Jing

I could feel my stress melting away as I rode, leaving my responsibilities behind and just letting go. Apart from shifting this was the best way I had to relax. I hadn’t done either in so long.

For someone who was an expert in mental health. I was sure bad at minding my own. I guess Doctors do make the worst patients.

I just got so busy. The last month had been busy. After the issue with that Mage Cult, things have been busy with the City Council, applications to move into town have been flowing in, plus my regular work and restoring this bike. I haven’t had time for much. Traci was worried I was becoming a hermit.

It’s…. not a ridiculous worry.

I’ve lived here for 3 years and had many acquittances and patients but few friends. I tended to get very absorbed by projects and work. Plus, my kind was not very social to begin with. Any free time I did have I spent working on a motorcycle or shifted in the trees behind my house.

Traci and several members of the Council were starting to whisper about blind dates and I sure as hell wanted to avoid that mess. After what I had gone through with my family, I didn’t want anything to do with matchmaking.

As I was refilling the tank of the motorcycle, I felt my phone go off. I was relieved enough that it wasn’t the emergency phone for my patients that I didn’t bother to look at the caller ID before I answered.

My mistake.

(italics are in Cantonese)

“Son”

As soon as the voice speaking Cantonese hit my ear I wanted to throw my phone into the street and run it over.

“Father. Why are you calling me?”

“Don’t take that tone with me boy. Just because you ran away form your life and responsibilities does not give you the right to disrespect me.”

“Of course, Father. What can I do for you?”

“There was a car accident, Adrianna and that woman didn’t make it.”

I stilled, shocked. Adrianna had texted me last night with an update and a few pictures and now she was gone?

“And Zhen?”

“Minor injuries. It’s time you step up to your duties.”

I know I can’t say no, I can’t leave Zhen to the life I had. I didn’t want that for him.

“Of course, but I need time to prepare.”

“You get 3 days. I’ll e-mail the details you will need to know. Your mother says she misses you.”

With that he disconnected the call.

This was bad, very bad. My already busy life just got more complex. I just stare at my phone, trying to maintain my normal calm, neutral mask. Emotions were for when you were alone, not in public, not in front of people.

I finished fueling the tank. I just wanted to drop the bike off and shift. I needed it now more than ever. I climbed back on the bike and gunned the engine, heading to the Alpha’s place as fast as I can.

Magnus

“So, I hear you’ve caught someone’s eye.”

I groaned loudly, frowning down at the woman currently stabbing ink into my ribs, then glaring at Carson, my supposed friend.

“It’s not like I was sending any signals. Cecilia. I’m fairly sure I’ve done the exact opposite.”

Cecilia snorts, her eyebrows pulling together as a look of concentration comes over her pretty face.

“You’re breathing, that’s signal enough to that woman. She doesn’t listen to much, not even ‘No thank you, my Mate is your Alpha.’” Carson growls. He is very old fashioned, he doesn’t judge people who don’t wait for their Mates but cheaters and homewreckers would definitely anger him.

“Seriously?” I look down at the Alpha wolf currently tattooing me.

“Yes. She’s not one for listening that Jasmine.” Cecilia’s tone was light for the situation we were talking about.

“Two questions, what did you do and how is she still around after making moves on your Mate?”

“I made it very clear Sampson is off limits with a very nice, calm, well-mannered right hook to the face. Then I mentioned the next time I hear she is going after someone else’s Mate she’ll be lucky if all I do is run her ass out of town.” Cecilia’s calm was tone but the intensity coming off her sent a shiver down my spine.”

Damn.

Note to self, don’t piss off an Alpha.

Especially one who had nearly lost her Mate not long ago.

“Guess I’ll just have to find my Mate then.”

Carson actually spit his drink out in shock. I had to struggle not to laugh. No moving while getting tattooed on your ribcage.

“You’re serious.” Carson was in shock; I did chuckle then.

“I haven’t slept with anyone in months Carson. I’m not getting younger here. If I’m being honest, I’m ready for the Mated life, someone to come home to, some kids maybe.”

Carson looks at me like I’d grown a second and third head while Cecilia wipes down my new tattoo, laughing.

Carson opens his mouth to respond but the loud rumbling of an engine can be heard pulling up to the side of the house. Cecilia perks up even more.

“Perfect! Jing made it!”

I look between them both, confused.

“Who the fuck is Jing?”