“Good. He needs to be more grounded. Always flitting here and there. I can’t keep up, and I like my routines. But it’s good for him to have someone to share his life with. That’s why I wanted to speak with you. He’s got a lot on his plate and I’m worried—”

“I’m already on top of that. Once we figure out who’s controlling the beast, he’s going to decide if he wants to leave the Seven or the pack.”

“Good.” She patted my leg. “I’m glad Donovan’s found you. He’s been lonely for a good while. I find that to be a dangerous thing. You’ll do him well.” She stood up.

She was leaving already?

“You should get some more rest, dear. This afternoon isn’t going to be easy for either of you. A meeting like that…” She sighed. “I’d hoped it could be avoided, but I’m not sure there’s any way to save the pack after this. The betrayal is too deep. My son is a good man, but he doesn’t forgive easily.” I wasn’t sure how to respond to that, but she left without waiting for an answer.

The tea she’d brought was good. I wasn’t normally a tea person, but it had a fruitiness to it that I liked. As I sipped, I tried to come up with a way to help Donovan, but the meeting was in three hours. There was nothing I could do in so little time. The meeting was as good as done already.

After ten minutes, I threw off the covers. Lying in bed and resting was a bunch of BS. It was too hard to be still with this meeting hanging over my head. I had to get up.

Sliding out of bed took some doing, but I managed to do that and get dressed without being in excruciating pain. Both of my sides were still tender, but I could deal. Which was kind of amazing considering what had almost happened.

My stomach rumbled again and I sighed. Just getting dressed killed more calories than I could keep up with. I made my way slowly to Donovan’s kitchen. It was thankfully empty. Riona was nice, but Donovan wasn’t the only one who needed some time.