Page 35 of The Iron Flower

I shrug. “It’s got to count for something.”

“I’m honored to meet you all,” Rafe announces. He slams his turkey down on the nearest table with a dramatic flourish. “I just came from the hunt and offer my kill to you.”

Everyone’s faces take on looks of surprise. Diana beams at Rafe, impressed.

“I am Rafe Gardner,” he continues. And then my eldest brother proceeds to recite our lineage, clearly and fluidly, all the way back to Styvius Gardner.

“He must have practiced this,” I whisper to Trystan.

Trystan raises one black eyebrow at me. “It’s a list of every major enemy their people have ever had.”

“Rafe,” Diana says as my brother finishes, gesturing toward the alpha, “this is my father, Gunther Ulrich.”

Rafe extends his hand with his usual easy confidence. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

Diana’s father smiles and extends his own hand, his expression more feral than friendly. He gives Rafe a look of cool appraisal and shakes my brother’s hand, his muscular grip seeming strong and sure, and I imagine he’s gauging the strength of Rafe’s handshake and searching for any sign of fear.

“I see you’ve researched our customs well,” Gunther Ulrich comments, glancing over at the turkey, his hand still clenched tightly around Rafe’s.

“I’ve admired your people for some time now.”

“Have you, now,” Gunther says, his amber eyes glowing fiercely. “Like the exotic, do you, son?”

“Sometimes,” Rafe says carefully, their hands still locked firmly together.

“Is he getting ready to rip his arm off?” Trystan asks me worriedly.

“Find my daughter exotic, do you?” Diana’s father asks, his lips pulling back into a menacing grin, white teeth glistening.

“On the contrary,” Rafe replies evenly. “I find your daughter to be something of a kindred spirit.”

Oh, smooth, Rafe. Very smooth.

This seems to surprise and please Diana’s father. He releases Rafe’s hand, crosses his arms in front of his broad chest and studies him with narrowed eyes and a slight grin. “My Diana seems to be quite fond of you, Rafe Gardner.”

“I’m quite fond of her, as well,” Rafe replies.

“I must admit, I’ve been very curious to meet the Gardnerian boy who dares to court the daughter of a Lupine alpha. You either have some serious balls, son, or you’re incredibly stupid.”

Everyone laughs a little at this, even Diana’s father. Not a jolly laugh, mind you—more of anI’m only being pleasant to you because my daughter likes you and if you so much as make her frown I will tear you into a thousand tiny pieceskind of laugh. He continues to eye Rafe speculatively. “I’m actually willing to bet it’s the former.”

Rafe grins, unfazed. “I’d like to think so, sir.”

Gunther laughs at his boldness.

“I think Rafe’s actually enjoying this,” I whisper to Trystan, shocked.

“Or maybe he’s trying to hasten his own death,” Trystan replies matter-of-factly.

“She’s a fierce girl, my Diana,” Gunther says, showing his teeth again.

“I’m well aware of that, sir.”

“She tells me you’re a fine hunter. And tracker.”

“Not compared to Diana, but among Gardnerians and Elves, I can hold my own.”

“He’s being modest, Father,” Diana interjects, her arm twining through Rafe’s as she looks up at him like he’s a prized trophy.

---