Chapter 53: 53: Uncertain Times

MELANIE

I usher Ginger into the clinic, making sure to lock the door behind us. I draw the blinds and gesture for her to follow me into the office for a discussion.

We sink into two comfortable chairs and I give her a moment to calm her wolf.

“You’re Ginger from the Phoenix pack, aren’t you?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

She nods in agreement. “Yes, that’s me. And you must be Max’s sister, judging from the conversation back on the trail. So, what brings you here?”

“As you heard Dr. Skye say, I’m here for an internship. That’s the official story, at least. I am a real medical student, that part is true. But the actual reason is that Max has been looking for you and I’m here in his place.”

I shrug casually, waiting for her reaction.

“I see. And why is Max searching for me?”

“I think you can probably guess. You both turned twenty-one and he didn’t find his mate. He’s been trying to reach you for months, but your phone is disconnected. Luckily, my mom is friends with your pack’s luna in Phoenix and managed to get some information about your whereabouts. So, here I am.”

Ginger gives a soft smile, and I can’t help but admire her beauty. Max would be lucky to have someone as lovely as her.

Her strength and composure are clear in her demeanor. “My stepfather took my phone, saying I don’t need it anymore. He wants me to socialize here and accept the alpha’s son as my chosen mate. I really don’t want to do that. I have no interest in being this pack’s luna, and besides, he’s as dull as a dead tree.”

I can’t help but chuckle at her remark. She would fit right into our family.

“Max thinks you might be mates. He was insistent that I prevent this arrangement until he can come back.”

“That’s kind of romantic,” Ginger muses. “The problem isn’t me. I can’t see myself mating with this wolf, but Grayson is determined to make it happen so he can become this pack’s beta. My mother loves status,” she adds, rolling her eyes.

“No one can force you to marry him. It’s your choice. What will they do? Restrain you? It’s ridiculous. I want you to leave with me,” I tell her.

“I’m afraid he might hurt my mother, though. You saw him. He’s a tyrant and a bully.”

“You would sacrifice your happiness?”

“I don’t want to, of course I don’t.” Her voice trembles.

“Let’s figure this out. My father is one of the most influential alphas in the country and he’s in good standing with the Wolf King. Maybe he can help. Even if you and Max aren’t mates, they shouldn’t be forcing you into a union you don’t want.”

Ginger nods in agreement.

“Let’s call my father. He’ll know how to handle this.”

That’s how we end up on a three-way call with my father and the Wolf King.

***

“I can’t believe that just happened,” Ginger exclaims, breathless, as we hang up the phone. We’d spent over two hours discussing the situation with my father and then the Wolf King.

Even over the phone, the king commands your attention. The best part was his disapproval of forced unions and his outrage that it was still happening.

His exact words were, “What the hell is this, the dark ages?” Relief washed over Ginger’s face during the call, and I was glad to see her more relaxed.

We sit in silence, anticipating what comes next. We don’t have to wait long before there’s a loud knock on the clinic door.

I rise from my chair and peek through the blinds in the waiting area. It’s one of the patrols.

I crack the door open, the chain lock still in place, and ask what he wants. He informs me that the alpha requests our presence.

When I ask who exactly he’s requesting, the wolf huffs loudly. “I believe he said Melanie Moon and Ginger Sanders. Would one of those be you and the other the one I can smell inside with you?”

I nod curtly and unlatch the door.

“Come on, Ginger. We have an alpha to meet.”

The next morning, Ginger and I are on a plane to Montana. I’m relieved to have found her and to not have had to stay there any longer than necessary.

Ginger is relieved to not be forced into a marriage she doesn’t want. We probably both look like grinning fools as we board the plane and settle into our seats.

As for Ginger’s mother, the alpha assured us she was safe and that he had been completely unaware of his son’s deal with Grayson. We took his word for it because Ginger didn’t want to stick around to see what Grayson would do once he found out the alpha let her leave.

At this point, it was uncertain if she could return to her Phoenix pack. She was in her last semester of school and was already behind due to the upheaval of going to New York.

Hours later, we arrive at Ridge Mountain Pack. I ask my parents to let Ginger stay on our floor of the pack house.

She’s nervous after her recent ordeal and doesn’t know anyone here. They agree and I give her the nicest guest room.

As she’s settling in, Max calls, and I tell him she’s here and safe. Naturally, he wants to speak with Ginger.

I hand her my phone and slip out of the room to give them some privacy. I sincerely hope Ginger is Max’s mate.

She’s a sweet, intelligent woman. She’s also very strong, which is what he needs, what the pack will need to help him lead.

Our parents are a tough act to follow.

The week passes without incident. Ginger is back to her studies, trying to catch up.

I’m arranging my final internship that will take me to Texas for a month. There’s a pack doctor there who can teach me about treating snake bites and other issues common in desert environments.

As it turns out, I’ll be only two hours from the Santa Fe Pack, where Brock lives. He promised to visit me while I’m there.

They’re on good terms with this neighboring pack, so there should be no reason why they wouldn’t let him onto their land. I think I’m most excited about seeing him, forget about treating snake bites.

Friday evening, as I’m studying on my bed, there’s a knock on my door. I invite them in.

Ginger enters and sets a bag by the door. I immediately sit up and close my book.

“What’s going on, Ginger?” I ask, nodding toward the bag.

“I’ve come to say goodbye and thank you. I’m going back to Phoenix to finish school. The alpha has promised me protection so I can complete my studies and then make a decision about my life. Without my mother there and my father being dead, I only have a few family members left in Phoenix. Who knows what will happen,” she says, shrugging.

“Wow. I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked. After all, it’s where you belong.” I rise from the bed and traverse the room to embrace her.

“What’s your plan for getting to the airport?”

“Actually, Beta Jackson and his mate are giving me a lift. They’ve got a dinner date in Billings tonight, so it’s convenient. No one has to go out of their way.”

I offer her a final hug before escorting her to the car waiting outside. Beta and his mate are already seated in the vehicle, with a security detail in a separate car trailing behind them.

Ginger spins around, waving, before she hops into the car. Then they’re off.

I can’t help but wonder if Max is aware she’s gone. I certainly won’t be the one to tell him; he needs to keep his mind on completing his training so he can return home.

With a sigh, I pivot and head back into the house, a part of me hoping this isn’t the last time I see Ginger Sanders.