I had made several plans in advance for how to connect with Tristan. One of the plans included the eventuality of receiving an invitation to his mating ceremony.

Once Jane and Emma had closeted themselves in Jane’s bedroom, I picked up the antique home phone receiver and dialed Alpha Martin’s personal cell number. He answered quickly.

“Gabriel! You’ve heard the news,” he exclaimed jovially.

“Alpha Martin, I have heard. I want to thank you for your kind invitation. Unfortunately, I have business elsewhere and won’t be in the state this weekend.”

“That’s a shame. You will be missed,” his slick voice held a note of insincerity.

“I appreciate that. I wish it were possible to attend what I’m sure will be a grand event.”

“Indeed, it will be! We are sparing no expense for my only son’s mating ceremony,” Alpha Martin sounded happy - the snake.

“I’d like to give the lovely couple a special gift, if I may,” I began.

Even from here, I could almost see the greed in his eyes as his heart rate picked up speed.

“It’s not necessary, Gabriel. We’ve been peaceful neighbors for generations, and I’m sure our continued friendship is gift enough,” he paused expectantly.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“I insist,” I said in a firm tone.

“Please send Tristan and Miss MacKenzie to meet me at the Benz dealership in Cooleyville tomorrow. I want to gift them a car.”

I could tell Alpha Martin was practically rubbing his hands together; he was so pleased, “Oh no, we couldn’t accept, it’s too generous…”

“I do insist, Alpha,” I replied with a smile. The old wolf had no idea that I could read his thoughts, even over the phone.

“Of course, I’d never want to offend such a kind neighbor. How does 3 pm sound? I’m in meetings until 1 pm myself, so I can’t make it before that,” he explained.

Got him.

“I’m afraid I must make a flight at noon, so it’s a little inconvenient for me. Why don’t you send the two of them along at 9 am and I’ll take good care of them and guide them to a sensible choice,” I offered.

He was unhappy to miss the chance to suck up to a one-thousand-plus-year-old vampire neighbor, but he didn’t want to miss out on the chance for a luxury car either - a gift he fully intended to take from his son and use for himself. I could hear it loud and clear in his mind, even across so many miles.

“Fine, fine. Thank you, my friend,” he answered, “I am sorry you can’t make the event, but this is a wonderful gift that I’m sure the kids will be pleased with.”

“That is my hope. I’ve got to run and prepare for my trip tomorrow. I’ll see the kids at 9 am. Goodbye, Alpha Martin,” I replied and clicked the receiver down in its cradle.

Now, to prepare for what would be a colossal upset to the packs of North America. If it succeeded, the kids could be together with their mates. If it didn’t, they could all end up dead.

I sent a quick prayer up to the moon goddess, asking her to be on our side for the children’s sake. We’d need all the help we could get.