Page 31 of Grace of a Wolf 2
He's obeying every command given, but the hint of defiance beneath it all has yet to disappear. I don't trust him.
Once inside the venue, it's all glass and timber beams, pretending to be rustic while overwhelmed by modern lines and bright white walls. Figures.
Alpha Ian Halloway struts toward us, arms spread wide in welcome. His smile stretches too far across his face.
"High Alpha!" His voice booms across the space between us. "What an honor to host you in our humble territory."
He extends a hand toward me, and I take it, feeling the pressure of his grip. I squeeze back just hard enough to make his eyes widen.
"Alpha Halloway," I acknowledge. "Your hospitality is... appreciated."
Fenris stands by my side, his massive head level with Halloway's chest. The ethereal blue glow he emits is stronger than usual, bathing us all in its light. The Fiddleback Alpha's eyes drift to him with poorly concealed fascination.
"And the legendary Fenrisúlfr himself," Halloway says, bowing his head slightly. "Tales of your exploits have reached even our remote corner."
Chapter fourteen
Caine: Banquet (II)
CAINE
Fenris doesn't acknowledge the greeting, instead fixing his gaze on something beyond the Alpha's shoulder. I follow his line of sight to a display of ancient-looking weapons mounted on the wall inside—ceremonial, but deadly nonetheless.
There is blood. Fresh. Not even a day old.
My nostrils flare, but I can't pick up any scent.
Halloway's eyes drift over our party, dismissing Andrew and Thom without hesitation before pausing on Elizabeth with adistinct frown. Then he settles his attention on Jack-Eye, his lips thinning. Not quite hostile, but… something. "I see your beta has dressed for the occasion."
Jack-Eye inclines his head. "I believe in respecting local customs, Alpha Halloway."
"Indeed." The Fiddleback Alpha's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "And the others are...?"
"My warlock," I say, nodding toward Thom, who shrinks further into himself. "And a wolf from Blue Mountain."
"Ah." A flash of recognition crosses Halloway's face as he looks at Andrew. "From the rumors. You have our condolences."
Andrew says nothing, his posture rigid.
The alpha steps aside, allowing us entry into a vast open space with vaulted ceilings and tables draped in white linens. The room buzzes with at least fifty wolves, all in formal attire, watching us. A string quartet plays in the corner, though the music falters as the musicians notice our arrival. They're all human.
"I hope you don't mind," Halloway says, gesturing to the gathering, "but word of your visit spread quickly. Many were eager to pay their respects."
As if he didn't spread the word himself. My lips quirk. I'm sure he's assembled his entire inner circle, possibly his full pack hierarchy. It is interesting he could call in so many on such short notice.
They're either incredibly loyal… or deeply afraid of their alpha.
"My pack takes pride in our efficiency," he adds, as if reading my thoughts.
A server, also human, appears with champagne flutes on a silver tray. I wave them away with a sharp gesture. Halloway takes one, sipping delicately.
"I was hoping for a private discussion," I say.
"Of course, High Alpha. After dinner." His smile tightens. "But surely you understand—it would be an insult to deprive my pack of the chance to honor your presence."
Halloway raises his glass in a grand gesture, eyes searching the crowd in a manner I can only describe as practiced theater. "Tonight, we celebrate an unprecedented honor—the presence of the Lycan King himself."
A chorus of approval ripples through the attendees. I nod once, sharply, refusing to play this game of ceremonial adoration. The music swells slightly as conversation resumes, and Halloway guides us deeper into the gathering.
