Page 101 of Wolf Roulette

Sascha arched a brow. “That’s not really his style.”

Dang it.Please not at the manor—though I’d be an idiot to put that challenge in his head. The wolf had an authority problem.

He can try his best to sneak up on me,Booker snarled.

Is this one for you?I asked her.

The capture meet and bite meet are done in four-legged form, yes.

I opened the car door. “Hey, Sascha? Heads-up that something is happening tomorrow that will interest the pack.”

Sascha searched my face. “What is it?”

“Agree to work with me, and I may let you in on the details.” I winked and slid into the car.

Wade glared at me. “We need to go to the health clinic.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“I think I’m pregnant.”

* * *

This was the first time I’d visited Deception Valley Public Hall. Wooden trusses held up the roof of the large rectangular space. Double doors led to an industrial-size kitchen. Chairs faced the small stage where I currently sat with the other nine council members.

Margaret Frey used the table to stand up. “Good evening to you all. Before we distribute the meeting agenda, I’d like to welcome our tenth member to the table. Andie Thana recently inherited leadership of the Ni Tiaki, and she is bringing a new proposal to our attention today. Andie, may I introduce our public representatives—Gabriel, Wilson, Rose, and Terrie.”

Terrie was the woman who’d brought up airport proposals in the past. Chantel had used a lot of the information from that, along with her help, when forming our own proposal.

I greeted each of the public members with a smile and caught their slightly awed greetings. The Thanas held a weird prestigious celebrity status in the valley.

Chantel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and the order of proceedings tonight before gesturing to me. “We have two proposals. The council will discuss these privately before opening the doors to the public. Andie. Over to you.”

Nerves erupted in my stomach.Here goes.

This is already boring.Booker yawned.

I smiled. “It’s a pleasure to formally meet the council. I understand this team has worked together for a long time, and I look forward to becoming part of that. First and foremost, I’m interested in the prosperity of this valley. Having moved to these parts from the big wide, I feel with absolute certainty that the beauty and resources of this land must be cared for and that we must provide for this wonderful community to the best of our ability. Today, I bring a proposal to the council for an airport in Deception Valley.”

I handed a bound folder to each member.

“An airport.” Wilson shot a look at Terrie, who beamed back.

The room filled with the scent of their eagerness and approval. I could feel some slight determination.

“An airport,” I echoed. “Firstly, I’d like to thank the council members who helped me put this detailed proposal together on short notice. It was a great learning experience for me. Please turn to page one. I’d like to discuss the feasibility of this project.”

Tracking their scents, I laid out the benefits of the airport for the valley’s economy as I’d done for Chantel.

Don’t forget the part about small businesses,Booker leaped in despite her earlier yawn.

I added that in.Did I miss anything else?

I’d stayed up most of the night, trying my best to memorise the information.

Not that I recall.

Two minds were better than one—if that’s what we were.

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