I turn the mobile before grabbing the wolf that reminds me of Kora. It even has our gold eyes. The wolf is so detailed, you can see the ruffles of her fur. I place it back just as Mateo walks in.
“It’s Andrei,” he says, handing me the phone.
Well, that’s definitely an unexpected and suspicious incoming call. Color me intrigued. I reach out and Mateo places the phone in my hand. I tap the screen and accept the call. “Hey,” I greet, holding the phone to my ear.
“Hey, sis, can you come over? I need you to try to talk to someone for me.” Andrei sounds frantic. He never has before, and that alone raises the alarm bells in my head.
I bring my hand to my lips and pinch the bottom one to get rid of the scenarios that run through my mind. Swallowing, I gather my thoughts. “I can, but who is it?”
“I know it is impossible, shit, it sounds impossible. You won’t believe this, I can’t believe it, but Donnie is sure and I can feel it. I think I’m losing my mind. But that’s not important. I can’t calm her down. She is petrified of me.” Andrei rants, losing me completely in the process.
What is he talking about? Who is this ‘she’ that is so petrified of him that my brother can’t calm her down? “Who is?”
“Kat… I found a rogue. I know this is insane, but she is my mate,” he says like he can’t believe it. I understand his frustration, worry, and lack of belief, if only partly.
“I believe you. I will come as soon as I can. What is her name?” I say with a slight smile spreading across my lips. It’s too soon to be as happy as I feel, but I can’t help it. She really did it!
Andrei has been drowning in self-hatred and misery. He thinks no one can see it. He thinks I haven’t noticed how much he’s suffering. But he’s not even half as good of an actor as he believes. I noticed, my mates noticed, and everyone does. He is unhappy and this rogue might be his chance at happiness.
“I have no idea, she won’t shift or speak to me. Please, I know it is impossible, but I swear Kat, it’s exactly like with Angie, if by some miracle the Moon Goddess granted me another. I can’t lose her, not after Angie,” he pleads.
Now, I understand why he’s so frantic. Andrei is scared of re-living the same nightmare again. He’s scared of losing the one person that makes him see a point in living.
“Then let’s make sure you don’t. I will get Mateo to run me over now, and I will see you soon,” I promise him before hanging up.
Mateo, who is clearly listening to our conversation and watching me curiously, opens his mouth and closes it. He shakes his head as a spark of amusement dances in his eyes. “Did he just say he found a second chance, mate?”
“Yes, he found her,” I announce proudly. The overwhelming joy slowly spreads through my chest and makes me warm inside.
Mateo arches an eyebrow in question. “And you don’t seem shocked. The lack of response must mean that you knew. So, what did you do, Kat?”
Gosh, it’s always the same thing. You knew, you predicted, what did you do, and so on. Alright, maybe his question is spot-on, but I wish, for once, I didn’t have to explain myself. Besides, this is a good thing.
“I asked the Moon Goddess to grant him one. We have all lost enough, including Andrei, so I asked for a second chance.” I whisper, explaining everything.
“And at what cost, Kat? Everything comes at a cost with her.” Mateo looks both terrified and impressed at the same time. His body tenses, so I shake my head.
“No, this time it’s more of a deal with her. Andrei would have ultimately forced my hand in a battle with him, so I asked her to give him a chance. I told you about my vision of his future, and I will not stand by knowing I could have helped. However, the price will be the same if I have to step in.” I admit, hoping my mate will understand why I did what had to be done. This isn’t a crime, everything I did is out of love, just hopefully not at his new poor mate’s sacrifice.
Andrei is my brother, and I need to do everything in my power to help him. Family cares for each other. Family protects and loves each other. Especially during the darkest of times.
“And what is that?” Mateo asks, concerned.
“His life Mateo. If she can’t fix him, or they can’t fix each other. I lose my brother.”
“So, what if he doesn’t go down the straight and narrow? You get Ezra or me to kill your brother, Kat?” he sighs, running his hand through his hair.
“No, Mateo, the deal was if he needs to die, I kill him myself. My brother, my favor, my hands, my sacrifice, and my responsibility.” I point my finger at my chest to emphasize who will be responsible for dealing with the consequences if there are any.
“And you think you can do it? Kill your own brother? You can’t do that.” Mateo shakes his head, staring at me shocked.
“I can do it, there are a lot of things I will do for my people, Mateo. Don’t underestimate the things I will do. I am willing to die for my people, and I will kill for them too, if needed. But hopefully, it won’t come to that. In case you’re still doubting me, just know that I am prepared if it does come to the worst case scenario,” I vow.