Shadow Mate - Jen L. Grey Page 0,43

propose. That he wasn't serving the good of all of the wolves. But you didn’t hear that from me."

"But he didn't have a pack like the members, so why would that matter?" Tripp tapped his fingers on the top of his desk.

"Do people expect the president to not care about any of the states?" The professor lifted a hand in the air.

"No, just like the overseer's responsibility wasn't to just one section of the United States' pack but to the whole country and all of the packs." So how were there checks and balances to the council now that the overseer was gone? I had so many questions.

"Time’s up." He stood and clapped his hands. "You guys had better hurry up. There’s a football game tonight. Go, wolves!" He pumped his hand in the air.

I put away all of my books, but my brain couldn't stop running. I had a feeling whatever happened with the overseer made the council the way they are today. Besides, those four heirs weren't friends, not really. They were frenemies.

"Hey, are we going for lunch like usual?" Tripp touched my hand, bringing me back to the present.

"Yes, but I'm meeting Bree and her dad." I'd been dreading this all week, but it wasn’t like I could reject the invitation. After all, her father was the only reason why I was here.

"Yeah, I'm going to skip out on that one." Tripp shook his head. "If he's anything like his son, it's best if I keep my distance."

"You're telling me." I headed to the door, not wanting to be late meeting them. "But he’s the man who got me here."

"So you have no choice." He shrugged and frowned. "Sorry, but I'll see you tonight. Kai and I are dropping by around seven to pick up you girls. Does that sound good? We're bringing pizza."

"Meat lovers, right?" I arched an eyebrow.

"Hell, yeah." He pounded his chest. "I'm a growing wolf. I need meat to get stronger."

"Yeah, okay." I turned in the direction of the restaurant when Tripp grabbed my arm again.

"Hey, so I'm not sure how to tell you this, but …" He said as he bit his bottom lip and glanced at the ground, "but Kai is under the impression it's a date for the two of you. I tried to correct him, but..."

"It is." I had to move forward. That history lesson solidified it in my mind.

"Yeah..." He winced and turned his head. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"You said..." He was the one who had wanted me to leave Liam alone.

"No, I get it, but Kai is a good guy."

"And I'm not … good?" Was he really trying to insult me right now?

"Of course you are. I want to make sure that you're thinking this through." He stopped and closed his eyes. "You know what? You’re a good shifter too. Honestly, the two of you make a fucking awesome couple. I guess I want to make sure you've got the right intentions."

I wanted to be pissed, but he was being a good friend to both me and Kai. "Look, he's nice, sweet, and hot." As I said the words, it made me realize how much I meant them. "He makes me laugh and makes me feel safe. That's always the kind of mate I'd hoped for."

"Well, okay then." Tripp grinned. "Then, I think it's a really good idea. You deserve happiness, and it's obvious that he won't be able to give it to you."

The fact that he purposely avoided Liam's name warmed my heart. I reached over and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you for being there for me."

"Always. You, Bree, and Kai are my closest friends here, and I always have my friends' backs." He squeezed me close and then pulled away. "You’d better go so you aren't late to meet Mr. Hale."

He was right. "Okay, see you tonight." I turned and hurried over to the restaurant, not wanting to be late.

As I stepped inside, Bree's eyes met mine immediately. She waved me over to the booth they were sitting at.

I took a deep breath and walked over, glancing at the older man beside her. He had to be close to my parents’ age, which surprised me. Whenever I thought of the council, I thought of older men hanging around, smoking cigars, and drinking whiskey. Though, don't ask me why.

Except, this man was wearing a suit. He was fit and trim, and could almost pass for his late twenties, not his