Page 2 of Wolf Roulette

Oh, brother. “MyLutheraggression.”

“That makes no difference. You were part of the tribe at the time. Stabattse was called. There are penalties for an attack during that ceremony.”

I shook my head. “That’s crazy.”

Though if the situation were reversed, I’d probably use the same tactic to win penalty points in Grids. And my ex-head team would anticipate the pack’s move, even if I hadn’t. They’d prepare a counter-negotiation.

I needed to butt out.

Rhona was head steward now.

“Have I hurt your feelings, little bird?” Sascha continued playing with my hair.

Had he? “Not really. I just remembered who I am and who you are.”

Told you.Booker’s voice rang in my head.

Okay, okay. I still consider the tribe pack and it’s a problem.

My sister treated me like shit recently, but theNi Tiakiwere so much more than Rhona’s actions. I’d met and connected with tonnes of stewards, Wade and Cameron included. Maybe expecting my loyalty to them to dwindle so soon after they exiled me was naïve.

It would take longer.

Sascha stiffened. “Who you were doesn’t mean anything, Andie. You’re part of this pack.”

Ilivedwith the pack. There was a difference. “The stewards are my people. That might change eventually, and if it does, I’ll let you know. Until then…”

He released my hair and studied me. The corner of his mouth lifted after a brief pause. “You’re not the type of person to switch allegiances in a hurry. That was wishful thinking on my behalf. I just want you to feel at home here.”

“You know I want that too. I’ll try.” I rested a hand on his bare chest.

“That’s all I ask.” He brushed a thumb over my cheek. “Your tribe will come back with a complaint about Daniil’s attack on Wade.”

That’s what I thought too. “You don’t have to do that.”

“What?”

“Soften the blow. I understand that you intend to win Victratum. I understand your responsibility to the pack.” The real issue was the loyalty and responsibility I felt for theopposingteam. “Hey, maybe until things change, it’s best you don’t tell me anything to do with pack strategy.”

His pine scent muted.

He didn’t like my request. I didn’t really like it either, but if I was offered crucial pack information, I’d be torn between my bond with Sascha and my oath to the tribe.

Best not to be in that position at all.

“Noted,” Sascha said at last. “Let me know if that changes.”

The sooner, the better, in my opinion.

I stared at the rustling canopy again. “How’s the pack doing after Daniil’s death?” The Luthers’ marshal had torn himself out of my lethal grip to end his misery.

“They’re getting there.” Sascha blew out a breath. “Pascal’s explanation made things easier for my wolves in some ways and harder in others. For me too. I pity Daniil as much as I’d like to hurt him for what he did.”

One guess why.

Sascha and I were still in the midst of our mating call. Like me, he had to wonder what our eventual fate would be. Would we find each other worthy or unworthy?

Perhaps the choice to mate seemed straightforward.

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