The Mates of Monsters
Chapter 73

The meeting location is a building nestled in the mountains that looks like a luxurious ski lodge. Since it is currently summer, there is no snow at the base of the mountains, but it must look quite picturesque when everything is coated in white.

Our driver pulls under the front, roofed entrance, and we unload our things. If I didn't know what was going on behind the scenes, I might think I was here for some stereotypical European vacation. Workers-hotel workers-assist us, and we check-in at the front desk. Bubbling over with curiosity, I ask Jeremy discretely, "What's going on?" The woman at the front desk, dressed in a uniform and adorned with a name tag, gives him room keys. "The Dreier pack runs this place," he explains and leads our group through the modern, wood and stone lobby. "This hotel is on their land, and they cater it to humans during the winter. During the off-season, the Union uses it as a main European location. All of the workers belong to the pack, but the pack itself is a short drive west."

"So the guests are all attending the meeting tomorrow?"

"Yes," he says, "they are all leaderships."

The lobby isn't too busy; it's rather tranquil. Three or four well-dressed people move about or sit in the lounge area, and they don't pay us much attention. Our rooms are on the fourth floor, and we take an elevator up to it.

I pull my small suitcase behind me as we walk down a long, carpeted hall. The hotel ambiance is very different from the primary Union location, yet it doesn't feel bad in any way; in fact, it's cozy. Compared to the ancient stone of my previous accommodation, this place- while lacking the medieval grandness-is somewhat comforting, which seems about right for a hotel. The only factor contrasting with this is the guests. There is nothing comforting about unfamiliar Alphas and Lunas.

We each have our own room, and we divide to acclimate and rest before dinner. My room is next to Jeremy's, and we share a door between us, but when I test it, it proves to be locked. The rest of the space reflects the same modern yet woodsy aroma of the lobby. The bedding is plush and white, the flooring is dark wood, and the walls are painted a sophisticated grey. The featured artwork is better suited for someone who understands such things, so I don't spend too much time staring at the minimalistic paintings before peeking into the bathroom.

A shower and separate full tub catch my interest. There's also a spacious counter fitted with a sink and a large mirror. Needing to check myself, I take a moment to use the restroom, and I come to accept the fact that I am not on my period.

Knowing what I have to do next, I return to my bags in the bedroom and take out my phone. The time here is six hours ahead of the time back home, so David should be sleeping, not getting up for another hour or two, but he asked me to call.

I tap his contact and bring the device to my ear. It rings only once.

"David?" I say into my phone.

"Hey, did you make it to the Alps okay?"

The smooth sound of his voice pulls me onto the neatly-made bed. I sit and shut my eyes just to imagine he's here with me. He doesn't sound sleepy. Thope he's been sleeping. "I'm in my room now. We don't have to do anything until the meeting tomorrow, but we're going to grab lunch soon."

"Good. And you're feeling alright?"

"Yeah," I manage, "I'm doing fine."

I can't tell him what's going on with me, it wilkonly worry him more. 10 don't want him dropping everything to get on a plane just to comfort me for the little time I have here

"Brigette, talk to me. You don't sound fine."

"I have to do this for them, so I'll do it. I've worked too hard on the proposition, and I have to see it through. B-But I..." My voice cuts off. He has to know that I'm okay. "Brigette?"

"But I'll be back soon. I'll be home before you know it. Did you sleep at all?"

"I'm worried about you-after what happened. I thought maybe you shouldn't have gone, but if you're doing okay..."

"I am. Please, don't worry. Try to

sleep, and make sure you eat, and

be nice to Tarlo because it isn't his fault that I'm across the world so

you can't take it out on him.

วน

And tell

Helena that I'm doing okay; she

wants to know. Tell her I brought the necklace, and that I'm wearing it."

He pauses. "I will-just, come home to me, Brigette."

"I always will," I tell him. "I promise, okay?"

"I love you."

Goddess, what I would do to have him here. I'm taunted by the mere fact that I can't have his embrace whenever I please. I bite my lip then say, "I love you, too."