Page 72 of Father of the Wolf

“What’s up? Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I just wanted to make sure you got home without any problems.” And have you tell me how to fix all my mistakes...

“Sure, why? Is something going on? Why do you sound like you’re about to cry?”

“I- I just knew you were tired and wanted to be sure. I’ll let you get some sleep.” She was glad he had gotten home, but she didn’t know how to tell him what she’d done to Athair.

“Wait. What’s wrong? Did you and Athair have a fight?”

“I guess we did.” She wiped a tear from her cheek and rubbed a hand over her eyes. Steve would know. He always knew.

“What about? Tell me what you fought over.”

“His brother, Sgrios.” She started to explain. “I thought—I accused him of the attack in Warren.”

“You said this to Sgrios?”

“No, I told Athair,” And she had hurt him. She’d shown him she didn’t trust his family, and that she didn’t trust him.

“How did he react?”

“He used logic to prove Sgrios couldn’t have done it.” Logic they could have used together, instead of fighting with each other.

“How horrible. I hope you dumped him for being so reasonable. I mean, how dare he use logic to prove his point? Really, the nerve—”

“All right. I get it. But I was scared and angry.” And now she knew better. Even if Sgrios was a murderer, Athair was still who she wanted to be with.

“Seriously, you worked it out. Right?”

“Not really. I hurt him by questioning his brother.” And she had to figure out how to make it up to him, to show him she was willing to fight alongside him instead of against him.

“That probably did bother him. I don’t think he would let anyone hurt you. I’ve seen how he looks at you. It’s like you are the most precious thing in his world.” Steeve was saying all the things she already knew.

The only thing she could do was be an adult and admit she’d been wrong. “I’ll apologize to him as soon as he comes back. I’ll find a way to make it right.”

“You should. Oh no! I just thought of something.”

“What?”

“Boy, am I glad I came home!” He laughed. “Your make-up sex may blow away the whole house!”

* * *

Athair hurried back through the house and motioned to Sandulfr. Together, they went back outside.

“She told you more?”

“She did. The boy was most likely killed by one of our kind. I plan to hide the evidence to protect the clans. I could use your help in this.”

“I’m willing. Can you tell me what your mate knew?”

“She believed Sgrios killed the boy, but it isn’t possible. Regardless of her so-called proof.”

“I agree. If he was in the mood to kill, he would seek out more challenging prey. Probably my strays, since they’re the current thorn in his side.”

“You know Sgrios?”

“I’ve met him, but mostly I know his type.”

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