He humphs, making a left and heading towards Jess’s home. “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it, sweetheart. Your mother was worried it would be too much, on top of the Trials starting.”
My breathing threatens to come a little faster. “She worries too much.”
“Mother’s prerogative, I’m afraid.”
He pulls up to a set of familiar gates, and Jess slides a look at me as she unbuckles her belt. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
Tomorrow. My last day of prep before the Trials begin on Monday. I have a full day of people poking and prodding at me, making sure I look my absolute best to be presented to my alphas in front of most of Navarre. I can barely force out my nod.
But Jax will be there. A hint of excitement unfurls as I bite my lip.
Soul Bonded.
At this stage, the Trials are really just a formality.
After all, nobody is going to reject their Soul Bonded.
9
TRISTAN
My fingers drum on the edge of my desk as I try to focus on the reports in front of me. But the latest economic report on agricultural expenditure isn’t keeping my attention this evening.
My mind keeps spinning and turning. The start of the Bonding Trials is just two days away, and we’re ready. Our suits are arranged, the house has been scoured to within an inch of its life, our mate’s room for the duration of the trials prepared along with her nesting space.
Our pack is completely prepared to welcome our very own omega.
So why do I feel so on edge?
Rocking to my feet, I walk over to the tiny window that lets a little light into my office. Tucked away in the corner of the Council Building, I’m normally in and out too much to pay attention to the view. But tonight, I take a moment to look out at the glittering lights that cover our city. An expanse of wealth, of privilege, a view marred only by the ramshackle sight of the dilapidated buildings that make up the beta area of Navarre.
I wonder where she is. Is she down there, in one of those windows? Is she wondering about us as much as we are about her? Is she scared?
There’s a clenching in my chest, a warm surge of protectiveness.
I won’t let anything happen to you.
We’ve waited far too long for our mate to let her slip through our fingers now.
There’s arat-tat-tatsound at the door, and my eyes flick to the brass clock overlooking my desk, highlighting the lateness of the hour. I should have left earlier, but Jax is playing in the city tonight and Logan and Gray are wrapped up in their own projects, so I figured my restlessness could be put to work at the office instead. But it’s late for anyone else to be hanging around.
When I call out, the door slides open, and I bite back a groan at the oily face that appears.
“Councilor Erikkson.” I force a smile. “I’m surprised to see you here this late.”
“The Council’s work is never done, Tristan. Something you’ll learn in time, I’m sure.”
I wave him to a seat, trying not to grind my teeth at his condescending tone. The Councilor stares down his nose as he looks around my poky office, settling into a chair with a file propped on his lap.
“It’s fortuitous you were here this evening, Tristan. I have something to discuss with you, and I felt it would be best done in private.” The Councilor’s voice is low, but his tone sends the hairs at the back of my neck prickling.
“Oh? I’m curious as to what would warrant a chat at this hour.”
I watch him carefully, noting the way his gaze shifts to the door.
“How are you feeling about your Bonding ceremony?” he asks abruptly. “I cannot imagine that such an archaic practice sits well with your… modern approach.”
My brows draw down. “I’m very pleased to be taking part in the Trials, Councilor. Whilst I would agree that the overall methods of matching alphas and omegas are in need of review, I do appreciate the important work of the Omega Hub in finding appropriate matches. I’m looking forward to meeting Sienna formally at the ceremony.”
