Page 13 of Moonlight and Mischief
Zephyr’s smile is smug. “Thank you.”
Heath pauses a beat, his eyes never leaving the other Alpha. The dominance struggle between them is suffocating, and the hair on my arms rises. But Heath’s authority feels like loyalty and encouragement, and Zephyr’s feels like arrogance.
“I’ll admit, I’m curious to know what you’d like to discuss,” Heath says expectantly.
Leaning back with his fingers steepled, Zephyr takes his time deciding what to say. His relaxed pose reeks of arrogance. “I felt we should clear up any misunderstandings about the unfortunate difficulties your heir faced last fall.”
“Ah, misunderstandings.” Heath echoes, his face betraying nothing.
We all knew Ironcrest aided Granite Ridge in taking Hazel hostage. So far, their denial has kept a shaky peace. If he admits to it now, it will have to come with apologies and reparations, otherwise Heath will be forced to take action.
Hazel’s knuckles are white where she grips her chair arms, though her shoulders are relaxed and her face politely serene. Beside me, Slate is slowly leaning forward, lining his feet up under him to prepare for a fight. I take a slow audible breath, hoping he will join me on instinct. He ignores me.
“I’m eager to hear any new information. Last time we spoke, you were unaware of any involvement,” Heath prompts.
Zephyr swallows, dipping his chin in a show of remorse that no one would believe. “Unfortunately, I did uncover something.”
Dell drops his gaze to the table. Heath and Slate make quite the overbearing pair. Though Zephyr and Dell are not in our pack, and therefore felt none of our shared emotions, even a human could sense the rising tension.
“Granite Ridge took Hazel and held her for several days before she was returned to you, correct?” He knows damn well what happened, and that Hazel escaped with assistance from me. We poisoned the entire pack and I defended her while she raced for the border and Slate.
Heath plays along. “Yes, I believe Sienna wanted a foothold in claiming our pack by forcing Hazel to become mates with her heir.”
I appreciate Heath leaving my name out of it. But Zephyr’s gaze travels to me anyway. His neutral expression slips for a second, showing pure disdain. Hawthorne leans forward, a defensive barrier between our visitors and me.
“That always seemed like a foolish plan to me.” Zephyr sighs. “She wasn’t even a pack member, not really. What claim would she have even had? Your pack never would have accepted a rival’s heir mated to an outsider who only shared a familial connection.”
My hands clench under the table. Zephyr’s jab at Hazel annoys me, more than his offense toward me. Down the pack bond, irritation ripples, and I can’t tell if it’s primarily Slate, or perhaps the entire room.
“What information did you have for us?” Heath asks, redirecting the conversation.
Unfortunately, Zephyr isn’t finished. “It’s a good thing your Beta took a liking to her. Keeps anything from getting,” he says, pausing, “messy.”
“My heir would be quite capable on her own. But paired with a powerful mate, my pack’s future leadership is secure.”
It’s true. Slate is even stronger than I am. Not because he is about two years older and a few inches taller, but because of his natural drive.
“Yes, of course. You are blessed,” Zephyr continues.
He is antagonizing us, purposefully drawing this out. Heath must have realized it sooner because his pose has relaxed to match Hawthorne’s. Only Slate stilllooks murderous, and that would be the case regardless.
“Ferris approached me for help but never specified any plans. He must have known I wouldn’t support him in something so-” He searches for the word. “Deplorable.”
“Afterwards, I discovered some lower ranking wolves went behind my back.” His repentant expression seems sincere, but Heath’s mouth stays a flat line. He doesn’t give any indication that we were already aware of their involvement.
“It’s unfortunate those wolves forgot their place. I’ve banished those involved.”
By banished, I have to assume they went straight to Granite Ridge.
“And I’ve made it clear to Ferris that if his alliance means standing against our other allies, then Ironcrest is not interested.”
Silence stretches, Heath cocking his head as he regards Zephyr, reading little clues as to his truthfulness. Apprehension churns in my gut.
“I appreciate your apology and that you took their punishment so seriously,” Heath finally answers. “I hope you’re addressing any issues of loyalty. It must be difficult to manage such a large pack.”
It’s as close to an insult as Heath can get without outright disrespecting him. He’s baiting him back, testing his intentions.
“We’ve been assessing to be sure our remaining members are obedient,” Zephyr answers. Dell nods.
