Page 112 of Wolf Roulette

In this grid?

Always.

I cupped my hands around my mouth. “Stewards, you did amazing today. Let’s head back to the manor to await the score.”

The urge to shift and run to ease my nerves itched at me, but I didn’t want to be alone to hear the result either.

With my stewards, I walked back to the manor in tense silence.

Tribe members soon packed the large lounge area that lead out to the patio and pool. Stewards who didn’t even enter the grid had gathered too. Generally, we took a load off after grid night and had a few drinks and laughs.

Not tonight.

We spilled throughout the house and over the front lawn, barely making a peep.

“I swear Pascal is dragging this out on purpose,” Wade said from the armchair next to mine.

I’d laugh, but… was she? “I thought this week would be easier to take than Iron.”

Nathan sighed. “Some weeks, the game just means more.”

Pascal entered, and I crossed the room to her at Luther speed.

I clutched her forearms. “Tell us.”

Her lips curved. “Congratulations, Head Steward.”

The room exploded in an uproar of shouts and cheering. Disregarding my ringing ears, I hugged Pascal tight.

She patted my back. “Well done. A convincing win.”

“Howconvincing?”

“Twenty-five points convincing.”

Wade and Cameron pulled me out onto the patio and a mic was shoved in my hands.

I breathed in the jubilation covering the manor grounds.

“Stewards,” I said when they quietened enough to hear. “We did it!”

They jumped and hugged each other. This was enough to make a bad bitch cry—and I was a pretty soft-hearted bitch, really.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I held the microphone to my lips. “I’m in awe of you once again.” They’d executed such a complex plan to perfection.

My throat tightened.Dammit.

Wade ripped the mic away. “I don’t know about you guys, but I wondered at least three times tonight whether our head steward was stopping for breath. I’ve never experienced another leader do that.Put your hands together, ladies and gents.”

That about did it. I tried to be discreet about dabbing the corners of my eyes. Cameron ruined it by handing me a tissue.

I took the mic back after. “Two grids, and we’re not stopping until we have all five. Enjoy tonight and—”

Stanley whispered in my ear and passed me two pieces of paper.

I studied the two slips. “One moment. I have the results of the poll we opened last night.”

The crowd hushed.

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