~ Chapter 10 ~
Cam found Clayr in the office at the school waiting on him, her pent-up energy filling the space. Her face white and her blue eyes shifting side to side as she paced, stopping to face him when he entered. She started to talk as soon as he closed the door, words tumbling out quickly.
“Alpha, I’m sorry about what I said to Gunr, but I was upset and having that man appear just shocked me. I can’t apologize enough for my outburst. It was unprofessional and not something I’m proud of, but I’m also worried too, because I’m not sure that I won’t carry through on what I said and that scares me. It terrifies me that I could even think like that. I’m here to help the children under my care . . . but I’m not a vigilante, and . . .”
Cam could scent her nervousness, her worry, her utter despair, so he did what any good Alpha would, he sent out his power to calm her and interrupted. “Shush, Clayr. I understand you were upset and I’m not surprised that you took it badly. You’ve devoted your time to helping these bairns so I get why you were distressed that he got so close to them. That being said, yes, it was a shock what you said. Coming from you, I have to say, I was surprised. That’s not something I expected. Let’s sit down so we can talk.”
He pulled out the chairs in front of the desk so they were sitting opposite each other and motioned for her to take one. She nibbled on a nail but complied, smoothing her navy dress as she did so, knees locked together, eyes down and hands falling to clasped tightly in her lap.
“I want to put your mind at rest straight away.” Cam sat then reached over, patting her hands. “Pervis is, right at this moment, being escorted from the camp by Gunr and his men. He’s being advised that he should never return and that he won’t be gaining access to Shaney, now or in the future. If, and that’s a big if, Shaney wants to contact her family, then the decision is hers and hers alone. We won’t force her to do that and as far as I’m concerned, the matter is closed. Is that acceptable to you?”
Clayr’s eyes shot to his, relief flashing brightly as her chest rose and fell quickly. “Really?”
“Yes,” Cam replied firmly. “I’m not prying as to what Shaney has told you, but for you to react the way you did tells me a great deal. That’s all the information I required. With that and the way Pervis sneaked onto our land . . . well, he’s lucky he’s not dead. I know Gunr wanted to kill him just for that alone. Anyway,” Cam checked his watch, “he’s gone now.”
“Thank you.” Clayr exhaled loudly. “Shaney is going to be able to sleep now. She caught a glimpse of him out the window and she freaked the hell out, Cam. I had to sedate her that first night . . . it was the first time I’ve had to do that to a child and I hated to do it. But I had no choice, she was in a terrible state, so I can’t wait to tell her she’s safe again.”
“You’ll have to wait a few more minutes,” Cam said, halting her. “I’ve some more news.”
Clayr frowned, worry flashing across her face. “Something wrong?”
“I hope not.” Cam tilted his head, gauging her reaction to his next words. “Firstly, after this Pervis thing, the Pack is already worked up, so I don’t want any further upset, so I’d appreciate you handling this news with . . . a little restraint.”
Looking confused she gave a slight nod. “I’m not sure I follow, Alpha?”
“I’ve ordered Ryder to return and Mason is on his way to pick him up from the airport as we speak.” Cam watched as his words sank in.
Her face flushed, nostrils flaring, eyes widening in shock and not a word passed her lips that clamped shut in a tight line. He waited her out, refusing to break the silence that surrounded them. Sitting back, he crossed his arms as Clayr fought to control herself and fight she did. He saw it clearly as her hands tightened in her lap, knuckles whitening, jaw clenching, a vein throbbing in her neck, and her chest rising and falling quickly as she took in quick gasps of breaths.
Moments passed into minutes and still she remained silent, as did he, until finally her eyes flitted to his. He raised an eyebrow and she breathed out. “Ryder’s coming home.”
“Yes, he’ll be here soon.”
“You sent Mason. Do you think that . . . wise?” Clayr’s heartbeat quickened. He could hear them clearly as she stared over at him, her blue eyes now filled with concern.
“I had a talk with him first,” Cam advised. “Things should be okay and, from what Grant tells me, Ryder is no longer the young lad he was when he left. He’s grown into a strong man worthy of standing up to anyone . . . and that includes your brother. I’ve no concerns for his safety.”
“It’s been so long since he left.” Clayr almost whispered, “I’ve no idea what he’s like now.”
“I’m aware of that,” Cam replied. “I thought you should know he was returning, Clayr. I didn’t want you taken by surprise, not after this carry on with Pervis and Shaney. You’ve had a rough few days and I didn’t want to add any more upset.”
“Upset? Why would I be upset?” Clayr spat out. “I’ll be fine. He was just a friend who left and we lost touch. It happens. Can I go now, Alpha? I need to speak with Shaney.”
Cam saw through her words. They said one thing while her entire being said so much more. He didn’t call her on it though. Not entirely. “Clayr, I’m your Alpha, I see and feel things you may not wish me to. Please remember that. If you don’t wish to talk then that’s fine, but if you do, then Chastity is available if you’d feel more comfortable talking to her.”
“I said I’m fine,” Clayr retorted.
Cam shook his head. “No, you’re not, but yes, you can go and deal with Shaney.”
She shot up out of the chair like a bullet, rushing from the room as if the Devil himself was on her tail.
Cam let her go, realizing Chastity had been right . . . Ryder was indeed at the root of Clayr’s problems . . . her unhappiness. He only hoped that bringing him home was the right thing to do. “Too late now,” he muttered as he stood, striding out of the office in search of Gunr to ensure Pervis had been evicted as ordered.