Page 86 of Secrets and S'mores
“Thank you,” Ember murmurs, smiling at her brother’s mate.
Slate relents, his face relaxing. “I’m happy for you guys, but maybe we should focus on the issue at hand.”
“Stop being an ass,” Hazel says. “After things are settled, we should have a party to celebrate.”
“So what’s this plan you mentioned?” Slate asks me.
“We are going back to Granite Ridge. I’m going to challenge Orion,” Ember answers, raising her chin.
Hazel’s intake of breath is audible, but Ember isn’t done. She inches closer to Slate. “And let me be clear. If you even think about stopping me, I will consider the alliance between our packs to be null. I’m taking my pack back with or without your help.”
Facing each other, the similarities are obvious - the same straight nose and intense gaze, the way they clench their hands when they’re nervous and determined.
Slate’s shoulders slump minutely and his head ducks. “I’m sorry you’d even worry that I would do that. Tell me what I can do to help.”
“Thank you,” she says softly, giving him a grim smile. “Can I see your healer?”
“Are you hurt?” Hazel asks.
“No, I just need her help with our plan,” Ember explains.
“Alright, let’s go to Sable’s cottage.” Hazel waves us forward. Jasper and Marigold trail behind, and the six of us make our way across the meadow to secure that advantage that my brilliant mate came up with.
19 Fangs, Fights, and Fear
Ember
Onyx drove Jasper’s fancy car into Granite Ridge territory, just the three of us. Marigold, Hazel, and Slate all wanted to come, but I can’t risk accusations of Bracken Creek manipulating the situation. Jasper is family and the former Heir, so his presence cannot be disputed.
We drive straight into the compound and park in the dirt between the Alpha’s house and the cafeteria. Dozens of people pour out of the buildings and surround us.
While the small gathering that we met in Bracken Creek was friendly and curious, the group that circles us in Granite Ridge is decidedly hostile.
Onyx and Jasper climb out of the car, boldly meeting their accusatory gazes. I wait until Onyx comes around to open my door. It’s another calculated move and a way to show respect.
A few of the wolves drift closer, testing our boundaries.
“Back the fuck off,” Jasper snarls, pulling his favorite dagger out. The lazy charm is gone, replaced with the promise of violence our parents modeled for us from our births. It’s oddly validating to see him revert back, even if it’s for show.
Onyx’s expression is stony and his hand rests on the handle of his gun tucked in his waistband.
“So nice of my little wolf to come back willingly,” a tall figure croons. The crowd parts for their new Alpha.
“Orion,” I say, raising my chin and pretending I’m not two heads shorter than he is. “I challenge you for the position of Alpha, as is my birthright as the daughter of the late Alpha Ferris.”
He lets out a booming laugh. My jaw snaps shut so hard it hurts, every muscle tensing.
“Why should I accept your challenge? You’re not strong enough to force it. I could just let my pack have their way with you.”
Onyx’s hand tightens on his weapon and Jasper turns to face away from us defensively.
“I thought you were demanding I become your mate, just a few days ago. You wanted my claim to the position then. Defeat me, and you’ll prove yourself.”
He sneers. “Maybe I just wanted the youngest, prettiest thing in this pack. But I’m confident better options will present themselves.”
“Funny, I’d rather be claimed by a guard from another pack than let you touch me.” To make my point clear, I tug my neckline to show off my mark. Onyx smirks, not minding in the least that I downplayed his ranking.
Orion’s sneer melts into a snarl as he bares his teeth at us. “You’re nothing. I could kill him and take you if I wanted to.”
