Page 90 of Wolf's Bane
Her husband. The thought made her heart sing, and the golden thread connecting her to Alek sang back.
“How long must we perform for the masses?” he asked, gripping her hand. Despite his grumble, she felt his genuine emotion of elation through their bond. It was a heady thing, being an anchor.
“It’s a reception. At least until we finish the meal. I’m sure everyone will expect us to leave early,” she said. “We’ll muddle through, Mr. Hardwick.”
“Don’t leave my side, Mrs. Hardwick,” he replied, looking entirely pleased with himself.
True to Charlotte’s word, Colonel Chambers’ home—her home now—had been decorated with restraint. Late summer blooms and greenery crowded nearly every surface, which seemed to be her one indulgence.
Solenne had feared, well, she wasn’t sure beyond an embarrassing amount of money spent on temporary decorations like ice sculptures or edible gold flakes in the sparkling wine. She read that once in a book, and it seemed like the biggest waste of money imaginable, so it remained her gold standard—forgive the pun—for frivolousness.
Doors open to the terrace, allowing in the fresh air. The crowd milled about outside, and Solenne swore it was every person from the village and then some. She didn’t know how the house could hold so many people.
“Is it too much? It’s too much,” Charlotte said, taking Solenne by the arm and steering them upstairs. Alek closely followed, despite Charlotte’s withering gaze. “The gardener asked me what flowers I wanted and I couldn’t decide, so I said all of them.”
“No, it’s lovely.”
“Good. I know you’re leaving soon, so thank you for indulging me. I wanted this last memory ofustogether before we’re parted.” She glanced back at Alek.
Subtlety did not work on werewolves.
“I’ll be a few days away. It’s hardly the other side of the world,” Solenne said.
“But for how long?”
“I’m sure we’ll be back in the spring.”
Charlotte made a noise of disbelief. “You say that, but the roads will be poor or you’ll be sickly or some other reason.”
“The post does run to Snowmelt,” Alek said dryly.
Another noise, this one more incredulous. “Even the name is horrible.”
“Where are we going?” Solenne asked. Charlotte had led them into a part of the house she had never been before.
Voices sounded from down the hall. She paled, then pulled Solenne in through the nearest door. She closed the door carefully, as if to avoid any sound.
Voices approached, both male and sounding irritated as they debated some matter. Alek tensed, and she felt his alertness through the bond. The thickness of the door and the carpeting prevented her from making out the words beyond, “You will do as I say.”
Chambers.
“Who is—”
Charlotte held up a finger to silence her.
Another voice responded. She recognized Jase’s haughty tone. Their voices grew faint as the men walked past.
Charlotte sagged with relief. Somehow, her friend didn’t appear as happy as she claimed to be.
Alek must have sensed her alarm, because he pressed Charlotte for an explanation. “You smell unhappy, and it is making my mate unhappy. Fix it.”
Werewolves did not do subtlety either.
“Honestly, Alek.”
“No, he is correct. I have doubts,” Charlotte said.
“Doubts? Doubts! Then why did you go through with the wedding?” Solenne demanded.
