Page 78 of Campfires & Canines
“I mean, Jasper picked environmental studies, didn’t he?” I continue. I’m not letting a teenager bully me.
Jasper grins into his wine glass and his hand under my hair has started to stroke down my spine from the middle of my neck to between my shoulder blades.
“We’re very proud of him,” Sienna says, still playing the adoring mother. Jasper’s smile turns brittle. He’s barely touched his food, and now he sets his drink down with a clink.
“So, tell me about your pack,” I ask Ferris. If I am forced to sit here, I might as well gather information.
Ferris’s gaze is cold and his head tilts in a purely animalistic way. No one would think this male was human. His voice is hoarse. “We are the largest pack with the most territory.”
“Wow,” I say. “Where do your borders extend to?”
“You’ll have to study some maps,” he answers.
Sienna jumps in, “There will be a lot to learn.”
“I’m sure she’s up to it,” Jasper says.
The second their eyes are on each other instead of me, I slip the steak knife into my lap and under a cloth napkin.
“Our lineage has ruled Granite Ridge for four generations. Ferris is a powerful Alpha, and Jasper will be, too. It’s essential we uphold the highest standard.” Sienna drones on.
“Excuse me, I’m not feeling well and I would like to be excused.”
“Jasper, why don’t you take care of her,” Sienna instructs.
“I’m happy to escort her.” Ember pushes her chair back as she stands.
“Absolutely not,” Jasper growls. He pulls my chair out and offers his hand. I ignore it, instead using my left hand to subtly shift the knife along my thigh and keep it out of sight.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
His hand is at the small of my back as we walk towards my prison. As we exit the hallway into the entryway, I press my lips together firmly. Do or die.
I suck in a deep breath and rotate, holding the knife in my left hand with the blade down. Using my closed hand, I shove Jasper hard.
His eyes widen and he stumbles back a step before catching himself. I dart towards the door, but he’s on me. I swipe the knife at him, hoping to keep him at bay.
His face is a mask, the charming boy gone. He surges forward, reaching for my uninjured wrist. I slash at him again, catching his ribs with the tip of the blade and nicking his pressed shirt. Red blooms from the spot.
I grab the door handle and twist. Something heavy hits my back and I slam into the door. My weapon clatters across the tile and I land in a heap.
A huge silver wolf stands over me, a row of fangs bared in my face. I curl over my broken wrist.
“That was stupid.” Ember’s voice cuts through my panic. She’s flipping my knife over in her hand with an acidic grin across her face.
“I thought you knew better,” Sienna tuts.
Jasper grips my upper arm and tries to pull me upright.
“Jasper, don’t be an idiot,” Ember snaps.
He steadies me as I rise, keeping my eyes on the floor. My wrist is screaming at me. Nausea rolls over me, turning my vision gray for a second.
“If I can’t handle my mate, then I don’t deserve her,” Jasper snarls.
Ember halts, raising her hands in surrender. “Fine.” The knife is gripped lazily between her thumb and palm.
“Come on,” Jasper rasps, his grip on my bicep firm. Maybe to the point of pain, but I can’t feel anything but my heartbeat in my wrist.
