Page 51 of Emerald Flame
Warren turned toward the doorway. He was seated with his back to the kitchen, so he could see whoever tried to enter the dining room.
Without thinking, he rose to his feet which caused Fergus to leap to his. A very different thought had him telepathing,You look beautiful.
Her brow puckered slightly.You’ve surprised me, but thank you.
She turned to Fergus. “How’s Mary and your pack? I hope all is well at your compound.”
“Holding steady. I want to personally thank you for what you’ve done for so many wolves and for braving the firefight at Ralph’s club.”
She smiled. “I’d do anything for that wolf. But please, sit down.” She glanced back at the doorway. “Speaking of Ralph, I just had a talk with him and there are a few things he wants to share with you. Is it okay if he comes in? He didn’t want to disturb your conversation.”
Warren nodded. “Of course. But first, how’s Susie doing?”
“She’s good. She’s actually getting her wolves situated. She always served as a counselor to them at the club. The losses they suffered will take some time to process. No question.”
“Sounds like things are progressing well.” He gestured to the door. “Go ahead and bring him in.”
Warren felt her extend her mind toward Ralph. He glanced up at her, wondering again at his connection to the witch. The word ‘profound’ came to mind.
He felt reluctant to sit, though not for reasons of protocol. It occurred to him in another blinding strike of awareness that he was aligned with Kiara in ways that were astounding to him. He drew closer as well.
But she glanced up at him.It might be better if you’re both sitting. Ralph’s in awe.Then she smiled.
For a moment, time drew to a screeching halt. He loved her smile and her surprising presence in his life. Maybe they’d agreed on a stolen season, but for a split-second he wanted to beg her to stay with him forever.
These were hopeless, foolish thoughts, however, and he gave himself a mental shake. He glanced at Fergus then dipped his chin slightly. When he sat down, Fergus joined him. Kiara was right. Two alphas in the same room would be enough to intimidate any lesser-ranking wolf. But Ralph was so low in terms of pack order that both men standing would have caused him distress. The club owner, who had always done right by his wolves, including protecting them, deserved consideration.
Ralph walked in. He’d cleaned up as well, though his sharkskin suit seemed at odds with his new environment. He looked the part of a strip club owner from the black cross earring all the way down to his pointed and very glossy patent leather shoes.
Kiara gestured for him to come forward. Ralph looked uneasy, his gaze darting around. Warren knew instinctively his nerves weren’t due to either his or Fergus’s alpha status. Instead, he’d swear Ralph was feeling guilty as hell about something.
Kiara crossed to the kitchen doorway to let them know she’d arrived.
When she sat down next to Warren, again, without giving it a thought his hand went to her knee. Her fingers quickly glided over his and pressed down in warm response.
Ralph drew his attention away. “I need to come clean and now seems like the right time.”
~ ~ ~
Kiara felt both alphas tense up. She’d worked with Ralph for the past year and then some to move at-risk wolves off the Strip. She knew his good heart despite his chosen profession. No one took better care of his workers than Ralph.
She couldn’t imagine what kind of confession he’d come to make. He’d been through hell over the past couple of hours. He’d almost lost the love of his life, his club had been shot up and a number of people he cared about had been killed. Now, what?
“Spill it.” Warren’s sharp tone had her squeezing his hand in warning.
He shot his gaze to hers, his emerald green eyes flashing fire.
He could glare at her all he wanted, but she knew Ralph and what this was costing him.Don’t jump down his throat or he might piss on my beautiful earthen floor.
Warren’s eyes widened then he laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Fergus asked. He was frowning as he glanced from Warren to her.
Warren shook his head, but didn’t answer. Instead, he returned his attention to Ralph. “Sorry for barking at you. I know you’ve been one of the best club owners in Savage. Whatever you need to tell us, I know it’s in the context of a difficult line of work.”
Kiara resisted the urge to pat his hand in approval. Instead, she worked at staying calm because she had a feeling what Ralph was about to say wasn’t going to be easy for either Warren or Fergus to hear.
Ralph grew paler still, but he drew his shoulders back and started in. “For the past several months, I’ve known Julio was working with a wizard, but I didn’t say anything, not even when Julio took over the packs and killed the alphas.”
