Page 137 of Claimed By the Rival Alpha
According to Elder Forsythe’s directions, Tyrell’s cabin was just a quarter mile from the cabin where Violet and Tavi were staying.
“Do you want me to go with you?” Violet asked as we walked together out of the Elders’ cabin.
“No, but I really appreciate your offer,” I said. “I want to go with Night, but I know that he won’t be done with pack business until the night of the Alpha ceremony.”
Violet frowned. “Well, I don’t like the idea of you going by yourself. Maybe you could take your mother.”
I shook my head. “I think they might see me as weak if I go with Mom.”
“Maybe you could take one of the Wargs with you. I’m sure that Night left one or two here.”
“I don’t know...”
There was some strategy to my hesitance. Walking around with one of Night’s wolves could give the Kings the impression that I was afraid of them or that I needed a Wargs bodyguard with me wherever I went. Tyrell might even think I was trying to intimidate him if I showed up like that, and that was not the message I wanted to send. Then again, I could give the same impression if I brought Night with me. It was difficult to know what to do.
“Do you think Tavi would agree to go with me?” I asked.
“Tavi?” Violet considered. “I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask her, but I might be able to help convince her to head out with you.”
“Okay.” I didn’t know what I’d do if she said no. It suddenly seemed to me like it would be too late if I waited for Night to get back.
We reached Violet’s cabin soon after our conversation, and I went inside with her.
“Wait in the living room,” she said. “I’ll talk to Tavi.”
I nodded. While she went upstairs, I looked around the cabin. Because this was just a generic cabin for a family to live in, the furniture and walls were standard, unpainted, unstained pinewood, and there were no decorations. Violet, I knew, preferred more colorful decor, so it was a bit surreal to stand in the home, knowing it didn’t have her preferences or specifications. The only indication that she was living here at all was the lingering smell of chamomile and lavender tea.
I heard voices murmuring upstairs, followed by a closing door. Violet came down the steps, followed slowly by Tavi, who was dressed in an oversized sweatshirt and jeans.
“Violet said you need to speak to someone about construction,” Tavi said to me.
“Um, yeah.” It was hard to gauge how she felt about it. Her face was expressionless. “I didn’t want to go by myself, and I know that you’re pretty good with people. I want to make a good impression on this guy.”
Tavi laughed, but it sounded a little forced. “I don’t know about that, but I can try. Violet says you need the help.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, if you’re willing to come along?—”
“I’m ready if you are.” Her smile seemed a bit too bright, too cheery.
Before I could say anything more, Tavi started toward the door. I glanced at Violet, who gave me a sad half-smile. That, too, was hard to gauge.
I rushed to catch up with Tavi, who was already opening the door.
“You don’t have to come with me if you don’t want to,” I said. “I know you’re recovering.”
“I know I don’t.” She was still speaking with that strange peppiness. “But I’m always willing to help, Bryn, you know that. It’s what I’m here for.”
I didn’t really understand what she meant, but it bothered me. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”
“Yeah, I’m sure! Don’t worry, Bryn. I’ve got your back!”
“I know you do. I’ve got yours, too.” I looked at her, and felt like there was distance between us where there wasn’t before. Was she projecting this cheeriness because she felt forced to comewith me? Was she hiding something from me? Or was this all part of her healing process somehow? I didn’t think I would get a straight answer out of her, but there was no talking her out of coming with me.
Tyrell’s cabin was similar to Violet’s, but his door was painted beet red, and the doorknob was brass instead of gunmetal gray. I heard voices on the other end, and they were all male. I cursed under my breath.
“I think he’s got other people with him,” I said. “I was hoping to catch him alone.”
She hesitated for about half a second, and then the peppy smile came back to her face. “Well, we’re already here, right?” she asked. “Let’s just do it now and get it over with.”
