Page 11 of Pack Ruin
“Ah, I’m not… No reason to be…” I knew Samuel would hear any lie I tried to tell, and for the first time in my life, I was at a loss for how to dance around the truth.
“What are you hiding?”
I’d been given Alpha commands before at Southern, horrible ones. I’d been forced to hold still while I was beaten and whipped. I’d watched other shifters be commanded to do despicable things, and to submit to even worse acts.
But I’d never known an Alpha could force a truth out of one of his own pack without even a hint of compulsion.
Not answering Samuel was impossible.
“Grigor Dimitrivich is the wolf who saved me at Northern, when I was abducted and given to the General. General Ivan.”
To his credit, Samuel didn’t react, though his power leaked into the room, making the air feel thick in my lungs. “He… saved you?”
“Yes.”
“Did he tell you why? Do you have any idea what his connection with you might be?”
“Yes.” I didn’t even hesitate, and that was what made me understand something I’d never realized about Alpha power. I’d only ever seen it wielded like an ax or a hammer, splintering a shifter’s will into fragments. But Samuel’s power was like moss on stone, soft but unyielding.
“He said he was one of my… suitors. And I’m pretty sure he’s the same one from your story.” I swayed on my feet, slightly dizzy.
“One of your suitors?” Samuel’s power leaked even more, and my lungs hurt with each inhalation. “Where is he now?”
“I don’t know. But he said… that he’d meet me… at—” I slapped a hand over my mouth, the scent of Samuel’s rage in my nostrils.
He blinked, waiting. Keeping my hand over my mouth, I raised my other hand and slowly lifted a finger.
Just the middle one.
When he inhaled sharply, I dropped both my hands. “That was an asshole move, Alpha.” I met his gaze, then deliberately lowered mine and turned my neck to the side, showing him I was choosing to submit. I glanced back up. “I want you to teach me how to do it, though.”
For a long moment, he was still. Then his beard shook slightly. I had a strong suspicion he was laughing underneath it. “You’ll be Alpha Mate of this pack someday, little Flor. I’llteach you everything you need to know to keep our pack safe. To protect them, and yourself, starting now.” He circled the table and took my arm in his, leading me from the room and back up the sweeping staircase. “The wolf who is courting you is evil in its purest form, daughter. Please, do not believe what he has told you.”
Evil in its purest form? Grigor, the one who’d saved me from the Russian general? Who’d healed Glen, and promised me a courting gift? I thought about the way his touch had blown through me like a cold wind. How he’d been enraged for me. How he’d so sweetly offered to tear off my attacker’s hands and give them to me to burn.
Okay, so maybe he was a little unhinged. Or maybe a tiny bit evil. But what did it say about me that I found it deeply romantic? I wasn’t the sort of woman to get silly over gifts like jewelry and flowers. Maybe I was the same kind of evil as Grigor.
“Promise me you’ll be on your guard, Flor,” Samuel urged.
I couldn’t agree, so I stayed silent. Samuel clearly understood what that meant, and a look of disappointment and fear flickered over his stern features. “I’ll let you read the histories and make your own decisions, then. Let me show you the heart of the Alpha’s Den.” He opened another door in the center of the hall, one elaborately carved with animals and trees, an enormous round moon at the top of the frame.
“The library.”
6
Flower Arrangements
GLEN
Iheard footsteps coming down the concrete stairs into the cell, and adopted a pitiful expression, fully prepared to milk Ida’s pity once more. Maybe she’d bring me ice cream if I looked forlorn enough.
My back to the wall, I reclined on the narrow bed with my head on the stack of pillows. This was actually far more comfortable than any prison cell had a right to be. It didn’t hurt that Ida had brought me a half-dozen blankets and two pillows, as well as a small cooler to keep snacks in. She’d even brought extra sweatpants and shirts, so I had clean clothes.
“Here you go, sweet Glennie,” a voice growled. “Heard you were starving.”
The key was still in the lock when I jumped up. Brand stood there, a plate piled high with food in one hand. He met my gaze for an instant, and I tried not to react at the change in his eyes. They almost glowed in the low light of the cell, though the room had a small, barred window that let in fresh air.
I nodded and took the plate through the bars, spying Ida at the top of the stairs. She waved at me before closing the upper door there and scooting off, probably back to the kitchen. She’d told me Brand wouldn’t leave Flor’s side, which was as it should be.
