Page 32 of Grace of a Wolf 2
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 don't even have time to 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.
The night air is humid, but still easier to breathe in than the stifling formality of this banquet.
"Your patience is commendable," Jack-Eye murmurs, low enough only I can hear. "Though I suspect it's running thin."
"This circus serves no purpose." My fingers drum against the stone balustrade. "I need to get back to Grace." But I can't. Not until I figure out what's going on beneath the surface of this pack.
"I understand." He nods toward the gardens below. "Note the security cameras. Four on this terrace alone, another six surrounding the perimeter."
My eyes narrow as I follow his gaze, spotting each one easily. "Excessive."
"Indeed. Especially for a pack that claims such harmony with its human neighbors."
The doors to the terrace swing open, and Halloway emerges. Fenris slinks in from behind. He's agitated, hackles up as he snaps at the air.
Thankfully, his ill temper is legendary among the packs. An agitated Fenris shouldn't put anyone on too high of an alert.
Still…
Behave,I warn him.
