Thirteen (Otherworld 13)

"He was with Elena, I believe," Jeremy said. "They're . . ." He looked down the hall. "I'll take you there."

Jaime smiled, squeezed his arm, then followed the clerk. Jeremy and I headed the opposite way.

"So are you staying in Miami with Hope and Karl?" I asked.

He shook his head. "None of us care to linger longer than we need to. Once Jaime's done we're joining the others in Russia."

That's where Antonio and the rest of the Pack had relocated during the trouble here, taking refuge with the Russian Pack.

Jeremy continued, "Taking a baby on an intercontinental flight doesn't seem wise, especially with one parent still recovering from the birth and the other from near-death. But Karl wants Hope and Nita out of Miami, and Hope wants to go. Benicio will send us in the private jet with a doctor."

Apparently, then, Karl had resolved his issues with Elena. I'd never doubted it. He might like to play lone wolf, but now that he had a family, his first instinct was to take his wife and child to the safety of his Pack.

"Are you going to be in Russia long?"

He shook his head. "We'll head home in a few weeks, if you'd like to spend some time at Stonehaven this summer. You haven't done that in a few years."

"No, I haven't. I think I'll take you up on that." I glanced at him as we turned the corner. "So, I guess with all this turmoil, you won't be stepping down as Alpha anytime soon."

"Actually, I will. Elena's ready. I already knew she was. She wasn't so sure. But now there's no question--she can do this. It's time."

"Have you told her?"

"Not yet. When I get to Russia, I'll break the news. She's ready to be Alpha." His crooked smile grew, eyes sparkling. "And I'm ready to not be Alpha. Maybe get in a few adventures while I'm still young enough to enjoy them."

He rapped on a closed door. Elena called, "Come in!"

I pushed open the door to see her with Clay, chairs pulled up to a desk, the twins on a huge monitor.

"Savannah!" Kate yelled. "I see Savannah!"

Kate scrambled closer to the camera, shoving her brother aside. As they bickered, I glanced at Jeremy. He'd stayed behind the door and was now retreating, motioning to Elena that he'd talk to the kids later.

"Smart man," she murmured.

Logan had reclaimed his half of the screen and was leaning forward, frowning. "What's wrong with Savannah's arm?"

I lifted the cast. "Broke it doing something dumb."

"Was it rock climbing?" Kate said. "You promised to teach us."

"I will this summer. I'm coming to visit after you get back."

Kate let out a whoop. "I wanna break my arm so I can get a cast and have everybody sign it."

"That's stupid," Logan said.

She shoved him. "You're stupid."

"Sorry," I whispered to Elena as the twins tumbled out of sight. "I was actually just looking for Adam."

"Oh, he's down the hall making some phone calls. I'll take you."

"Yeah, run while you can," Clay muttered. He leaned toward the screen. "Guys! You've got five minutes before bedtime. Do you want to know when we're coming home?"

"Now!" Kate yelled, popping up. "I want you here right now."

"They can't teleport, dummy," Logan said.