CHAPTER 25
OLIVE
I stareat Brock in shock, hope blooming in my chest.
It would be the greatest gift ever, and he offers it with such earnestness, my heart swells.
“My mother?” I breathe, still not believing his words.
He nods.
“When you first came here, I did some research on you,” he admits. “Your mother came up almost immediately. I know the direct line to her office would likely be monitored…but the one in the English department’s library isn’t. It’s an old landline that barely anyone uses.”
I frown. “How do you know that?”
“I called in a favor.”
“Really? You have friends that would do this for you?”
“Yeah, no questions asked. I’ve solved enough coding problems that they owe me,” he grins.
“And you’re absolutely sure they don’t track the phone line?” I whisper in disbelief as my heart beats erratically.
“Yes. They may be checking your mother’s email or cell phone, but this ancient phone line is secure.”
I’m in shock.
This could happen.
I could finally hear the voice of my mother after so long.
“So, what do you need to do?” I ask, my voice shaky.
“I just need her to pick up the phone in the library,” he muses. “Which will happen as soon as she receives a notice from the department.”
It’s a brilliant idea. It’s something I would have done if I were in my right mind.
If I could have accessed a phone.
But Brock did it for me.
Alpha did this for us!
It’s the greatest gift anyone could give me.
“I miss them so much,” I choke out.
“I know,” he murmurs.
I watch as he sends a text message, then waits for a confirmation back. After the phone buzzes, he turns to me, his eyes dark and intense.
“May I place the call, sweetheart?” He whispers, his hand caressing my cheek. I tremble at his touch.
Sweetheart.
I nod, anxiety coursing through my veins as I hear the line ringing.
Then, he hands the phone to me, and I hold it against my ear.