Page 64 of Moonlight and Mischief
“Can I speak with Nyx?” I ask.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“I don’t understand why you guys would reject someone wanting to help you,” I say, frustration getting the better of me.
“We don’t need anyone’s help,” Heron says, crossing his arms.
As sweetly as I can muster, I ask, “Can you at least tell us everything in more detail? In case Ironcrest starts to harass us as well? So we know what to watch for.”
With some coaxing, my grandparents go over every detail they can think of, which, unfortunately, is not a lot. We leave disappointed and nervous.
JASPER
It’s hard to focus on Hazel’s report about patrols when my mind only wants to replay Marigold’s words,I’m always thinking about you. I don’t want to be apart.
It feels foolish to hope she’ll decide she wants something permanent. Unfortunately, I’m so far gone, I don’t think I could ever move on. This is my fault. I’m the one who decided to kiss her again.
“The strangest part is the lack of new markings along Granite Ridge,” Hazel continues. “Ironcrest has maintained their borders, but it’s not like Ferris to neglect his.”
Heath leans back in his seat. “I think we can all agree they’re acting strangely.”
“Perhaps because they are also potentially preparing to invade the Raven Pack, they are focusing their forces along that border,” Hazel says.
“It makes sense, if Ironcrest is accusing Nyx of aggression to justify their moves, Granite Ridge might choose a different tactic. In this case, keeping a low profile,” Hawthorne suggests.
Heath nods, but my stomach is in knots. I can’t tell if that edgy feeling is general anxiety about my parents’ pack, or if there’s something I’m missing.
A whiff of Marigold’s scent drifts in, and I twist to see her approaching the meeting room, Elm behind her.
“How was it?” Hazel asks, standing to pull out chairs for them. Marigold sits next to her and squeezes her friend’s hand.
Elm frowns. “Nyx refused to see us, but we were able to confirm that Ironcrest has been raiding the Raven Pack for the last six months.”
“That’s a long time,” Slate says, brows drawing together in alarm.
“This isn’t a reactionary plan. It’s a long term strategy,” Heath agrees.
“This proves Jasper’s theory,” Marigold declares. My heart jumps. “They’re definitely manufacturing an excuse to take the Raven Pack over.”
Hawthorne locks eyes with Elm and asks, “Are you totally sure about what they said?”
“Yes. Heron and Breeze might be prickly, but they are honest.”
Hazel sighs. “So what do we do about it?” Slate grasps her hand, threading their fingers together, and she gives him a tired smile.
“They don’t want our help,” Elm says.
“So we do nothing?” Hazel protests.
Slate lifts her hand and presses a kiss to the back of it. “It definitely limits how much we can help.”
“We may be jumping ahead,” Heath says. “I should go up to see Nyx myself. She’s not unreasonable.”
“Thank you,” Elm says quietly, looking down at the table.
“We can go tomorrow. Hawthorne, please leave messages so they have a chance of expecting us. I’d like to bring this whole team. Lazuli and Cassia can manage for a morning.”
My heart rate picks up. It’s unheard of to travel without leaving a Beta behind. Heath is more concerned about this threat than I realized.
