Page 79 of It All Started with a Bite

I saw Victoria’s fingers curl into fists on her lap.

It was clear the Council intended to put a leash on me. Whether this was because they feared the Hawthornes gaining even more power and influence than they already had, or because they didn’t know how to cope with the sudden appearance of a white wolf, only time would tell.

“Is it my imagination, or is there a threat buried in those words?”

Priscilla’s smile widened in the tense silence. “Oh, we would never dare threaten a luna. We only wish to help.”

25

The Sins of the Father

Victoria’s studylooked nothing like what I’d expected from the Hawthorne matriarch. Instead of the antique furniture and oil paintings that characterized the rest of the mansion, the room was decorated in rich vintage tones, with comfortable modern sofas and art. The only traditional touches were the Persian rug and the grandfather clock ticking away in the corner.

Victoria indicated an armchair by the fireplace and went straight to a cabinet.

I sat down, Pearl in my arms.

The cat had unilaterally adopted me after the Council of Elders meeting ended on a chilly note. Bo didn’t seem to mind.

Victoria returned with a crystal decanter and a pair of glasses. “I think we both need this.” She poured two generous measures of amber liquid and passed me a glass.

I sniffed it cautiously. It smelled expensive.

“Twenty-five-year-old Macallan,” Victoria said dismissively. She settled in the armchair opposite me and took a fortifying sip. “A gift from Alexander.”

My ears pricked at the mention of Samuel and Hugh’s father.

“Where is he?” I asked carefully.

“Your guess is as good as mine.” Victoria’s mouth curved slightly, her face carrying a wealth of resignation. “I last saw him three months ago. He showed up out of the blue at two a.m., wearing a poncho and carrying a crate of rare tequila. Said he’d won it off a warlock in a poker game in Mexico.”

I was not expecting that.

Victoria’s expression grew wistful. “He stayed for breakfast, told the most outrageous stories about his adventures, then disappeared again.” She swirled the whiskey in her glass. “That’s Alexander for you. Like a summer storm. Here one minute, gone the next.”

“He sounds like an interesting guy,” Bo panted.

Pearl licked a paw. “That’s one way of putting it.”

“How did you meet?” I said curiously.

It was clear Victoria was in the mood to chat. Now was as good a time as any to find answers to all the questions I still had about the Hawthornes.

Victoria’s eyes grew distant. “At a pack gathering. My family was hosting a summer ball.” Her lips curved. “He crashed it.”

I blinked. “Crashed it?”

“Literally. He flew his plane into our topiary garden.” Victoria’s smile widened at my shocked expression. “He claimed he had engine trouble, but I found out later he’d done it on purpose. He said it was the only way to get past my family’s security.”

I could see where Hugh got his dramatic flair from.

“Your family didn’t approve?”

“The Rochesters are old money.” Victoria’s tone turned sardonic. “Very old money. Though the Hawthornes are equally wealthy, they have a reputation for being unconventional.”

“Batshit crazy is more accurate,” Pearl contributed acerbically. “Alexander’s grandfather once tried to start a werewolf circus.”

I choked on my drink.

---