Page 53 of The Wolf and his Witch

“Fine. Whatever. You and your mysterious alpha stuff.” But it wasn’t fine, because Stef’s bullshit radar was pinging loud and insistent. “What’s the message?” Maybe that would give her some clues.

“He’s safe and well, and happily mated in Tasmania, Australia.”

What the…“Who’s safe and well?”

“I can’t tell you.”

Her brother’s determination leaked down the phone line. She’d heard that tone many a time before. Her brother would not budge. This was all she was going to get. She tried anyway. She had a feeling it was important. Really important. “Maxime, that doesn’t make any sense. How am I going to know who this message is for if I don’t know who it’s referring to?”

“Stefanie, know that I love you, and I’ve only ever wanted the best for you.”

“Maxime?”

“You’ve been a pain in my ass, but I wouldn’t change you for the world. You’re a great little sister. The best. Just…don’t forget everything I’ve taught you. Everything you’ve learned from Gabriel.”

Stef’s throat clenched. Why did this feel like a goodbye? “Don’t do anything stupid, Maxime? Gabriel’s staying here in San Francisco, and I’m not cut out to be alpha. Don’t make me come back there and kick your ass on the training mats.”

Her brother’s chuckle eased some of the tightness in her chest.

“I’ll take you up on that challenge, little sis. Oh, and before I forget, I’ve sent you a package to the hotel. It should arrive there any day now. You’re going to need it. Merry Christmas, Stef.”

She was going to need what, exactly? But Maxime wouldn’t elaborate any further.

“Merry Christmas, Max.”

Stef ended the call and stared out at the San Francisco skyline. That Maxime had had the foresight to buy this penthouse suite four years ago unnerved her. It suggested he’d known they’d be needing it. Had Alain foreseen something? Or was it about whatever was in that damn journal her brother kept locked away in his office? And now this strange message he wanted her to memorize, but he couldn’t tell her why.

As soon as she returned to Saint Epain, Stef was breaking into her brother’s office. She was going to read those damn journals. There was something in them about her, she was certain of it. Something she wouldn’t like. Something to do with her mate.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Annabelle glanced at Gabriel’s profile. Where was he taking her? They’d been driving for nearly two hours, the last half hour with their headlights cutting through the darkness. It was Christmas Eve. Gabriel had declined the invitation from her family for their traditional Christmas dinner, and they’d left Stefanie at the Ritz-Carlton.

“Almost there,bebe.”

She peered out of the window. Nothing but forest as far as the eye could see. “Almost where?”

“Non. It’s a surprise.” The car slowed, and he flicked the indicator on. “Now, close your eyes for me.”

“Really?”

He chuckled. “Come on, Annabelle. Humor me.”

“All right.” She grinned, then wagged her finger at him. “But this better be worth it.”

She closed her eyes as they turned off the blacktop with a crunch of the tires on gravel. They were somewhere near Lake Berryessa, if her sense of direction didn’t betray her.

They pulled up and he switched off the car. The icy air hit her briefly as he got out, then he was at her door helping her from the car. The engine tick ticked as it cooled, the scent of pine hung heavy in the air and branches creaked in the wintery night breeze.

He took her arm and led her from the car. “Careful now, there’s three steps.”

Annabelle clomped up wooden stairs, trusting Gabriel to guide her and not let her trip up. Another three steps, crossing a timber porch. A key grated in a lock, a door swung open, then she was walking into a cocoon of warmth and light. The door closed behind them with a squeak of hinges. A fire crackled, and music, Christmas carols, played softly in the background.

Gabriel stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “Remember when I said we needed time and some place private for your turning?”

Electricity zipped up Annabelle’s spine, and it was all she could do not to open her eyes. “Yes?”

“Well, I’ve cleared it with your boss. As of now, we are officially on our three-month honeymoon.”

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