Page 19 of Claimed By Stone
"You make a bold accusation," said the werewolf, arms folded. "Where is your proof?"
"They came for my mate," Khuldruk said, voice flat. "And when they realized the bond had rekindled and our magic was back, they vanished. No raids. No sabotage. Silence. Too convenient to be a coincidence."
The others shifted, the air thick with unease.
"My only concern is the protection of my pack," the werewolf said with a growl. "We’ve survived by staying out of the business of others. I don’t intend to change that now."
Khuldruk’s stare was like stone. "Until it’s your business. And then, who will stand with you?"
"That is not proof. Our pack is safe. I will not jeopardize that."
"It may not be proof, but they’re coming for all forms of magic. When we lost the mating bond, it not only cut us off from our magic, but it also cut us off from what makes us orcs. You are a species with fated mates. You should understand that."
"Be that as it may," the wolf sneered, "my pack will not be involved."
"You have my support," said the mayor of the village closest to the mountain.
"And mine," offered the fawn.
Heads nodded in agreement—except for the sullen werewolf, arms crossed tighter.
"Then we’re done here," Khuldruk said, pushing back his seat. "Ragnor, show our guests out. Make sure the innkeeper is repaid."
The orc by the door nodded and led the leaders out, leaving Khuldruk and me alone.
"When is Frema set to return?" he asked.
"The scout arrived this morning. The troop was a day behind. They should return tomorrow before nightfall," I said.
"Good. We’ll need a briefing."
I nodded, but my eyes drifted upward … again. To her. Always to her.
"Did you hear me?" Khuldruk asked.
"Could you repeat that?"
"I asked how you thought the meeting went."
"As well as could be expected. Packs tend to be exclusionary. But if push came to shove, I think they'd side with us."
He narrowed his eyes. "What is going on with you? You’re distracted. You always have notes. Commentary. Today, you barely spoke."
My gaze flicked upward again. What could I say? I spend my nights researching and falling in love with a statue. He’d think I was deluded or enchanted.
"I’m tired," I muttered, standing.
"I’m beginning to worry about you. You haven’t been yourself since my return."
“I am fine,” I say as I push back my chair and stand.
“What is it, brother? I need you focused. While the magic has returned, it is still weak. The job is not done.”
I turned halfway up the stairs. "Maybe it’s not me who’s changed."
I wasn’t sure why I was picking a fight with him. Clearly, I was acting differently. I was a delusional fool in love with a statue. But what else was I supposed to say?
Khuldruk flinched like I’d struck him. "Maybe not," he said quietly. "But something is going on with you."
