Page 11 of Claimed By the Wolf
I don’t know what to say. It will be arranged in every sense of the word. There won’t be any kind of courtship, of getting to know Emeric, or a hope of building a relationship with him. He’s looking for a full-on business transaction.
A fusion of dread and hope conflicts within me. Maybe there’s a chance he’ll still reject me? Can he still do that, even if they’ve made the deal? But do I want that?
“What does that mean? For the packs, I mean. If it isn’t official, and I’m not moving in or there’s no ceremony yet, doesn’t that mean…”
I trail off, unsure what I’m asking, really. Nox seems to understand, though.
“We’re in a good position for now. He’s agreed to mate with you. The alliance is solid. There will be no fighting, and we can work on each other’s territories as it stands. We have a pact. But for now, you’ll stay put. When Emeric is ready, we’ll perform the ceremony, but I imagine you’ll end up over there before that happens.”
Slumping further in my seat. “Why wouldn’t he want me to stay there now? I mean, if this agreement really is solid. I don’t understand.”
It leaves an uncomfortable feeling in my gut.
“That’s a good thing,” he offers optimistically. “You can celebrate your birthday with us.”
A blush of heat stains my face. “You remembered my birthday?”
He shrugs. “Sure. I’ve known you your whole life, Brynn. I know when your birthday is.”
I wrap my arms around myself for comfort. He’s right. It is a good thing that I can still go back to my pack for now.
At some point in the near future, I’ll have to solidify the relationship with Emeric. But for the time being, I’ve played my role. I can breathe for now, at least.
But the coming weeks are going to be the hardest, the not knowing.
I might as well enjoy the little bit of time I have left with my pack.
CHAPTER 3
NOX
Even though I promised Brax I would, I don’t want to attend Brynn’s twenty-fourth birthday party. But it feels like an obligation I can’t miss, considering what I have her doing for the pack.
At the start of the day, I had every intention of going, but as pack business took me all over the territory, dealing with one mess after another, I’m exhausted now.
Brax has been texting nonstop, wondering where I am. He’ll be upset if I don’t at least make an appearance.
Brax:You coming?
I read the text from my Beta at 10 p.m. as I’m leaving the packhouse. I’m tempted to refuse. I bought Brynn a gift that I intended to give her the next time I saw her, the small gold-wrapped box sitting on my office desk as I stare at the phone screen. But the more I think about it, the more time guilt has its way of settling in.
Dammit.
I suppose it won’t hurt to go. This is the last birthday Brynn is going to spend in our territory. I might as well make it semi-memorable for her. Her guests will appreciate a briefappearance from the Alpha, even if they suck the life force out of me with their fawning and pawing.
I retreat to the desk and grab the box, before heading out to my SUV, parked under a sweeping cypress in the darkness.
In the distance, a coyote yowls mournfully.
I almost chuckle. “Yeah, I know, right? I feel your pain.”
Their house is less than ten minutes from the packhouse, but in the opposite direction from my place, and their driveway is full, forcing me to park on the street.
The siblings’ house is jammed with Brynn’s friends and other shifters I recognize from my pack, but there’s no sign of her anywhere in the crowd. She must have gone out for more supplies or a breath of fresh air. I swallow a groan at my timing. I should have texted to let them know I was on my way.
Brax spots me as I amble through the throng of bodies. “There you are!”
I stifle my irritation. I’ve already been here longer than I intended, and it’s barely been five minutes. I wanted to be in and out, but already, eligible females eye me from every corner of the room, their pheromones activating with desire.
