Page 43 of The Court of Truth

“Janie definitely. Jake possibly. Everyone else, definitely not.”

“Addi—”

“It’s okay, Cassian. I get it. They’ve gone from having a leader who was driving them into the ground and focused on his own intentions and need for power to having someone willing to guide them to something better, but he’s distracted by the new queen of the entire kingdom.” I try to soothe him with my words, but they don’t seem to hit the mark.

“You’re the best person I’ve ever met in my life. They don’t understand,” he rambles, and I shake my head, squeezing his arm in comfort.

“Let’s be real, Janie is probably the best person you’ve ever met. I just happen to have that magic pussy,” I say with a snicker before I meet his eyes. When I do, the moment grows more solemn.

“Best. Person. I’ve. Ever. Met,” he states, punctuating each word with a kiss, and I melt a little, but it doesn’t distract from the issue he’s struggling with.

“We can agree to disagree, but the reality is, they’re never going to like me if we never give them a chance to get to know me.”

My words hang in the air like a guillotine ready to fall, his eyebrows furrowing in distaste as he tries to find a way to refuse my plan, but it’s pointless. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him so when he shakes his head.

“I’m worried about someone getting some cute idea of challenging you to another duel. I feel like we’ve been through enough of those to last a lifetime. Besides, you don’t need the added stress of that on top of casually running the entire kingdom too.”

The tension in my shoulders eases as I smile up at him. “Until I’m no longer a threat, they’re always going to challenge me. But I’m quite sure we’ve both been challenged under this moon already so I think we have a free pass,” I offer, racking my brain to recall which fucking moon is what and who challenged who, but I’m sure I’m right.

“What is it you’re suggesting?” he asks, like he doesn’t already know the answer to that. So I stare at him, long and hard, until he rolls his eyes and sighs in defeat. “Janie’s holding a gathering in the restaurant tonight. I was going to pass on it but?—”

“That’s perfect.”

“But—”

“No buts. If you don’t show, they’re going to know it’s because of me, which is just another strike against my name.” The pointed look I give him is matched with a frown, but I’m not shying away from this.

Maybe the wolves seeing us together on their own turf will help us. Maybe it will give us a glimpse of the unity I’ve been working so hard to facilitate. Maybe, just maybe, it will be enough to see us through the time apart that’s inevitably coming.

I’ll take whatever I can get. If that means spending the evening completely outnumbered by an entire pack of wolves, then so be it.

I’m Adrianna fucking Reagan.

I don’t back down from anything, especially not when it’s as important as this.

“Are you sure?” he asks, the glint in his eyes offering a sliver of insight into his mind.

I nod, adding a little wink as I answer.

“Completely.”

25

ADRIANNA

The doors to the restaurant swing open in slow motion as Cassian’s hold on my hand tightens. I’m over the threshold before I know it, instantly questioning my decision as every pair of eyes turn our way.

Excitement dances across their faces at the sight of their alpha, but the moment they catch a glimpse of me, those features drop and their irritation becomes clear.

I knew this was going to take some work, but maybe I underestimated just how much. My instinctive reaction is to hold my hands up and bow the fuck out. I’m already juggling a shit ton of trouble. Adding this to my plate isn’t all that necessary, but the idea of not putting in the effort where Cassian needs me feels selfish.

Instead of spinning back for the door, I take a deep breath and roll my shoulders back as I lock eyes with every single person in here. My wolf lights up, swirling to the surface as she threatens to break free and teach them all a lesson, but I manage to hold her at bay. Letting her see through my eyes and feel the confidence in my veins seems to suffice.

“Regretting it yet?” Cassian asks, a tilt to the corner of his mouth as I roll my eyes.

Fucker.

There are definitely telling signs that let me know the difference between a glare and a stare among the gathered crowd, but before I can tell him it’s totally fine, a shadow steps in my way and I come face to face with eyes I’m not familiar with. Narrowed and bitter, he glares at me. His lips are pursed, his nostrils flared, and his hands are balled into tight fists at his sides. He stands at least half a foot taller than me too, towering over me like a looming figure in the night, threatening and angry.

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