“Someone could’ve followed you.”
“Possibly. I was angry and wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings.”
Their gazes locked, and Dylan leaned in, his hand resting on her thigh. “You know, Allegra, I’m here for whatever you need.”
“Are you trying to make a move on me?” A happy shiver tiptoed down her spine.
He smiled. “Maybe, but I truly want to help.”
“I know.” She changed the direction of the conversation. “The hardest thing is that I don’t know what I’m doing. I’ve had to learn on the job and go with my gut because tradition means only the heir receives training.” And that was one thing she intended to change. The fate of the country shouldn’t rest on one person’s shoulders. Yes, the council had power, but if her husband or consort stood at her side, they could share the burden.
Until now, there had been an imbalance between the council and Allegra, as they stood on opposite sides of a line. She believed that power needed to be more equitable.
“Perhaps I should stand down and allow the council to rule,” she said.
“But if they’re up to mischief, that wouldn’t change. Your people would still end up royally screwed.”
“What alternatives do I have?” She was feeling sorry for herself. This so-called plan of hers was a myth. So far, at least.
“Do you have notes or minutes from the council meetings to help you understand what has happened in the past? Maybe your country’s history would provide insight?”
“I’ve considered that, but the council has the minutes. When I asked to see them, they told me not to bother my pretty little head. They enjoyed putting me in my place.”
Tomasine arrived with their breakfasts, and the conversation turned to more general things while they ate. Dylan glanced over his shoulder and studied the table of two human women and their young children. He turned back to her.
“The shifters in Middlemarch are organizing a run tonight. Want to come with Esther and me? It could be good for you, and I can introduce you to Saber Mitchell.”
“That sounds like fun,” Allegra said, and it didn’t hurt that she’d manage a few quick peeks at Dylan before he shifted.
4
Allegra pulsed with excitement as she approached the clusters of shifters waiting for the start of the evening run. She walked beside Esther and sensed Dylan following closely behind them while she marveled that leopards, tigers, lions, and wolves lived in harmony in the same community.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale glow on the rugged terrain and the makeshift car park at the rear of an old hay shed. It wasn’t quite full yet, but the sight tugged at her and increased her awareness. Luckily, her people shifted at will, and moonlust never affected them, but the full moon always brought a sense of wonder, and she wanted to howl in celebration.
Allegra held back her urge to vocalize, not wanting to attract attention. This gathering was inspiring with the sense of normalcy she craved for her people. The ability to work together for a better life, improved health, and prosperity. Community was what was missing in Val-des-Loups, and she knew it.
Her parents had ruled well, but the council held too much power. They required fresh blood and new ideas instead of automatically keeping council positions to the same families. Change would be difficult but not impossible. Somehow she needed to confront the enormous challenge ahead.
Dylan nudged her shoulder, his eyes glinting with anticipation. “Ready for this?”
“I’ll admit I’m excited. We have nothing like this at home.” Allegra grinned at him. She’d stow her epiphany but would drag it out for reexamination later.
“Our lives have become more social here, although felines outnumber the wolves. Mainly black leopards,” Esther said and offered a wave and a cheerful greeting to someone in the distance.
A signal sounded, and everyone stopped chatting and turned toward a makeshift platform. A tall man with black hair jumped up and faced the crowd.
“Everyone knows the rules. We leave in smaller groups and monitor your surroundings. It’s private land, but unexpected things can happen.”
“Let’s shift,” Esther said, disrobing. Allegra hesitated, aware of Dylan’s presence. But that was silly. She had shifted in front of other wolves in the past. Shrugging aside her awareness, she followed Esther’s example, rapidly shucking her clothes and setting them aside. She snuck a glance in Dylan’s direction. He wasn’t staring at her, but wow! She was undoubtedly staring at him. The man had muscles beneath his T-shirt, and she had the crazy urge to close the distance between them and caress every dip and curve.
A muffled snort and a sharp jab in her ribs startled her from her gaping.
“You like my brother,” Esther sing-songed.
“Shush.” Allegra hurriedly shifted so she didn’t have to talk. Her friend would tease her mercilessly now, and it was her fault. She sidled away from Esther as the other wolf nudged her nose, making a sound that communicated a lot. At least this had taken her mind off her problems.
A large black wolf appeared on Allegra’s other side and rubbed against her. Dylan. He was even more gorgeous in his wolf form, and she loved his rich amber scent.
