Page 29 of Wolf's Reckoning
They just needed me.
For the first time in a long time, I slept soundly that night.
Chapter 8
Rowen
I didn’t questionthe fact that I had a good sleep. I didn’t question the fact that the very thought of who I might see today should have kept me awake but didn’t.
Not really.
As I lay in bed, I listened to the distant sounds of the pack greeting morning—the soft thump of footsteps on stone, the low bark of a laugh that carried through the halls, and the creak of someone opening shutters that caught the breeze.
It was life. Normal.
By dawn, I was on my feet, dressed with a little more care than normal, and pacing my floors as I wondered what the day would hold for me, choosing to stay in the sanctuary of my rooms a little longer.
One of the kitchen workers brought me breakfast, coffee, and a thick slice of pumpkin bread with an equally thick layer of butter. I wasn’t hungry, but I could never say no to pumpkin bread. I gobbled it greedily as I eyed the window that would let me sneak out.
But I didn’t. I waited. I knew what was expected of me today.
The summons to come to the hall came mid-morning, and I’d changed clothes twice. I opened the door to Lewis, who looked me over, taking in my simple black combat pants and loose gray shirt. My long auburn hair was unbound and loose around my shoulders.
“The alpha’s ready for you.”
Of course he was.The question that mattered was, am I ready?
The hall had been rearranged. The long tables cleared, chairs spaced with intention, like a damn human job interview.
Three males waited at the far end, flanked by one of our pack elders and the druid. I had the brief thought they were as trapped in this as I was.
There was no sign of Wolfe or his companion. That was a problem I could deal with later, if they were still here. Did anyone knowwhythey were here? I pushed thoughts of Wolfe aside as I tried to focus on what was in front of me.
I hadn’t met the other shifter, who stood slightly apart from the two I’d already met. He was good-looking, and his face wasn’t etched in a permanent sneer like one of the others, but still…he wasn’t what I’d imagined my husband to look like.
Tyler, the one I’d punched years earlier stepped forward as I approached. He smiled, all charm and slippery edges. Not much taller than me, golden-haired, oozing the kind of confidence you only earned by never being told no. He extended his hand.
“Rowen, you look beautiful this morning.” He beamed at me. His smile was as oily as his charm. “I’m Tyler of the Four Winds Pack.”
I took his hand, casting a quick glance at my father. “I’ve known you for five years, Tyler,” I grumbled as I shook it. “Or did my punch to your face years ago knock your memory?”
He didn’t smile, but his grip became tighter before he dropped my hand. “I thought a fresh start may be best for both of us.”
Shit. He was probably right.
The next male stepped forward, hand extended. “Rowen, I am Scott of the Deep Hollows Pack.”
I took his hand. Firm grip. Dry palms. Small beady eyes that flicked over me like he was already assessing the return on his investment. His nose was so flat I wondered who broke it and why his shift to wolf form hadn’t healed it at the time.
I gave a polite smile. Neutral.
I turned to the third. Eyebrow raised in question. He really was…pretty. Light golden brown hair, light blue eyes, warm smile. Tall but not as tall as Wol—others. His shoulders were broad, and there was a quiet strength about him. He looked comfortable in his skin, and I already suspected he would be my favorite out of the three.
“Rowen,” he greeted, his voice light, like him. “My name’s Dex, I’m from the Emberfell Pack.” He saw my frown and added, “We’re small, from up north.” He didn’t offer his hand, and I liked that about him.
“Rowen,” my father spoke. “Be seated.”
I took the seat to his right, with Lewis moving to stand behind us both. The druid settled into the seat to my father’s left, and a pack elder sat beside me. The three males stood in front of us as if they were lining up in front of a firing squad; only Dex appeared relaxed, while Tyler seemed to regard the situation as beneath him, and Scott looked furious.
