Summoned by the Patriarch

Alistair crossed his arms, looking relaxed and laid-back. "I was the one pestering you first, so it's normal for you to be upset. And I'm not that petty."

I paused for a moment, then strode toward the complex.

The next day was the weekend, so I didn't have to work. I hadn't slept well the night before, so I was catching up on sleep around noon.

A phone call came in, and I answered groggily, "He