It's soggy so I pour it down the sink and then head upstairs for a shower.

I tap my finger on the table. Katie watches me. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah I'm just reconsidering."

"You can't reconsider this. Too many things have already been planned. We can't cancel. And what about Isabel's memory? Your parents? The packs?" She sets her pen down. "What about Anna?"

I slam my hand. "Anna didn't even want the memorial."

She sits back in her chair and releases a heavy sign. "I'm sorry Dean, but get a level head. The memorial is happening." She collects her pad and pen. She stops by the door. "Fix whatever the hell has gotten you into this mood."

I lean back in my chair and pinch the bridge of my nose. When I open my eyes Daphne is standing in the doorway. "Jessica is here."

"Yeah, let her in."

"Do you want an audience?"

"If her wolves come in I want you here."

Daphne walks from the room and seconds later Jessica walks in. Her wolves stand outside with Daphne. Neither of them talk.