Proof of Life (The Potentate of Atlanta #4) - Hailey Edwards Page 0,45
them. Even if I do regret missing a chance to visit with my granddaughter.”
His mother qualified as a field medic, and she had some formal education in medicine. The skills weren’t necessary for an alpha, but they didn’t hurt. Neither did the stab of the lancet into his fingertip, the way she massaged his finger to coax a few drops to form before he healed, or how she wiped those on a thin paper strip she fed the machine.
“Congratulations,” she announced five minutes later. “You’re not infected.”
After disposing of the materials, he waited on Hadley to get tested and be cleared before they sat on the couch and watched the others go through the motions.
Grier, Linus, Remy, Bishop, and finally his mother—all tested negative.
“This is good news.” His mom passed the kit to Remy. “Be a dear and test my shadows, will you?”
Half listening, Midas tensed when he thought she was calling out Ambrose, but she meant her guards.
Gleefully, Remy pressed the button on the lancing device, popping the needle in and out. “Sure thing.”
“Everyone present is who we think they are, and that does my old heart good.”
Whenever his mother played up her age or her health, he knew she was posturing for outsiders.
“Hadley and Grier can plan the wake,” she carried on, “as the two closest to the deceased.”
The deceased caused Hadley’s breath to freeze, her heart to skip, but she exhaled and sank against him.
“Bishop—” His mother caught herself and pivoted toward Hadley. “I slid into mother mode, didn’t I?”
“I was thinking alpha mode.” She had recovered enough to smile. “I get it, though.”
“We’re all alphas of a sort,” she agreed. “I didn’t mean to take over, so I’ll blame habit.”
Remy reappeared and made a beeline for the kitchen with her medical waste. “They’re both clear.”
“Excellent.” His mother accepted the kit and set about sterilizing it. “I’ll call your sister, get her here for testing.” She repacked it. “Are we missing anyone else?”
“Ford,” Midas and Hadley said together, and then she added, “Ares too.”
“Remy?” His mother repackaged the kit. “Would you mind doing the honors?”
“Drop the kit off with Lisbeth when you’re done with Lethe and Ares.” Hadley tilted her head. “She can test Ford and bring the kit back to HQ.”
“And me?” Tisdale arched her brows. “How can I help?”
“I wouldn’t presume to give you orders.” Hadley held his mother’s stare with ease. “I would appreciate it if you could mingle with the enforcers, though. See if you pick up any weird vibes. You know them better than anyone.”
“I can arrange for refreshments to be delivered for them the night of the wake. You’re pack, and you lost your sister. They won’t find it odd.” She touched Hadley’s arm. “I’ll work the party, get them talking.”
“Thank you.”
“You wouldn’t have been strong enough, you know.”
Confusion pinched Hadley’s face. “For what?”
“My son.” His mother drew in a shuddering breath then pushed it out. “He’s suffered, and he’s come out the other side of his tribulations stronger, but his trials have left their mark on him.”
Midas’s fingers itched to comfort her. “Mom…”
“Midas couldn’t have loved anyone who didn’t understand pain.” Expression tight, she kept going. “And they couldn’t have understood him.” She kissed Hadley’s cheek. “You couldn’t have understood each other.” She withdrew. “I can’t hold your past or your mistakes against you when fighting so hard to correct them has made you the incredible woman you are, and the perfect match for my son.”
Surprising the room, Hadley embraced his mother without prompting. “You’re a good mom.”
“I consider you my daughter, Hadley. You’re free to call me Mom when or if you’re ever ready.”
“I might take you up on that after…” Hadley withdrew. “I have things to get right in my head first.”
Nodding her understanding, his mother let Hadley retreat without another word and turned to him.
“I must return to the den.” She kissed his cheek. “Keep me updated on the wake, and I’ll make my plans from there.” She tapped his shoulder. “Just so you know, I’m taking Lethe with me. I need all the help I can get smoothing over the Knoxville incident with our neighbors and deciding what to do with the survivors.”
“Thank you.” He stole the hug he missed out on earlier. “For everything.”
“Silly boy.” She patted his cheek. “That’s what mothers are for.”
She spoke the words to him, but he got the feeling they were meant for Hadley.
Nine
Bishop mumbled a goodbye to me, hightailed it out of the hall, and rode down to the