“I gave no insult,” Diesel smoothly cut in. “I only speak truth.” His eyes flicked to mine, mischief lighting them up. “It’s why I’m so popular.” He gestured to my midsection. “I won’t keep it from him for much longer, and he’ll know himself soon.”
“I will tell Wolfe whenIam ready,” I growled at the insolent male in front of me.
“Tell me what?”
All three of us turned and found Wolfe standing behind us, arms folded, and looking pissed off. “What’s going on? And why do I think I just got summoned here by atree?”
Diesel and the druid looked at me with expectation.
Well, this was just fabulous.
Chapter 9
Wolfe
“Rowen?”
I approached my mate, looking over at Diesel, who was suddenly studiously looking elsewhere.
“What’s happened? Is there something wrong?” I came to a stop beside her, but she was glaring at her two companions. “Someone talk.”
“Have you seen the new wards I placed at the eastern ridge?” the druid asked Diesel, almost pleasantly.
If that wasn’t enough to shock me, my beta, the most abrasive male I knew, shook his head and started towards the path. “I have not. Come, you can show me.”
I watched them leave, pretty sure my mouth was open. “Rowen?” I couldn’t take my eyes off them, waiting for one or both to stab each other in the back. “What in the name of the Goddess is happening?”
“I think you’d better sit down,” she said with a sigh.
She sat down on the grass, and I was still half-waiting for the scream for help from one of the two shifters who had just left us very quickly. When I heard nothing, I joined her.
She pointed behind me to the Heartwood. “Diesel found the spot he thinks I was born in. On?” She looked thoughtful. “It’s right over there, under that raised bit of grass.”
I turned and looked at the slightly disrupted earth. “Okay?” I turned back to her. “That’s weird even for him.”
She nodded. “Yes. Heisweird.” She studied me. “Thank you for confirming that.”
“Confirming what?” I asked, feeling more confused than ever. “That my beta is odd?”
“Yes.” She looked…validated.
“Rowen, all my betas are weird. I’m not that normal either,” I said with a laugh. “Haven’t you noticed?”
She gave a little shrug. Her gaze kept going back to the tree.
“What did he say about the tree? Why was he even talking about your birth?” I looked over my shoulder at the tree again. “Why do I sense this isn’t what you want to talk to me about?”
“You sense it?” Her voice was soft. Curious. Maybe a little sad.
“Princess?” I leaned forward, pulling her closer. “The bond feels…different. What is it? Did he upset you? Did the druid? What is it?”
“We’re going to war with the Pack Council.”
I blinked. Not what I was expecting. “I know. I got the summons today. The decree that our pack was to be no more the day before that.” I thought about her hesitation to talk to me. “Are you scared? You don’t need to be. No one will take you from Blueridge Hollow, Rowen. This is your home.” I took a deep breath. “I have two territories, and I will split my time between them, but I don’t expect you to.The druid has a new apprentice. You’ll be busy, and when I’m not here, you will lead the pack?—”
Her kiss silenced me. I kissed her back. When she pulled back, I stared down at her.
“What was that for?”
