Page 77 of Dark Wolf Soul
“Uh-huh.”
The longer I look back and forth between them, the more I begin to note the way Grey’s brows slant just like hers do. The shape of their mouths is similar too, especially when they frown—which they both do now as if whatever Grey has just said to her was unhappy news.
My cheeks flush, and I duck my head, deciding now is as good a time as any to down the rest of the drink I’ve been nursing. Mia, gratefully, doesn’t comment further, and a moment later, the band finishes their song.
Vincenzo makes his way forward and steps onto the low stage before grabbing a mic. My stomach clenches, both in fury at the sight of him and in fear at what’s to come.
“Here,” Mia mutters and takes my empty champagne flute, replacing it with a full one. Our eyes meet, and she nods at me in understanding. “One more won’t hurt.”
I take her advice and drain the bubbly. The buzz it offers isn’t much, but it dulls my nerves at least a little.
Up front, Vincenzo calls for attention, and I take a deep breath then exhale it shakily.
Here we go.
“Good evening, and thank you all for coming,” Vincenzo says with a smile I know only masks the evil beneath.
Grey breaks away from the woman—his mother—and makes his way toward me. Ramsey steps aside to give him room, and Grey presses in close and slides his arm around my waist. The pressure of his warm fingers at my hip is a reassurance I desperately need.
“Just breathe,” he whispers.
I glance up at him and find support in his dark gaze. Suddenly, for the first time since he brought me to Indigo Hills, it’s like we’re in this together.
Allies.
Maybe more…
“It’s an honor to be among friends as tonight is a special evening for my family—and our pack,” Vincenzo says, and I face the front again. “I can’t think of anyone I’d want to share this moment with than all of you. I’d like to officially announce that my son, Jericho Diavolo, has chosen Lexi Giovanni as his mate and future bride.”
The crowd applauds as every single one of them turns to look at us. No, not us.Me.And while there are mostly polite smiles being tossed my way, there is also a distinct feeling of judgment from the guests nearby.
“Congratulations to the lovely couple,” Vincenzo says. “Come on up here, you crazy kids.”
“Your name is Jericho?” I whisper.
“Only to him.” His hand finds mine. “Come on.”
Mia snags my empty flute out of my hand just as Grey tugs me up to the stage. Every single pair of eyes is glued to my back, but I keep my shoulders square and chin up, refusing to let them see me sweat.
Years of locking away my emotions from others make their scrutiny slightly easier. Still, I squeeze Grey’s hand tightly as we come to stand beside Vincenzo. I don’t miss the way Grey puts himself between me and his father—or the stiffness with which he stands beside the man who nearly killed him hours earlier.
I squeeze his hand once more for that.
“Son, why don’t you say a few words,” Vincenzo urges.
Grey takes the mic, and Vincenzo beams at him expectantly.
“Thank you all for coming,” Grey says in a voice that is coldly charming. It’s not one I’ve ever heard him use before, and I can’t help but watch him as he plays the part Vincenzo has demanded even better than I realized he knew how. “I know what most of you are thinking. What is an amazing catch like Lexi doing with a nobody like me?”
A few laughs, all of them strained.
“But seriously,” he says, expression intent now as he looks out at the faces. “Lexi and I are aware of the tension that exists between our families. We know this union is a shock for many of you. We won’t pretend our decision doesn’t affect the entire pack. Hell, the entire city. But this city and our families are what brought us together, and through getting to know Lexi, I’ve come to learn she’s as devoted to helping as I am. I know we can make a bigger difference together than apart. I hope we can even forge peace for the first time in our history. Lexi and I are committed to this city and to one another. We ask for your support and faith as we move forward.”
“Does this mean you’re home for good?” someone calls out, and I swear the voice sounds a lot like Dutch though I can’t see who spoke.
“I am,” Grey confirms. “It’s time to take my rightful place among my pack.”
The crowd’s applause is much louder than before and much more genuine if the expressions are any indication. The faith Grey has asked them for is already being offered here and now—only, it’s Grey they’re looking at, not me.
