Page 31 of Wolf's Reckoning
“Packleaders,” he emphasized. “Not singular. Let’s not watch a good pack get smothered by idiots and theirfriends.”
He wasn’t just charming, he meant it. And that? That was more dangerous than a pretty speech.
I didn’t answer, but I dipped my head, the same way Iwould’ve to a scout bringing a report I didn’t want to hear but needed to understand.
He gave me a slight smile but didn’t linger, didn’t hammer his point home. Just stepped back without posturing and took a stand beside Tyler—who looked like he’d been made to chew glass.
Beside me, the pack elder leaned in, voice low. “That one’s different.”
“Hmm, I noticed.”
Across from me, the druid’s brow was furrowed in thought. Calculating. Moving pieces on a board in a game I had agreed to play.
And then my father, sitting in his seat, with his back straight and proud, gave a faint, rasping chuckle.
“Dad?”
His voice was dry, but he looked amused. “Didn’t think you’d humor any of them.”
“Well…we’ve not said yes either,” I reminded him quickly.
Dad didn’t argue, just reached out and squeezed my hand. The elder got up and moved beside the druid. The two of them began murmuring between themselves in that low, secretive way the druid sometimes had. My dad turned to listen, and I let their voices fade as I glanced toward the open doorway…and froze.
Wolfe was there. Leaning in the shadowed arch, shoulder propped against the stone, watching. Listening. His eyes were locked on me like I was the only thing in the room that mattered.
Not jealous.
Not smug.
Justthere. Unmoving. Unapologetic.
The rest of the room dulled around the edges as our gazes held. He didn’t blink. And Goddess help me, my pulse spiked like prey catching scent of a predator itwantedto run towards.
I stood abruptly. The druid cut off mid-sentence.
“Rowen? Where are you going?”
I didn’t answer. I walked away without ceremony, heading back to my rooms. If Wolfe wanted a front row seat to my humiliation, he could damn wellearnit.
In my rooms, I pulled off my clothes, tied my hair into a messy bun, and then slipped out the window in just my underwear, and dropped into a crouch.
“I see that some things never change.”
Rising cautiously, I watched him. He was propped against the wall, a smirk on his face, eyes roaming over me like he had the right to.
“I don’t want your opinion,” I told him, facing away from him.
Wolfe snorted. “Tough,” he rumbled. “It’s never stopped me before.” He grinned when I turned and glared at him. “You know I get it,” he said, pointing to the high window. “I would need to escape too.”
I gave him my best condescending smile. “Because you’re weak?”
Wolfe didn’t give a shit; he watched me without emotion. “No, because I would also need a moment to drag my fury behind my ribs and cage it where it belonged.”
My mouth was dry as I looked at him. I folded my arms across my chest, my eyes guarded, careful, so careful, of him being so close.
“Would you?” I taunted him. “Then tell me how, tell me how you would handle having your worth discussed like an animal at a livestock auction.”
Wolfe stepped closer. “I’d rip someone’s throat out.”
