Logan Chapter 34

-Landon-

I have so many questions for Logan when he gets back. A week, he said. A week, my ass. He’s been gone for almost a month now and I’m realizing more and more why he’s the alpha instead of me. I’m okay with enforcing his rules while he’s gone and making sure all the paperwork is done, sort of, but the actual leading shit is beyond me. At this point in my life, anyway. I haven’t tried to have a serious relationship, so I have no advice for the courting couples in the pack, and kids freak me right out. Their parents will have to deal with them. I try to have patience and respect for the pack elders, but they’re just so stuffy sometimes. I don’t know how Logan balances it all on top of the very real and boring behind the scenes work. He is apparently so good at it that he decided to found and direct a company as well, which is just disgusting.

All of the above means that I’ve been sweating bullets for two weeks straight, now. I can’t put off the elders any longer. Logan and his girl have already missed one full moon in their courting. According to Nanette, that means they’ll be in some kind of pain and discomfort. It has been so long since the last fated pair that no one has the information needed anymore. The elders still remember the mating ritual, because our rituals for chosen mates are very similar, but anything leading up to that seems pretty foggy in everyone’s minds.

As if I didn’t have enough regular bullshit on my plate right now, this random chick has been showing up all over the place asking for Logan. She claimed to be Emory’s friend trying to get them back together when she talked to Anna, but with Nanette she claimed to be a food blogger. I’ve caught her lurking on our security feeds, as well. I don’t know why she doesn’t come in and say hi. The rash of spam calls I’ve been getting to my and Logan’s phones feels related to her, but I’m not picking up a number I don’t recognize. That’s a good way to get your identity stolen.

I’m in the middle of mentally giving Logan two more days to get in touch with me before I call in the calvary- his friends that have apparently had a detective on Emory the whole time- when I get a call from the front gate. I check the camera again- it’s that same random lady. I finally decide to go out and greet her myself. There’s obviously no getting rid of her. At least she’s hot. It’ll be nice to have a few minutes outside, anyway. It’s a beautiful day and I’ve spent all of it behind a damn desk.

As I walk out the gate and up to the car, I see that it’s a sensible sedan. Some kind of Honda or Toyota. I’ve never been a car person, but I know ‘point A to point B’ when I see it. The girl in the driver’s seat looks like a Ferrari, though. Time to see what all the fuss is about. “Well hello. What brings you out here?” Can’t hurt to turn on some charm. Catching more flies with honey, and all that.

“Hey, how you doing? Is this the Úlfur residence? My name is Cora. I’m afraid I might be a little lost.” Not likely, but we’ll see where it goes.

“Yeah, you’re in the right place. Landon Úlfur, what can I do for you?” I don’t trust the glint in her eyes, like I’m just the person she wanted to see. She’s been telling everyone else she’s looking for Logan…

“Landon, so nice to meet you. I actually just had a few questions. I was going to do an opinion piece about Úlfur Industries’ charitable work. You might have heard of my friend Emory from your brother- she told me all about the good work the company has been doing. When the opportunity came up to write about it, I thought it would be a good way to start my and Logan’s relationship off on the right foot- he’s dating my best friend, after all. We need to get along or it’ll be painful for all of us.” Yeah, ok. It almost sounds plausible, but everything about her reeks of lies. The smell lingers on her clothes, in her car. I bet she barely knows what the truth feels like anymore. This woman’s whole identity is steeped in deception.

“Uh… yeah. Unfortunately, Logan is out of town right now and I don’t keep track of his charity work, so you’ll have to get in touch with him when he comes back.” Hopefully, it’s soon. “But you have a good night, sweetheart.” Maybe if I go fully patronizing she’ll leave me alone.

“Oh, I don’t buy that he doesn’t tell you anything. Surely, as his only brother, you’re close to him? A friend, even? Or does he shut you out? It must be hard living up to such a successful big sibling. What is it you do, again?” Ohh, the kitten has claws, now! It’s been awhile since anyone has accused me of inadequacy- I’ve beaten it out of most of those who did. Has Logan accomplished more? Sure. But he’s always been driven like that. I’ve just never felt the need to impose my will on the masses like that. I’d rather live and let live. Life is too short to spend all the time he does- and right now, I do- at a fucking desk.

“Listen here, Kitten-”

“It’s Cora.” She breaks in, unamused. Good.

“I don’t care. You’re lying to me, and I want you off the property.” She heaves a sigh but doesn’t get into her car. What now?

“Listen, I’m sorry, okay? I’ve watched out for Emory since we were in college and this is the first time she’s been with a guy I haven’t known anything about. I’m just trying to learn more so I can make sure she’s safe. They’ve already had a spat, but knowing her it won’t last long. I just want to see what Logan’s friends and family have to say about him so I know if I need to come to her rescue or not.” My turn to sigh.

“Fine. You can come in and ask whatever you want. I reserve the right not to answer. You get one hour.” I can already feel that I’m going to regret this, but I always have had a weakness for a pretty face. She even has green eyes. How could I resist?