Page 61 of Wild Wolf
“It’s the truth. I saw him when I was in wolfskin. He intended to burn the entireforest.”
“Bull,” Sam snapped. “Nolan and I were just meeting with him andBrandon.”
Jordan’s gaze widened. Nolan felt a fresh wave of anger andgrief.
He waved his hand, indicating for Sam to pipe down. He didn’t need ascene.
“Quiet down Sam,” he ordered. “Get to work and stopyammering.”
Taking her arm, he marched Jordan down the hill, sticking to the path. Sam would take care of the fire, formally thanking the Fae and orderingpatrols.
Only he could handle this withJordan.
Nolan locked up the gas can in the storage shed below the lodge and made sure to change the combination. Later, he’d test it for scentmarkers.
“Upstairs. You smell like gas. Go shower,” heordered.
For once she didn’t argue, but trudged upstairs. He waited, pacing in theirbedchamber.
Sam was right. Jordan lied. He and Sam were having sweet tea with Brandon and Adam on the porch, discussing a truce when Sam had spotted thesmoke.
No Lupine could be in two places atonce.
Why did she blame Adam? Was Jordan trying to stir trouble? Did she intend to set the woods alight, or call in for help at the last minute, and then blame their ancientenemies?
Sinking onto the love seat, he buried his head in his hands. Leading the pack had presented challenges he’d never anticipated. He’d survived the past two years since his father’s death by sticking to established rules and ruthlessly quashingdissension.
But being mated to Jordan turned his orderly world upsidedown.
The bathroom door open. Steam misted the air as she emerged, fully dressed. Red hair damp, framing herface.
Gods she looked so young. Andscared.
Steeling himself, he stood and went to the fireplace to begin the unpleasant task awaitinghim.
Interrogation.
And if she wasguilty?
Banishment.
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Nolan’s expressionstated her fate. He didn’t believe her. Twisting her hands, she walked to the love seat and sat, trying to hide herfear.
Somehow, she had to convince him of her innocence. At least he’d given her the chance to come clean in one way. The hot water had not only refreshed her, but fed her strength as she washed away the stench of gas andsmoke.
Jordan gripped her hands, and looked Nolan straight in the eye. She had given her body to this wolf in the dark night, had tangled in passion with him, shared laughter and tears. Over the past two weeks, she thought they’d had a chance as they’d growncloser.
But now a stranger with cold eyes and a remote expression stood beforeher.
“I didn’t do it. And I swear, I did see Adam setting the fire, no matter what you and Samsaw.”
Nolan remained still. “I’mlistening.”
Encouraged, she plunged ahead, telling him about shifting as wolf to run up into the hill, seeing the gas can and Adam and how she’d had to shift back in order to grab the gascan.
Throughout her monologue, Nolan remained still, his expressiondistant.
