Page 33 of The Wolf in My Tavern

“She is a fine lass,” he says diplomatically.

He knows I have got it bad, and I’m grateful he doesn’t tease me further.

“I want to marry her,” I blurt before I can think better about this not being the best of times for such a discussion. “I also want to throw her over my shoulder and snatch her away whenever that wolf bastard eyeballs her.”

My father’s lips twitch. I want to swallow my stupid tongue, but I also feel better for letting my crazy intentions out.

“Well, I dare say throwing her over your shoulder is one way to get it done. I did as much with your mother. Goddess rest her soul; she was highly strung and giving me the runaround.”

My eyes widen. I have not heard this before.

“I don’t recommend it as an approach.” He grimaces. “She had five strapping protectors, and they put a thumping on me. She was already pregnant with you by the time they found us, so they didn’t kill me.” His lips twitch again. “She was not opposed to being carried off—had taunted me into doing it, truth be told. But that was the way of her people, and they expect a more… forceful approach from those they consider worthy mates. We are in a different world here, and Ada is not the same… Although the changes I have noticed in you of late tell me you have more of your late mother’s blood than I suspected… If you care about the lass, speak to her plainly, lad. If she is not ready, she will tell you, and that’s okay, too.”

I blink a few times. His words are like sucker punches coming from different directions, and I am slow to catch up with all of them. Mates?

“I don’t have anything to give her,” I say, as I battle between the instinct to claim and the reality of my inadequacies.

His face softens. “Callum, you are everything I could wish for in a son. You are strong of heart and true of nature. The lass has been through so much and is learning how to live outside the shadow of tyranny. Love is no simple thing to navigate, and it’s right that you should give her time and space. But also know you are rich in ways more important than age, maturity, or wealth. You could not be more worthy.”

His words lift a weight that has been crushing me. I realize how fortunate I am to have a father such as mine, one who believes in me and who will always have my corner, whether it is during a competitive fight or in life.

Also, I am still reeling from what he just said about carrying my mother off… He definitely used the word mates.

As I stare down at my hands, seeing the crisscross of scars over the back from the numerous fights I have taken part in, I realize that he has been preparing me to join him in the rebellion for a long time, preparing me for a time where I might save a lass who will go on to become the woman that I love.

“Thought you might like to know that a certain shifter is in the crowd in a prime seat… And so is your Ada.”

My chin jerks up.

He grins. “The lass is not with the shifter. She is with Tim… and Betsy, who is sure to sneak down here at some point.” He squeezes his hand over my shoulder and winks. “Make it a good fight, lad. You are up against a strong contender, and it will not be an easy fight. And best you show that shifter you mean business, too. A good win will not hurt your standing with the lass, either. You can do this. You have the skills and the heart to back it up. Give no quarter, embrace your warrior side, and obliterate your challenger in the pit.”

My heart pounds as his words stir me.

The call comes for me to fight.

My father steps back, allowing me to rise. His words, the knowledge that both Ada and the wolf bastard are here, and the call to fight work together to produce a surge of energy and purpose.

Show Ada I am worthy.

Show the shifter bastard he can’t sniff around what is mine.

Obliterate my adversary who dares to challenge me in the pit.

Chapter Fourteen

Ada

Callum doesn’t even know I’m here and watching. He might be upset or angry… it might distract him if he notices me.

I cannot imagine Callum being angry ever.

Upset maybe.

Distracted, definitely, yes.

“I need to leave,” I say, suddenly convinced that this was the worst idea ever.

My words are lost as the pit door opens and the crowd roars as Callum and his opponent step inside.

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