Jack-Eye’s somehow procured a charcoal suit, fitting him perfectly despite his broad shoulders and well above-average height. If I didn’t know better, I would think he brought it with him. Even his shoes are polished.
“High Alpha,”
he says, looking me over,
“are you sure you don’t want a suit?”
“No.”
The tactical gear I’m wearing feels right against my skin-dark pants with reinforced knees, a fitted shirt allowing full range of motion, and boots capable of handling a chase through rough terrain. It’s part of the standard gear we keep stashed on long trips, and far more comfortable than a restrictive suit.
I have no need to impress a pack as small as Fiddleback. I don’t need a suit to remind these wolves who I am.
Andrew and Thom come to stand behind me, both reeking of anxiety. Thom’s has the bitter edge of fear, but Andrew’s is a little sharper. My eyes narrow at the Blue Mountain pup.
He’s obeying every command given, but the hint of defiance beneath it all has yet to disappear. I don’t trust him.
Once inside the venue, it’s all glass and timber beams, pretending to be rustic while overwhelmed by modern lines and bright white walls. Figures.
Alpha Ian Halloway struts toward us, arms spread wide in welcome. His smile stretches too far across his face.
“High Alpha!”
His voice booms across the space between us.
“What an honor to host you in our humble territory.”
He extends a hand toward me, and I take it, feeling the pressure of his grip. I squeeze back just hard enough to make his eyes widen.
“Alpha Halloway,”
I acknowledge.
“Your hospitality is… appreciated.”
Fenris stands by my side, his massive head level with Halloway’s chest. The ethereal blue glow he emits is stronger than usual, bathing us all in its light. The Fiddleback Alpha’s eyes drift to him with poorly concealed fascination.
“And the legendary Fenris?lfr himself,”
Halloway says, bowing his head slightly.
“Tales of your exploits have reached even our remote corner.”
CAINE
Fenris doesn’t acknowledge the greeting, instead fixing his gaze on something beyond the Alpha’s shoulder. I follow his line of sight to a display of ancient-looking weapons mounted on the wall inside-ceremonial, but deadly nonetheless.
There is blood. Fresh. Not even a day old.
My nostrils flare, but I can’t pick up any scent.
Halloway’s eyes drift over our party, dismissing Andrew and Thom almost immediately before pausing on Elizabeth with a distinct frown. Then he settles his attention on Jack-Eye, his lips thinning. Not quite hostile, but… something.
“I see your beta has dressed for the occasion.”
Jack-Eye inclines his head.
“I believe in respecting local customs, Alpha Halloway.”
“Indeed.”
The Fiddleback Alpha’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes.
“And the others are…?”
“My warlock,”
I say, nodding toward Thom, who shrinks further into himself.
“And a wolf from Blue Mountain.”
“Ah.”
A flash of recognition crosses Halloway’s face as he looks at Andrew.
“From the rumors. You have our condolences.”
Andrew says nothing, his posture rigid.
The alpha steps aside, allowing us entry into a vast open space with vaulted ceilings and tables draped in white linens. The room buzzes with at least fifty wolves, all in formal attire, watching us. A string quartet plays in the corner, though the music falters as the musicians notice our arrival. They’re all human.
“I hope you don’t mind,”
Halloway says, gesturing to the gathering,
“but word of your visit spread quickly. Many were eager to pay their respects.”
As if he didn’t spread the word himself. My lips quirk. I’m sure he’s assembled his entire inner circle, possibly his full pack hierarchy. It is interesting he could call in so many on such short notice.
They’re either incredibly loyal… or deeply afraid of their alpha.
“My pack takes pride in our efficiency,”
he adds, as if reading my thoughts.
A server, also human, appears with champagne flutes on a silver tray. I wave them away with a sharp gesture. Halloway takes one, sipping delicately.
“I was hoping for a private discussion,”
I say.
“Of course, High Alpha. After dinner.”
His smile tightens.
“But surely you understand-it would be an insult to deprive my pack of the chance to honor your presence.”
Halloway raises his glass in a grand gesture, eyes searching the crowd in a manner I can only describe as practiced theater.
“Tonight, we celebrate an unprecedented honor-the presence of the Lycan King himself.”
A chorus of approval ripples through the attendees. I nod once, sharply, refusing to play this game of ceremonial adoration. The music swells slightly as conversation resumes, and Halloway guides us deeper into the gathering.
My jaw’s already clenched with the anticipation of holding my temper at bay for an hour or more.
“Might I introduce some of our most esteemed members, High Alpha?”
I say nothing, which he takes as permission.
Within minutes, I’m surrounded by eager Fiddleback wolves, each desperate for a sliver of my attention. Some bow deeply, others attempt conversation with rehearsed questions about Lycan territory. I answer in clipped sentences when required, my attention split between the sycophants and Fenris’s increasing agitation.
He’s surrounded by his own adulating fans, and I can feel his temptation to disperse.
Something’s wrong here, he says, sounding confused. Something smells strange.
A quick glance behind me shows Thom nervously hovering by Andrew’s side. The latter looks bored, and his dark eyes meet mine with the faintest hint of defiance before he lowers his gaze in deference.
Bastard.
Maybe I should have just killed him after all.
Grace is comfortable with me now. Killing off a pesky brat like this one shouldn’t scare her.
Don’t even think about it.
Fighting the urge to bare my teeth at Fenris’s snappy demand, I turn my attention to the next obsequious Fiddleback.
The gathering appears normal on the surface-formal attire, respectable conversation, an appropriate amount of deference. But Fenris is right. Something’s… strange.
“Such an honor, High Alpha.”
A woman in her fifties squeezes between two men to reach me.
“I’m Carla. I head the treasury.”
I barely acknowledge her with a nod before another pushes forward.
“Michael, medical coordinator. We have excellent facilities. Should your companion require anything beyond what the human hospital can provide-“
My upper lip curls back.
“My mate’s care is not your concern.”
His face pales.
“Of course, High Alpha. I apologize.”
Jack-Eye materializes at my side, he’s been schmoozing in his own way. Now, his expression is neutral but his eyes are sharp.
“High Alpha, perhaps you’d care to see the outdoor terrace? The view is rather impressive.”
I follow his suggestion, grateful for the momentary reprieve. The terrace stretches along the back of the building, overlooking a manicured garden. Subtle ground lighting provides elegant ambience, completely wasted on two Lycans.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.